There’s nothing quite as unpleasant as a glass of water that is anything but crystal clear. But when many homeowners in the Carolinas turn on their taps, the water that comes out has a yellow tint. This leads to the obvious question, “Why is my tap water yellow?” Today we’re going to explain why your tap water can develop a yellow color and how you can clear it up!
Why is my tap water yellow?
Yellow tap water is almost always a result of rust from excess iron in your tap water. Rust can get into your water in several different ways, including:
- Iron in your source water. Iron is a naturally occurring element in the ground, so it is often found in tap water that comes from private wells. That’s why untreated well water often has a yellow tint.
- Old city pipes. Much of our nation’s water infrastructure is more than 100 years old, which means rust has accumulated in our water delivery systems. That rust can make its way into your taps and turn your water yellow, especially when your city’s water systems are flushed.
- Galvanized pipes in your home. Rust is one of the biggest problems in homes with galvanized pipes, because the zinc layer in the pipes that is designed to protect your water from the rust underneath wears off over time. This is why yellow tap water is commonly found in older homes.
What are the negative effects of having yellow tap water?
Besides being unappealing to drink, yellow tap water often creates stains on your clothes and plumbing fixtures that are very difficult to remove. In addition, a buildup of iron bacteria in your home’s pipes can lead to clogging. In general, yellow tap water caused by iron is not considered a serious health hazard.
How can I clear up my yellow tap water?
There are several different types of water filtration systems that can remove iron and rust from your water. The type of system that you choose to install will depend on where the problem stems from.
If your tap water is yellow because of your city’s pipes or your well water, you’ll want to install a whole house filtration system that clears up your water right as it enters your home. If the problem is within your own home’s pipes, you’ll want to install a point-of-use filtration system that clears up your water right before it leaves an individual tap. If your water is yellow due to a combination of all of these things, the most effective solution would be to install both a whole house and point-of-use system.
If you have any questions about why your tap water is yellow, or if you’d like a water treatment system serviced or installed in your home, contact North Carolina Water Consultants, your North and South Carolina dealer of water filtration systems and water softeners . We provide service all over the Carolinas, including towns like Mount Pleasant, Waxhaw and Indian Trail, NC.