Turning on the tap and seeing brown water is never a pleasant surprise. For many Australians, this can be an unsettling experience, raising questions about safety, causes, and what steps to take next. Whether it’s a one-off event or a recurring issue, understanding why your tap water is brown can help you decide what to do and when to call in the experts.
Introduction: Understanding Discoloured Water
Discoloured water is a common concern for many Australian homeowners, but understanding the reasons behind it can help you address the issue quickly and effectively. While Australia is known for its high standards of drinking water, occasional water discolouration can still occur—most often as an isolated problem within a single property rather than a widespread issue with the local water supply.
The most frequent causes of discoloured water include issues with internal pipes, sediment build-up in water pipes, or rusted sections of your property’s plumbing. Over time, sediment can accumulate in pipes, and if disturbed, it may cause your tap water to appear brown or cloudy. Internal plumbing problems, such as corroded pipes or old fittings, can also lead to water discolouration. Identifying whether the problem stems from your internal pipes or the broader water supply is crucial for finding the best solution and ensuring your drinking water remains safe. Regular maintenance of your property’s pipes and plumbing system is one of the most effective ways to prevent discoloured water and protect your water quality.
Types of Discoloured Water
Discoloured tap water can show up in several different ways, each with its own likely cause. Brown tap water is one of the most common types and is usually the result of rust or iron particles entering the water supply, often from older pipes or after maintenance work. Yellow or orange water can also be caused by iron or manganese, which may be present in the water supply or released from pipes as they age.
Cloudy or milky water, on the other hand, is typically due to harmless air bubbles trapped in the water. This can happen after maintenance work on the water network, such as pipe repairs or fire hydrant testing, which introduces air into the pipes. When you fill a clear glass with this water, you’ll often see the cloudiness clear from the bottom up as the air bubbles rise and escape. While this type of discolouration is usually not a health concern, it can be unsettling to see.
In some cases, cloudy water may be linked to corroding copper pipes, which can be a more complex issue requiring the expertise of a licensed plumber. If you notice persistent cloudy water, especially if it’s accompanied by a blue or green tint, it’s important to seek professional advice to improve your water quality and prevent further damage to your pipes.
By recognising the different types of discoloured water—whether it’s brown, yellow, orange, cloudy, or milky—you can better identify the underlying cause and take the right steps to resolve the issue, ensuring your tap water remains safe and clear.
Is Brown Tap Water Dangerous?
Brown water usually looks alarming, but it’s not always a health risk. In Australia, water safety is regulated by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, which set the standards for safe and clean drinking water. The most common cause is rust or sediment stirred up in the pipes, which can make the water look dirty but isn’t necessarily harmful. Still, drinking or cooking with discoloured water is not recommended until you know the cause. Many homeowners have concerns about the safety and quality of their tap water, but following the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines helps ensure that any risks are minimized. According to the Water Corporation, brown water is generally safe for bathing and cleaning, but it’s best to avoid using it for drinking or food preparation until it runs clear.
Common Causes of Brown Water in Australia
If you notice brown water coming from your taps, it can be alarming and may indicate several underlying issues. Water may turn brown for a variety of reasons, often related to your home’s plumbing or the local water supply. Here are the most frequent culprits in Australian homes:
Rust and Corrosion in Pipes
Older properties often have galvanised iron or steel pipes, which can rust over time. When water sits in these pipes or flows at high speed, rust particles can break free and mix with your tap water, giving it a brown or reddish tint.
Replacing rusted pipes with modern materials can help improve water quality.
Water Mains Disturbances
Work on water mains—like repairs, upgrades, or even a burst main—can disturb sediment that’s settled in the pipes. This sediment, often made up of harmless minerals and iron, can flow into your home, especially after the water has been turned off and back on. Disturbed sediment may be flushed out through your taps, sometimes causing temporary discoloration of the water.
Plumbing Works or Repairs
Recent plumbing work in your house or street can disturb pipes and loosen rust or sediment, leading to temporary brown water.
If brown water continues after plumbing work, a licensed plumber can provide advice on whether further action is needed.
Sediment Build-up
Sediment naturally builds up in water pipes over time. If water flow increases suddenly (for example, after a fire hydrant is used), this sediment can be pushed through to your taps.
