Water Quality & Appearance
From time to time, you may notice changes in how your water looks, tastes, or smells. These changes are usually temporary and not a safety concern. This page helps explain what you may be noticing and what you can do at home.
Discoloured or Cloudy Water
Discoloured water is one of the most common water quality concerns and is usually temporary.
Why does my water look brown, rusty, or yellow?
Discoloured water is typically caused by naturally occurring minerals — primarily iron and manganese — in the water. These heavier minerals can settle in water mains under normal conditions.
When water flow increases due to events such as watermain breaks, firefighting, high seasonal demand, or watermain flushing, these minerals can loosen and move through the system, causing temporary discolouration.
Although discoloured water may look unpleasant, it does not pose a water quality or health concern and usually clears on its own.
Why does my water look cloudy or milky?
Cloudy or milky water is often caused by air bubbles in the water. This can occur after repairs or changes in pressure. The cloudiness should clear from the bottom of the glass upward within a few minutes.
What You Should Do
- Run a cold water tap closest to where the water enters your home
- Let the water run for several minutes until it clears
- Avoid using hot water until the cold water is clear
If discolouration continues after flushing, contact InnServices.
Unusual Taste
A change in water taste can occur for several reasons.
Chlorine taste
Chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water and keep it safe. At times, the taste may be more noticeable, especially after maintenance or during warmer months.
What you can do
- Let cold water sit in the refrigerator before drinking
- Use a certified household filter if preferred
Metallic Taste
A metallic taste can come from naturally occurring minerals or from household plumbing, especially in older homes.
Unusual Smell
Odours can sometimes be mistaken as coming from the water when they are actually from household drains.
Chlorine smell
A mild chlorine smell is normal and indicates the water is being properly disinfected.
Musty or earthy smell
This can occur naturally and is usually harmless.
Rotten egg or sulphur smell
This smell is often caused by bacteria in household plumbing or drains, not the municipal water supply.
Tip: If the smell is strongest near sinks or drains and disappears when drains are flushed, it is likely a plumbing issue within the home.
When the issue may be inside your home
The cause is often within household plumbing if:
- Only one faucet is affected
- The issue occurs after installing new appliances or filters
- The smell comes from drains rather than the tap itself