Why is My Water Discolored?

Published on May 12, 2025

1. Why is my water cloudy or milky?

Cause:
Cloudy or milky-looking water is typically caused by tiny air bubbles suspended in the water, known as entrained air. This occurs when dissolved air is released as the water warms up, often after being heated in a water heater or flowing through warmer household plumbing. It is more common during colder months when water holds more dissolved air.

Mitigation:

• Allow a glass of water to stand for a few moments; the bubbles will naturally rise to the surface and clear.
• Use an aerator or flow restrictor on faucets to reduce turbulence.
• Check for recent plumbing work or water main disruptions that might have introduced excess air.

Safety Note:
This condition is purely aesthetic and poses no health risk. The water remains safe to drink.

2. Why is my tap water brown or yellow temporarily?

Cause:
Discolored water that clears after a few minutes of running the tap is often due to internal plumbing issues. Older, galvanized iron pipes can corrode over time, exposing bare iron to the water. This rust can discolor the water, especially after periods of low usage when the water has been sitting in the pipes.

Mitigation:

• Run the tap for a few minutes to flush out stagnant water.
• Consider replacing old galvanized iron pipes with more corrosion-resistant materials like copper, plastic pipes such  cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (cPVC).
• Regularly maintain and flush your water heater to prevent rust accumulation.

Safety Note:
While this condition poses no significant health risk, the taste and appearance of the water may be affected.

3. Why is my tap water brown or yellow constantly?

Cause:
Persistent discolored water can indicate a disturbance in the public water main, such as nearby fire hydrant use, main repairs, or changes in flow direction. These activities can stir up sediment and rust within the distribution system.

Mitigation:

• Wait 30 to 40 minutes after noticing discolored water, then run the cold water tap for a few minutes to flush out the disturbed sediments.
• Report ongoing issues to Miramar Customer Service at 954-602-4357 or customerservice@miramarfl.gov   for further investigation.
• Avoid doing laundry or using dishwashers during these periods to prevent staining.

Safety Note:
This type of discoloration typically poses no known health threat but can be aesthetically unappealing.

4. Why am I seeing brown or yellow water from the hot tap only?

Cause:
If only the hot water is discolored, the problem is likely within your water heater, which may have internal rust or accumulated sediment.

Mitigation:

• Turn off your water heater, allow it to cool, and then safely drain and flush the unit.
• Replace the anode rod if it is significantly degraded.
• Consult a licensed plumber if the issue persists.

Safety Note:
This issue generally indicates a maintenance problem rather than a health risk, but it should be addressed promptly to prevent long-term damage.

5. How do you get rid of the black film around the toilet and other locations?

Cause:
Black film or slime is usually mold, mildew, or biofilm. It can form due to high moisture levels, bacterial growth, or mineral deposits from hard water.

Mitigation:

• Clean affected areas regularly with commercial cleaners that contain a disinfectant like chlorine bleach.
• Improve ventilation in bathrooms to reduce moisture buildup.

Safety Note:
This buildup is generally not harmful but should be managed to maintain hygiene and prevent odors.

6. What is the “pink" stain?

Cause:
Pink stains, often found in bathrooms or pet water bowls, are typically caused by the airborne bacterium Serratia marcescens. This organism thrives in moist, humid environments. Although its commonly referred to a pink mold, it’s not actually mold.

Mitigation:

• Clean the affected surfaces with a bleach-based cleaner regularly.
• Improve ventilation and reduce standing water in bathrooms to limit bacterial growth.
• Rinse pet bowls frequently and dry them thoroughly.

Safety Note:
While generally harmless to most healthy people, this bacterium can become problematic if it enters the body through the eyes or open wounds.

Discolored Water Causes and Mitigation Strategies