(A big “thank you” to Clean and Clear Water for sponsoring this post!)

Take a look at your glass before you drink the water you’ve just got from your tap. Does it look clean? It should be safe to drink, but sometimes a failure in the system will leave you holding a questionable glass of water.

An even bigger concern is when your water appears to be clean, but contains contaminants that can only be detected by testing. It’s probably always good to check with pros like those at Clean and Clear water for a filter recommendation. After all, there are several ways your water supply may be compromised.

System Maintenance Work

Perhaps the most common cause of dirty water is when the water board is completing work in your vicinity and accidentally leaves the main supply exposed. This can allow all sorts of dirt and debris into the pipes which comes out at your home.

This should be obvious if the color starts to fade after you’ve run the tap for five minutes.

Sediment

Another common problem is sediment present in water lines. This is often flakes of plastic and metal which tend to settle at the bottom of your water heater tank. Unfortunately, they can end up getting sucked into the pipes. This can cause your water to appear cloudy. It is extremely unlikely that you’ll be able to see the pieces of debris, but you will need a filter to remove them from your water.

The debris is created by the natural corrosion of the inside of your pipes and water heater. Flushing the system regularly can help to reduce corrosion buildup and extend the life of your appliances.

Change Of Water Supply

If the source of your water supply has changed then it is possible that the water will appear cloudier or dirtier than before. This should quickly pass although you may notice a taste difference in your water. (This is just one reason why it’s a good idea to have an emergency supply of clean water stored in your home.)

Chemicals

Rainwater flushes the ground, forcing any land based chemicals into the ground and then the water supply. These will include pesticides, oil from roads, and even fracking debris.

All of these elements can be washed into the water supply where they may make your water appear dirty and might just make you ill.

Dealing With Discoloration

If you find that your water has got darker it’s probably time to get your water tested. You can get a sterile cup to take a sample to a local lab or even try a home testing kit. A lab will be able to provide detailed information, including whether bacteria is present. If it is you’ll need to get a plan in place immediately to keep your water clean with a good quality filter—and to find source of the problem. It’s a good idea to also let your neighbors and local government officials know there’s a problem that needs to be fixed.