Brown, orange or black tap water: what to do
If your water suddenly changes colour, contact your water supplier for advice before assuming it is safe to drink.
Check current supplier advice
Report the colour, when it started and whether it affects more than one tap. Follow any incident notice for your address. DWI advises seeking supplier advice about sudden discolouration; an old water-quality report is not reassurance about a current incident.
What can cause discolouration?
Disturbed deposits in older mains can cause brown, orange or black water after changes in flow or repair work. A property’s service pipe, internal plumbing or tank can also be involved. Colour alone does not establish the cause.
If the problem continues
DWI advises contacting the supplier if discolouration is not clearing after 24 hours or there is also an unusual taste or smell. Ask the supplier how to clear the water and whether any restrictions apply; do not rely on hardness as a safety test.
Check your published area information
Sources and review
Sources checked 6 September 2026. Prepared by WaterGrade.
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