Water Quality FAQs

Ensuring your water is safe, clean and pleasant to use is essential for your health and comfort. This page answers common questions about water quality, including cloudy or discoloured water, unusual tastes or odours, concerns about lead and the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. We also cover practical advice on preventing problems and keeping your water supply safe.

Appearance

White, cloudy or discoloured water from your tap is often caused by excess air in the water supply to your home, and is common after an interruption to your water supply, such as a burst water pipe.

Brown water can be caused by naturally-occurring deposits of iron and manganese found in cast iron water pipes.

In both cases, the water usually returns to being clear after slowly running your cold kitchen tap but, if you have any concerns, contact your local water company.

Taste and Odour

Lead in Water

Lead water pipes may be found in properties built before the 1970s when the practice was banned. It can be harmful to health.

Legionnaires’ Disease

A Watersafe Scheme Operator, CIPHE, has a wealth of advice on preventing the growth of legionella bacteria and potentially contracting Legionnaires’ Disease.

Hosepipe Safety