Most people are uneasy about drinking water that has strange color. So, if you’re living in a city, color coming from your kitchen tap is most likely the result of water pipes. Copper pipes leave a blueish or greenish color, while red water mostly comes from ageing iron pipes.
However, the water may be cloudy for some time, and this means there is some air crossing in the city’s waterline. Therefore, the test is to run the water into a glass and watch it as it clears, if the water is clear from the bottom upward, then it is air.
Brownish or rusty colored water is due to the activities like repairing water lines or flushing fire hydrants. The solution to this is rinsing until the water becomes clear.
Also, read our latest blog post about How To Improve Bad Taste of Water
Causes For Color Change In Water
We all know, color is a general determinant of water cleanliness. There are various causes of color change in water. Although, possibilities vary from particles that don’t cause a direct health threat to human health. Color change in water may occur due to the presence of disinfection by-products and natural organic matter.
Some Common Colors That Found In Water & What They Indicate:
Generally, color is a common problem for only surface water, it is very rare in water coming from deep wells or springs. Below, we have discussed some common color found in water and what they indicate:
- Yellow: Water with yellow color is often referred to as “tannins” which means humic acid is present in the water.
- Reddish: Reddish water color indicates the presence of iron in the water. This water color can be found in bathroom fixtures or laundry.
- Reddish Brown: This type of watercolor is also the indication of iron which will precipitate when the water is exposed to air.
- Blue: The blue color of water indicates the excess of copper. And the water may leave green stains on fixtures.
- Green: Water with green color indicates the presence of algae growing in rivers.
How To Remove Color From Water
People can keep their drinking water safe & healthy using different water filtration systems. Since the color of water doesn’t necessarily reflect whether it's drinkable or not.
Below, we have discussed some filtration methods that you can use to remove color from your water.
- Activated Carbon Filtration:
This is the most commonly used filtration method for both household and commercial use. In this method, the carbon works like a sponge, absorbing rust, harmful contaminants, offensive tastes, and color as well.
Usually, carbon filters uses petroleum coke, lignite, wood products, and peanut shells as a source of carbon.
- Reverse Osmosis Filtration:
A reverse osmosis filtration system is effective at removing a range of colors from drinking water. Not just this, it also eliminates all the impurities making water safer and tastier to drink.
This filtration method uses a semi-permeable membrane with microscopic pores, these pores allow water molecules to pass through it while keeping contaminants out.
- Oxidizing Filtration:
Oxidizing filtration is a pretty useful method when your water contains small amounts of hydrogen sulfide. The oxidizing process is perfect for removing sulfur, which gives the water yellowish color.
- Mechanical Filtration:
Mechanical filters also known as turbidity filters that help to strain particles from water while producing clearer and more healthy water. These filters use sand, paper, spun, or compressed glass wool to remove contaminants from water.
- Boiling:
Another way to remove color from water is by boiling it. This method is often used to remove rust stains from fixtures, but it can also be used to remove color from water itself. Simply bring the water to a boil and then allow it to cool before using it. This method can also be used to purify water, so it's a good option if you're looking to remove impurities from your drinking water.
If you're looking for a more natural way to remove color from water, you can try using a lemon. Lemons are a natural bleaching agent, so they can be used to remove color from water. Simply cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water. Allow the lemon water to sit for a few minutes before using it. This method is best for small batches of water.
Whether you're looking to remove rust stains or you're just wanting to get your drinking water as close to its natural state as possible, these are a few different methods for how to remove color from water. Try out a few different methods and see which one works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes different colors in drinking water?
There are a few different reasons why your drinking water might appear to be a different color. One possibility is that there is a problem with the pipes that deliver the water to your home. If the pipes are rusty or have other buildup, this can cause the water to appear discolored.
Another possibility is that there is a problem with the water treatment plant. If the water is not properly treated, it can pick up contaminants from the environment that can change its color.
Is it safe to drink water that is a different color?
The short answer is yes, it is generally safe to drink water that is a different color. The discoloration is usually not harmful, and the water will still taste the same. However, if the water is very dark or has an unusual color, it could be a sign of a serious problem. If you are concerned, you can always contact your local water utility company to have the water tested.
What can I do if my drinking water is a different color?
If your drinking water is a different color, there are a few things you can do. First, you can try running the water for a minute or two to see if the color clears up. If it does not, you can contact your local water utility company to have the water tested.
You can also try using a water filter to remove any contaminants that might be causing the color change. This is especially important if you have a well, as the water might not be as safe to drink.
Different color in drinking water is often not a cause for concern. However, if the water is very dark or has an unusual color, it could be a sign of a problem. If you are concerned, you can always contact your local water utility company to have the water tested.