You fill a glass of water to drink and you notice that the tap water is not colorless! It has a weird yellow tinge to it! The water may not smell or taste bad. However, is it safe to drink yellow colored water?
The best and the most effective way to get rid of yellow color in tap water is to install a reverse osmosis water filtration system. Here are our highest rated RO systems
Our Pick for the Best Reverse Osmosis Systems
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
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Water has three basic properties: it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. There is a cause of concern if any of these properties are jeopardized. The tap water in your house may not be safe to drink if it is giving off a yellowish hue. It is easy to spot a change in the characteristics of water if it’s coming out to be tinted. Yellow water certainly raises some questions. Let’s find out what may be causing water to be of rusty color and how can it be fixed.
Reasons for Yellow Colored Tap Water
If the water comes to your home from a public municipal supplier, then here are the reasons it is giving off a yellow tint.
Waterlines Under Repair May Cause Yellow Water
Water distribution systems need maintenance and repair now and then. The yellow color you are getting in your tap water maybe because of these utility repairs or maintenance working going on. Rust and other impurities can enter the water supply system when maintenance work is underway.
If you are experiencing yellow colored water, make sure that you inform the authorities so they are notified of the issue and take measures accordingly. If yellow colored water is due to maintenance work, then this issue should resolve by itself in some time.
Water Mains Being Flushed Can Cause Yellow Water
Another reason why you are getting yellow water in your tap is that the waterlines in your area are being flushed. Waterlines get stagnant areas from time to time. The water suppliers increase the water level in the lines so that the increased water pressure can flush out the blockages.
Water mains and your pipes are both flushed. Rust in these pipes often tends to loosen when the system is being flushed. The yellow tint you are noticing in your tap water maybe because of this flushing exercise. You will notice a temporary change in your water. There may also be cloudy tap water or rusty colored water.
A great way to check if the yellow color of the water is due to flushing is to open the hot water tap and check the watercolor. If only your cold water is tinted, then it is most likely due to flushing.
Flushing and repair work in waterlines is temporary. The color of water should be back to normal soon. Call the local authorities to confirm if there is any work going on the waterlines. If not, then you will need to take measures to resolve this issue.
Reasons for Yellow Well Water
If your source of water is a well, and the water seems to be giving off a yellow tint, then it may be because of the following reasons:
Water Containing Bacteria May Cause Yellow Well Water
Water coming from a well contains some bacteria. One of the most common forms of bacteria present in water and soil is iron bacteria. They don’t cause any health issues but can make your water look yellow. This is caused when manganese and iron combine with oxygen. The result is a slimy buildup which when mixed in water makes it yellow.
While there may not be any health repercussions of drinking this yellow colored water but it definitely won’t feel nice. You should get your well water checked and tested every couple of years to ensure that there is no buildup of any such bacteria.
Water Containing Organic Materials May Cause Yellow Water
Another common cause of water coloration is the presence of excessive organic materials. Tannins are a byproduct of the natural fermentation process. They pass to the well water through decaying vegetation and peaty soil. Again, these compounds don’t contain any health risk but no one likes to drink yellow colored water.
Water with Excess Manganese and Iron May Cause Yellow Water
Groundwater supplies contain manganese and iron. These are essential minerals that are required by our bodies to remain healthy. Thus, an abundance of these may not pose any health risk but gives your water a less than desirable color.
The reason your tap water coming from the well is yellow tinted is that iron and manganese have combined with some organic matter and have formed a compound called colloidal. Removing colloidal is difficult but the water can be treated to get rid of the yellow color.
How to Fix Yellow Water?
Now that you know the probable causes of yellow tap water, it is time to find out how to resolve the issue. The best and the most effective way to get rid of yellow color in tap water is to install a reverse osmosis water filtration system.
The reverse osmosis filtration system forces contaminated to pass through a membrane. It is a very fine filter that prevents any impurities from passing through the tap. Only the filtered water passes through the membrane and the impurities are left behind. This makes your tap water colorless and perfect to drink.
If you are facing the issue of yellow-colored tap water, then it is best to get a reverse osmosis filtration system installed in your house. It will keep the tap water coming from a municipal source or a well safe for drinking. The water will be refreshing and will keep you fit and healthy. It is important to get your reverse osmosis systems installed from experts only. It should be of high quality and you must change the filters often.
These little things will keep your reverse osmosis water filtration system working at its optimal condition for a long time. It is a great investment to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. Get in touch with us to know more.
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
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