Water colouring

Sometimes when you turn on the tap the water that runs out of it will not be crystal clear - but rather whitish or reddish brown. Neither of these phenomena are bad for your health. What is behind them and how can you eliminate them?

Why is water whitish in hue?

White colouration of water is caused by air that is dissolved in the water. When the cold water from the distribution mains contacts warmer interior water-supply pipes in your house or as it runs through the aerator fitted to your tap, this air is released from the water and a great quantity of small bubbles will make the water look "milky". You can also encounter this colouration after the water mains have been repaired and air has been sucked in from outside. In addition to colouring the water white, such air causes irregular flow of water from the tap accompanied with hissing and "shooting out".

Is this a reason for concern?

White colouration of water caused by released air has no impact whatsoever on the quality of the water or on your health. If you still find this phenomenon too disturbing or if the air sucked into the tap keeps "shooting out" for too long, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How to eliminate the water's white hue:

The air will gradually escape the water so all you have to do is let the water stand for a few minutes. Then the water should be totally clear again.

One final recommendation:

If your tap is fitted with an aerator, clean it regularly. A clogged aerator streamer can make the white colour of the water more intense. If you keep your aerator clean, the streamer will be free of sediments that could adversely impact the quality of your drinking water.

Why is water reddish-brown in hue?

The reddish-brown hues are caused by ferrous oxide particles that are the product of oxidation of the interior walls of steel or cast iron pipes. Normally the particles settle on the pipe walls.
But when the water flow increases, the valves are handled, or during repairs and maintenance to the network, the particles of ferrous oxide can be released into the distributed water and cause its colouration.

Is this a reason for concern?

Ferrous oxides are not detrimental to your health, but when a great quantity of these particles is released into the water, it can adversely affect the appearance and flavour of drinking water.

How to eliminate the reddish-brown colour of water:

To have clear water running from your tap again, just let it flow for a while. If, however, you find the "rusty" water to be running for too long or to be appearing too often, please contact our company.

One final recommendation:

When you find "rusty" water running from your taps, only use your household appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, boiling kettles, showers, whirlpool baths etc.) when necessary. The ferrous oxide particles could clog the nozzles or valves of the equipment. Do not use the coloured water for washing your clothes - they could be "dyed" undesirably.

If colourless water runs in the distribution network while "rusty" water still flows from your tap, the cause of the colouring may be in the interior water-supply pipes, which are the responsibility of the house owner.