If you’ve ever noticed that your tap water has a yellow tinge to it, you may be wondering what the cause could be. While yellow water is generally harmless and safe to drink, it can sometimes cause staining if it’s allowed to sit in a sink or bathtub for too long.

There are a few possible causes of yellow water, ranging from natural mineral deposits and rust in old pipes to an excess of iron or manganese in your supply. Certain medications or cleaning products can also cause discoloration if they are not removed properly during the filtration process.

Let’s explore each of these causes in more detail to help you better understand why your tap water might be yellow, and how you can take steps to fix the problem.

The most common causes of yellow water are:

  1. Sediment in the water lines
  2. Rust from old pipes
  3. Algae growth
  4. Iron in the Water
  5. Faults with your Local Water Treatment Facility

Let’s take a closer look at each one of these causes and explore the best ways to treat them.

Sediment in the Water Lines

Over time, sediment can build up in your water lines causing your water to appear yellow when first turned on in the morning or after extended periods of non-use such as overnight or during work hours.

This is the most common cause of yellow water and is not harmful. Simply let your faucet run for a minute or two until the water runs clear again.

Rust from Old Pipes

If your home or building is older, there is a chance that it may have old pipes made of iron, steel, or galvanized metal. Over time, these pipes can start to rust and flake off into the water supply. While this is not harmful if consumed in small amounts, it can cause staining if left untreated.

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To remove rust from your water, you can invest in a water treatment system to filter out these contaminants and improve the overall quality of your water supply.

You may also want to consider having your pipes replaced or sealed if they are quite old or damaged, as this can help prevent further build-up and discoloration.

Algae Growth

Algae can also cause yellow water if it builds up inside your water lines or containers, either naturally over time or as a result of poor filtration or treatment processes.

While algae itself is not harmful, it can discolor your water causing it to appear yellow, greenish, or even rusty brown in color.

Algae blooms are usually caused by an imbalance in nutrients in surface water which can promote excessive algae growth. These blooms are more common in stagnant ponds and lakes but if you get your water from a surface water source, it’s possible for algae blooms to affect the quality of your tap water.

If you suspect an algae bloom is affecting your tap water, try contacting your local water treatment facility for further assistance.

Iron in Water

Another possible cause of yellow water is excess iron or manganese in the water supply. Iron and manganese both occur naturally in groundwater supplies, but can build up to high levels over time, causing discoloration or staining.

While iron is an essential nutrient for our bodies, too much of it can cause discoloration in both our skin and our hair. If you have yellow water, it’s likely due to high levels of iron in your municipality’s water supply.

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If you’re not sure whether this is the case, you can contact your local water authority and ask. They should be able to tell you whether iron levels are high in your area.

Faults from Your Local Water Treatment Facility

In some cases, the yellow water may actually be coming from your local water treatment facility. If there’s been a change in the way that the water is being treated or there’s been an incident at the plant, it’s possible for trace amounts of contaminants to end up in your drinking water.

These contaminants can sometimes give the water a yellow appearance. While this type of yellow water is generally safe to drink, you may want to contact your local water treatment facility to find out more information about what’s going on.

Final Thoughts

In general, to prevent yellow tap water and improve the overall quality of your water supply, it’s important to ensure that you are using proper filtration or treatment methods for any contaminants in your water.

This may include installing a water softener or investing in a high-quality water filter to remove any unwanted impurities and keep your water clean, clear, and free from discoloration.

You may also want to consider getting your plumbing or water-supply system checked by a professional for any damage that could be causing the yellow coloration in your water. With proper care and maintenance of your water supply, you can help prevent yellow tap water and ensure that you are always getting clean water for cooking, drinking, and other household uses.

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About the author

I started working as a quality control manager with the Water Authority of Nassau County in 2005. After a few years, I moved into Water Waste Prevention, where I currently work as the production supervisor. I love my job and the people I work with, but most of all I love spending time with my family.