Discoloured/Black Water From Treated Water Pipes due to Sediments
Discoloured or Black water is caused by tiny iron and manganese sediments and other minerals on treated water pipes. The sediment settles inside the water mains over time and normally doesn’t affect anyone, in most cases they are harmless when consumed. However, a burst water mains, sudden change in water pressure, for example, can stir up the sediment, causing the water to become discoloured.
These sediment present in the treated water supply, usually comes comes from the natural water source or some from water treatment chemicals or other additives, though water treatment plant and water treatment processes have removed most of the contaminants from natural water source, the contaminants were not completely removed, but, reduced to allowable or acceptable concentration as recommended by regulatory authorities, and the type of water treatment plant or the type of treated water needed is another major factor. These particles settle inside water pipes andlike iron can sometimes be disturbedmaking the water look black. Neither ironnor manganese are harmful at the levels which can be found in tap water or in treated water pipes in a water treatment plant system.Treated Water discoloured by sedimentsDiscoloured treated WaterCommon Causes of Discoloured/Black Treated Water and How to Solve ItWhile discoloured/Black water from water treatment plant isn’t always harmful, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes. When you know what’s going on in your water supply pipes, you can take appropriate actions to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences.In this article, we’ll explore why tap water or treated water in a factory can become discoloured and look into its common causes. You’ll learn what different colours indicate and how to fix your water supply pipes and infrastructure to make your water clear and safe. This article focused solely discolouration after water treatment caused by sediments inside treated water supply pipes, after water treatment and distribution pipes and not discolouration before or during water treatment which result due to treatment failure.Why Is Your Tap/Treated Water Discoloured?Discoloured tap/treated water occurs for many reasons. It may be due to the plumbing system inside your home or factory, or it can be the effect of municipal supply water infrastructure. While treated water suppliers are obliged to treat water and meet regulatory standards, distribution problems can lead to changes in the appearance, taste, or odour of treated water. Understanding these causes is the first step to addressing the problem and ensuring safe drinking water.Common Causes of Discoloured Treated/Tap Water1. Sediment Buildup in PipesSediments such as sand, silt, and organic materials can accumulate in water pipes. Changes in water pressure often stir up these deposits, which can cause murkiness and discolouration over time.Sediments build up in a water pipe2. Rusty or Corroded PipesOlder pipes made of iron or steel are prone to rust and corrosion. When rust particles from a rusted plumbing pipe are dislodged, they can give your water a brown, yellow, or orange colour. Some water treatment plant pipes installations are in use for more than 20 years or more.Treated Water pipe corroded by Manganese3. Water Pipes Breaks/BurstWhen water mains are broken and require fixing, it can disrupt water flow. Damaged infrastructure releases sediments and contaminants into the supply, which is a common temporary cause of water discolouration.Burst Water mains4. Changes in Water FlowFluctuations in water pressure can disturb sediment and cause cloudy or coloured water. This often occurs in high-demand periods or when supply and plumbing systems require maintenance. Cloudy water can also be caused by harmless air bubbles that dissipate over time.5. Mineral Deposits and ContaminantsNaturally occurring minerals like iron and manganese can build up in pipes and enter the water supply. This phenomenon is also commonly known as hard water build up. When this process is repeated, it often leads to yellow, brown, or black water. Copper pipes can also contribute to water discolouration due to copper leaching into the water supply.Mineral depositsThe Types of Discoloured Treated Water and What They IndicateThe colour of your water is a primary indicator of the underlying cause. The following water colours indicate particular problems:A Brown WaterBrown treated water from taps often indicates the presence of rust or iron particles. This is typically due to aging pipes or recent pipe maintenance. While tap water running brown is not always harmful, it can stain laundry and affect the taste of water.B. Yellow or Orange WaterA yellow or orange colour is often caused by iron or manganese in the water. These minerals are naturally present in the environment, but they can also come from corroded pipes.C. Cloudy or Milky WaterCloudy or milky water is usually the result of harmless air bubbles trapped in the water supply. This is generally harmless and clears up when left to stand. However, persistent cloudiness can indicate high sediment levels or dissolved gases.D. Black or Grey WaterBlack or grey water can indicate the presence of manganese, decayed organic matter, or deteriorated rubber components from plumbing fixtures like mechanical seals or O ring. It’s essential to address this type of discolouration promptly.Solution to Problem of Discoloured/Black Treated WaterDepending on the frequency and intensity of the discolouration, there are a few ways you can fix the issue.1. Flush Your SystemRun cold water taps for several minutes to flush out disturbed sediment or trapped air bubbles. This process can be sufficient for resolving minor issues..2. Inspect and Replace Old PipesIf discolouration persists, check for rusty or corroded pipes. Replacing old plumbing with modern materials like PVC or copper or pre stainless steel can improve water quality.3. Consult Your Water SupplierContact your local water provider to report the issue. They can provide information on system-wide problems or conduct detailed tests to determine the cause of discolouration.4. If the corrosion is severe, replace the entire system. So it’s important that you can continue to carry these maintenance services out, even if your system appears to be working fine.5. Use Water Filtration SystemsInstalling water filters or domestic water filtration system can remove sediments, minerals, and contaminants. This helps to ensure cleaner municipal treated water supply to your homeHow to Prevent Water DiscolourationPrevention is always better and cheaper. The following measures could help act as a long-term prevention measure against treated water discolourationA. Regular Pipe MaintenanceSchedule routine inspections and maintenance on your plumbing system. Some water treatment plant pipes installations and treated water distribution pipes are more 30 years old, without any cleaning in place system for removing sediments. To avoid after treatment discolouration of treated water, a cleaning in place system must be provided for regular CIP of treated water pipes for factories.B. Install Water FiltersConsider installing water filters at taps and key points in your plumbing system for municipal treated water supplies. This helps to capture sediment and mineralsC. Monitor and Report Water Issues EarlyInspect your treated water regularly to identify changes in water quality, this will help to take proactive action before severe discolouration happens. Report any issues to your municipal water supplier immediately to make sure they’re addressed fast. Early detection can help prevent more significant problems down the lineMycleanwater Nigeria is a registered business name in Nigeria, we are into water treatment and domestic water treatment plant installation and services
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