Water Color Guide

Learn what different water colors may indicate, from iron and sediment to low pH or contamination. While color isn’t a diagnosis, it’s your first sign something might be wrong. If your water doesn’t look crystal clear, give Old Faithful Pump Co a call—we’ll help you get the answers and the clean water you deserve.

Click on a color to learn more about potential causes.

Brown or Rusty Water

  • What it Means: Discoloration from iron or manganese

  • Possible Causes:

    • Corroded pipes

    • Sediment in well water

    • Rusty water heater

  • What to Do:

    • Run cold water for a few minutes to see if it clears

    • If persistent, test for iron/manganese

    • Consider filtration or pipe inspection

Yellow Water

  • What it Means: Discoloration from iron or manganese

  • Possible Causes:

    • Corroded pipes

    • Sediment in well water

    • Rusty water heater

  • What to Do:

    • Run cold water for a few minutes to see if it clears

    • If persistent, test for iron/manganese

    • Consider filtration or pipe inspection

Green or Blue Water

  • What it Means: Acidic water, copper contamination or low pH

  • Possible Causes:

    • Corroding copper pipes

    • Pinholes in pipes

    • Damage to appliances

  • What to Do:

    • Test for pH

    • Consider corrosion control or pipe replacement

    • Inspect well cap/seal

Red or Orange Water

  • What it Means: High levels of iron (ferrous or ferric), a.k.a. rust

  • Possible Causes:

    • Iron bacteria in well

    • Aging pipes

  • What to Do:

    • Shock chlorination for bacteria

    • Iron filters may be needed

    • Call for a water analysis

Milky or Cloudy Water

  • What it Means: Air or sediment in water

  • Possible Causes:

    • Air in pipes

    • Sediment from disturbed well or plumbing

  • What to Do:

    • Let water sit, if it clears from bottom up, it’s just air

    • If cloudy persists, test for turbidity

Black Water

  • What it Means: Manganese, mold, or even sewage contamination

  • Possible Causes:

    • Manganese-rich water

    • Organic material buildup

    • Septic system leak (in rare cases)

  • What to Do:

    • Don’t drink it—test immediately

    • Call for full water system inspection

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (845) 225-7565

Serving Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Counties in New York