If you notice your tap water has a rusty color, it’s important to take action to ensure the safety of your drinking water. This could signify iron in your water, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.

Why Did the Water Become Rusty

The water became rusty because of the presence of iron in the water. When water comes into contact with iron, it causes water to become rusty. This is because iron is a reactive metal, and when it comes into contact with water, it causes a chemical reaction that results in the formation of rust.

Rust in tap water often comes from corroding pipes if your water comes from a municipal water system. The iron in the water can react with the oxygen in the air to form rust. This rust can then build up on the inside of the pipes and cause them to leak.

Some of the other few things that can cause iron in water:

• Dissolved Iron: The most common type of iron in the water. It is usually found in well water.
• Bacterial Iron: This type of iron is produced by bacteria in the water. It is often found in surface water, such as lakes and rivers.

Is Rusty Water Dangerous

The simple answer is no, rusty water is not dangerous. In fact, it’s quite common. Rust is simply iron oxide, which can occur when iron and oxygen come into contact. This can happen when water comes into contact with iron pipes or evaporates and leaves behind iron deposits.

So why is rusty water not dangerous? Well, for one thing, rust is not toxic. It’s not going to poison you if you drink it. Additionally, rust is not an irritant for most people, so it will not cause any skin or respiratory problems.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that rusty water is necessarily safe to drink. This is because if the water comes from a well, it may also be contaminated with bacteria or other contaminants.

What Should You Do When Your Tap Has Rusty Water

If you notice that your tap water has a rusty color, it’s crucial to take action right away. While rust in your water is not necessarily harmful, it can indicate that your pipes are corroding. This can lead to serious problems down the road, so it’s best to address the issue as soon as possible.

Here are five things you should do if your tap has rusty water:

1. Check the Source of the Water
   If you’ve noticed that your tap water has a rusty color, the first thing you should do is check the source of the water. If the water is coming from a private well, the rust is likely coming from the well itself. In this case, you’ll need to have the well water tested and treated by a professional.

   The rust may come from the pipes if the water comes from a public water source. In this case, you should contact your local water utility to have the water tested.

2. Flush the Pipes
   If the water is coming from your pipes, you’ll need to flush the pipes to remove the rust. To do this, simply run all of your faucets for several minutes until the water runs clear. This will flush the rust out of the pipes and the sewer system.

3. Install a Water Filter
   Installing a water filter is a good way to remove rust from your water. There are many types of water filters on the market, so you’ll need to choose one designed to remove rust.

4. Contact a Professional Plumber
   If you’re concerned about rust in your water, it’s a good idea to contact a professional plumber. They can test your water to see if there’s a problem and recommend the best course of action.

Conclusion

If your water has a rusty appearance, it may be due to iron in the water. While iron is not a health hazard, it can cause staining on laundry and fixtures and give the water an unpleasant taste. By following these tips, you can remove rust from your water and improve the quality of your home’s water supply.

L.J. Kruse Co. is a Berkeley plumbing company specializing in any plumbing needs, including iron removal. We can test your water and recommend the best course of action. Let us help you get the best possible water for your home or business. Contact us today to get started!