Local Water Supply Issues
Heavy rain, drought, or changes at the water treatment plant can all affect water quality. Sometimes, these changes can lead to temporary discolouration. After heavy rain, organic matter such as decayed leaves or other biological material can enter the water supply and cause discoloration.
What to Do if You Notice Brown Water
Spotting brown water can be stressful, but there are some simple steps to follow:
- Run the cold taps and cold water for a few minutes. Use the tap closest to where the water enters your home (usually the front garden tap). This can help flush out any sediment or air bubbles.
- Check if it’s just one tap or the whole house. Test both the hot tap and hot water taps as well as the cold taps. If only one tap is affected, the issue is likely with your internal plumbing. If all taps have brown water, it’s probably a mains or supply issue.
- Avoid using hot water. Don’t run hot taps or use appliances like dishwashers or washing machines with brown water, as this can draw sediment into your hot water service and may require servicing.
- Fill an open container with water and let it stand for a few minutes. Observe if the water clears or if bubbles clear at the bottom. If the water becomes clear, it may just be aerated water, which is harmless. If sediment settles or the water remains discoloured, further action may be needed.
- Don’t drink or cook with the water. Wait until it runs clear.
- Observe the water coming from the tap. If the water coming out remains discoloured after these steps, seek help.
- Contact your local water provider if the problem doesn’t clear after a few minutes or if you notice a sudden, severe change in water colour.
If you’re in a rental property, let your landlord or property manager know straight away.
If you are concerned about your water quality or need further advice, contact a professional.
When to Call a Plumber
Some brown water problems can be traced to your home’s plumbing. Call a licensed plumber if:
- Only one or a few taps are affected
- The water is brown every morning or after long periods of not using the tap
- There’s a sudden drop in water pressure along with discolouration
- You see leaks or damp patches near pipes
A plumber can inspect your pipes for corrosion, leaks, or build-up and recommend repairs or replacements as needed.
When to Contact Your Water Provider
If all taps in your house show brown water, or if your neighbours have the same issue, the problem is likely with the water supply. Your water provider can give updates on any known issues or maintenance in your area. Most providers have a 24/7 faults line and online updates for water quality incidents.
Common Causes and What to Do
| Cause | Signs | What to Do |
| Rusty house pipes | Only some taps affected, older home | Call a plumber for inspection |
| Water mains disturbance | All taps affected, neighbours have same issue | Contact water provider, run tap |
| Recent plumbing work | Issue started after repairs | Flush taps, call plumber if ongoing |
| Sediment build-up | Brown water after high water use nearby | Run tap for several minutes |
| Local water supply changes | After storms or drought, all taps affected | Contact water provider |
How to Prevent Brown Water
Preventing brown water starts with regular maintenance and keeping an eye on your plumbing:
- Replace old galvanised or steel pipes with copper or plastic alternatives, which are less prone to rust.
- Book regular plumbing inspections to catch corrosion or leaks early.
- Install a whole-house water filter to catch sediment before it reaches your taps.
- Flush your taps regularly if you live in an area with older infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brown tap water safe to drink?
Usually, brown water is caused by iron or sediment and isn’t harmful, but it’s best to avoid drinking it until the water runs clear.
How long should I run the tap to clear brown water?
A few minutes is usually enough. If the water doesn’t clear after 10 minutes, contact your water provider.
Can brown water stain clothes or appliances?
Yes, iron and sediment can stain laundry and build up in appliances. Wait until the water is clear before using washing machines or dishwashers.
How common is brown water in Australia?
Incidents are relatively rare, but they do occur, especially after water mains work or in areas with older pipes. According to Sydney Water, less than 1% of customers report discoloured water each year.
Key Takeaways
- Brown tap water is usually caused by rust, sediment or disturbances in the water supply.
- It’s best to avoid drinking or cooking with brown water until it runs clear.
- Run your cold tap for a few minutes to flush out sediment.
- If only one tap is affected, call a plumber; if all taps are affected, contact your water provider.
- Regular maintenance and replacing old pipes can help prevent brown water.
- Brown water is rarely dangerous but can stain laundry and appliances.
If you’re unsure or the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team or your local water provider for peace of mind. For more information on water quality and safety, visit the Australian Government’s Health Direct or your local water authority’s website.
