home Water Water Quality What is in my drinking water?

Your drinking water contains naturally occurring minerals. The levels of these minerals vary throughout the State, causing differences in taste, odour and colour.

Regular monitoring programs are in place to check the quality of drinking water state-wide against National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines.

For more information on the composition of water in your area, contact the Water Corporation's  24-hour Service Faults and Emergencies number – 13 13 75.

Why is chlorine added to my drinking water?

Chlorine is used as a water disinfectant. It provides lasting, effective protection right from the treatment plant through to our customers’ taps.

Chlorine is particularly effective where long pipelines and high water temperatures increase the potential for growth of harmful organisms in our water. It is used as a disinfectant by water providers throughout the world, including all major Australian water companies, and most water companies in the United States and Europe.

Is fluoride added to my drinking water? 

Fluoride occurs naturally in water. The water schemes in the metropolitan area, and most large coutry centres, also have fluoride added to improve dental health. This is a legislative requirement. The dose rate is set by a steering committee which reports to the Minister for Health.  

Why is my water sometimes discoloured?

Whenever there is a sudden increase in the rate of water flow through pipes or a change in direction, there is the potential to stir up sediments that have settled out over a long period of time. These sediments become suspended in the water, giving it a discoloured appearance.

Although unsightly, the suspended particles that cause discoloured water are harmless to health. The sediment contains very fine iron, manganese and clay particles that enter the supply at groundwater bores and through the stream flow into dams. Deterioration of pipes, fittings and cement lining can also produce sediment.

Discoloured water can happen at any time, but is more frequent in early spring or summer. During winter, water use drops considerably.  With less water moving through the pipes, sediment may settle out from the water and build up in the pipes. As the warmer weather approaches, water-use escalates and the increased water flow in the pipes can stir up the sediment.

Burst pipes can also result in discoloured water, due to the need to reverse water flow patterns in surrounding streets. 

If your water becomes discoloured, try running a tap near the front of the property (closest to mains) for two minutes to see if it clears. If it doesn’t clear, call the Water Corporation's 24-hour Service Faults and Emergencies number 13 13 75.

Should the discolouration stain your washing, keep the articles immersed in water and immediately call the Water Corporation's 24-hour Service Faults and Emergencies number 13 13 75. We can deliver cleaning agent to help remove stains from your washing.

White, cloudy or milky water is caused by air in the water, and is harmless. It can be triggered by work on water mains (eg. a burst water main) or when a faulty air valve allows air to enter the water pipe. Leaving the water to stand for a short period will allow the air bubbles to lift off and bring the water back to a clear appearance.

Why does green or blue staining occur in sinks and baths?

This is caused by copper corrosion in your household pipes. Generally, the problem occurs in new plumbing and, over time, a protective layer forms on the inside of the copper pipes, diminishing the effect. To remove green/blue staining, use a lemon-based cleaning product (containing citric acid) or cloudy ammonia. Take care not to scrub with aggressive cleaning products because they may etch the polished surface.

If you run the kitchen tap for 30 seconds (equivalent to the amount of water used in flushing a toilet) first thing in the morning, or after an extended period of non-use, stagnant water containing copper will be reduced.

Rather than waste this water, you can use it to water plants.

Copper is an essential trace element for humans. In general, water only contributes a very small amount of the copper in our diets. 

Should you require further information on the affects of blue/green staining, please contact the Water Corporation's 24-hour Service Faults and Emergencies number – 13 13 75 – and a Water Quality Officer will be happy to discuss any further questions you may have.