Elizabeth Samson
Ever filled a glass of water, taken a sip, and paused? Maybe it looked a bit cloudy. Or had a strange smell. Or tasted off in a way you couldn’t quite explain.
We often take clean water for granted. If it’s coming out clear and cold, we assume it’s safe. But changes in appearance, odour, or taste are early warning signs that something might be wrong, either in the water supply, your plumbing, or both.
Even small shifts can point to bigger issues. And the quicker you pick up on them, the easier it is to find the cause and deal with it.
When Water Looks Off
Your eyes are usually the first to notice when water quality has changed. If the colour shifts or if it’s no longer crystal clear, that’s often a sign that something’s going on either at the source or within your plumbing system.
Discoloured water can come and go, or it might stick around for weeks. Either way, it’s worth understanding the cause.
Common culprits include:
● Iron or manganese stirred up during pipe repairs
● Rust from ageing pipes
● Sediment entering through cracks in old infrastructure
● Air bubbles trapped under pressure
● Organic matter, especially in surface water supplies
Cloudy or milky water usually clears on its own after sitting for a few minutes, especially if it’s caused by air. But brown, yellow, or orange water is often a mineral or corrosion issue. That might not be dangerous to drink in every case, but it’s definitely not something to ignore long term.
If It Smells Strange, It Probably Is
Water should be scentless. If it smells like rotten eggs, chemicals, or damp leaves, that’s not just unpleasant — it’s a sign your water may have been affected by bacteria, treatment residue, or contamination.
Let’s break down the most common odours and what they tend to mean:
Rotten egg smell
Usually due to hydrogen sulphide, often from bacterial activity in hot water systems or the groundwater itself
Musty or earthy scent
Could be algae, mould, or decaying vegetation near the water source
Chlorine-like smell
Indicates the presence of disinfectants, often added by treatment plants but sometimes more concentrated than necessary
Metallic or chemical odour
This might suggest pipe corrosion or chemical contamination
Sewage smell
Less common, but a serious red flag that can point to cross-contamination with waste systems
These smells can sometimes be localised, such as from a specific tap or bathroom. In other cases, they signal a system-wide issue that needs attention.
Taste Changes You Shouldn’t Ignore
Taste is subjective, but a strong or unpleasant flavour is usually trying to tell you something. It might be a harmless mineral change, or it could mean your water has picked up something it shouldn’t have.
If you’re regularly noticing bad taste, or if the flavour changes suddenly, these are the most likely explanations:
● Metallic taste – Often due to excess iron, copper, or zinc, especially in older plumbing
● Salty or brackish taste – Can indicate chloride in the supply, often from natural sources or industrial runoff
● Chemical or plastic-like taste – May result from treatment residues, deteriorating pipe material, or even new fittings
● Earthy or mouldy taste – Usually comes from organic matter or bacteria in the system
● Bitter taste – Sometimes linked to high levels of disinfectants or pH imbalances
These flavours aren’t just unpleasant, they’re signals. If you’re dealing with this often, especially in an area with old infrastructure, water filter systems Melbourne can be a smart and straightforward way to reduce contaminants and improve both taste and safety.
Signs That Deserve Immediate Attention
Sometimes water issues are minor and temporary. Other times, they’re signs of a deeper problem that won’t go away on its own. If you’ve noticed one or more of the signs below and they don’t resolve within a day or two, it’s time to take action.
Here’s what to look out for:
● Brown, yellow, or red discolouration that sticks around, even after flushing the tap
● Persistent odours, especially sulphur, chlorine, or mould
● Sudden taste changes that don’t fade or are present throughout the house
● Cloudiness that never fully clears, even after resting
● Visible particles or grit floating in your glass
● Stains appearing around taps, on clothing after washing, or in kettles
● Health symptoms like stomach upset after drinking from the tap regularly
These are more than just annoyances, they’re warnings. Even if your water is technically within safe limits, that doesn’t mean it’s ideal for daily use.
Trust What Your Senses Are Telling You
Water doesn’t need to look dirty or smell foul to carry risks. But when it does, your body usually picks up on it fast. That first whiff of sulphur, that metallic aftertaste, that odd tint… they’re all signs something’s different.
You don’t need to panic every time your water tastes weird for a day. But if the problem keeps coming back, it’s worth listening to what your senses are trying to say. After all, clean water isn’t a luxury; it’s something you should be able to count on every single day.
Davidblogs
