Taste, Odor or Discolored Water Concerns

Yellow Water

Tests show increased levels of manganese and iron at certain times in the Green River water supply. Treating these contaminants with chemicals like chlorine and ozone causes these minerals to become visible by giving them a yellow tint. Drinking water rules list these minerals as “secondary” or aesthetic contaminants that can cause unpleasant appearance or taste. However, there are no known health effects at these levels, and it is safe to drink.

Learn more by reading our Water Quality FAQ.

Brown Water

Brown water is often caused by disturbances in a water main. For example, if a water main breaks or a fire hydrant is used in your area, it can stir up sediment that has settled at the bottom of the main. While it may look unsafe, the sediment contains river silt particles, which are harmless. If you experience this problem, avoid using any water for one or two hours. If the water is still unclear after that, please call us at (253) 502-8207.

White or Cloudy Water

White or cloudy water is typically caused by tiny air bubbles trapped in the water. The bubbles can also cause a slightly metallic taste or odor. This is harmless and usually temporary. The taste and odor of water can vary throughout the year because of changing water sources (such as whether it came from a river or a well), seasonal algae in the Green River or fluctuating chlorine concentrations. Those slight variations are normal and harmless and not signs of unhealthy water.

Rust-colored Water

Rust particles in your water may appear when we shut down water mains or when your property side water is turned off to make repairs. This may also occur when water in a home or business has not been used for extended periods, such as when you are away on vacation. With older water mains or galvanized property side plumbing systems, typically found in older homes, small or even large amounts of rust can break loose from the plumbing system upon restoring water flow, causing orange-brown water to appear when you turn on the tap.

Running the cold water for three minutes should solve the issue and provide clear water. Sometimes this problem goes on for several days before it clears up. We suggest periodically cleaning the aerators on your spigots to remove accumulated rust particles. As a regular precaution, use only clear water from the cold water tap for drinking and cooking.

Sand and Grit

If you have sand-like particles or grit in your home plumbing, it is likely the result of rust particles and minerals dislodging from within galvanized or copper pipe. While the appearance of these deposits can be expected from time to time they can prematurely wear out your faucets. They will also accumulate in faucet aerators, so it is best to clean them periodically. If your washing machine is filling too slowly, you may have an accumulation of particles. To fix this, clean or replace the screen filters where the hot and cold water hoses enter the back of the machine.

Hard Water

Hardness refers to amount of dissolved minerals in the water, which interferes with the sudsing or foaming agents in your soap. The harder the water, the less sudsing that occurs. The water we provide is considered soft, 1-2 grains per gallon, which means that washing your clothes requires less soap than areas that have hard water.

Blue Stains

Blue stains on fixtures can occur when water interacts with copper pipes, which are commonly used in newer plumbing systems. Copper dissolves into the water when water sits in the pipes overnight or is unused during the day.

To solve this, if the water has been sitting unused in the pipes for more than 6 hours run the water for about 30 seconds, or until there is a change in the water temperature or you smell chlorine. Keeping the fixtures dry and drip-free also helps prevent the problem.

Pink Stains

Pink stains on fixtures, shower/sink drains, toilet bowls and pet dishes are usually caused by an airborne bacteria not associated with the drinking water. This bacteria thrives in damp areas so keeping the surfaces dry will help prevent this problem.  Bleach solutions have also been effective in removing the stains.

Metallic Taste

Metallic-tasting water is usually associated with either yellow water or air bubbles in the water. Learn more in our Water Quality FAQ.

Chlorine Taste and Odor

We add chlorine to our water supply to kill bacteria and other potentially harmful microbes. Normally, you will not even notice it. However, the taste and odor of chlorine may appear higher during the late spring and summer. This is due to the combination of chlorine and naturally occurring plant materials in the Green River. After September, those levels generally decrease, and the chlorine odor and taste lessen accordingly.

To help minimize taste and odors, try filling a pitcher of water and letting it stand in the refrigerator overnight.

Earthy Taste and Odor

You may occasionally notice an earthy taste or odor in our water, most often in July, August and September. The odor is produced by an increase in algae growth due to warmer weather and more sunlight.

If your cold water has an earthy odor after letting it run for three to five minutes, it is most likely from the water main.

If you experience water quality problems and would like to speak with a water quality specialist, please call (253) 502-8207.