Discoloured Water

Occasionally, the water coming from the taps in your home may appear yellowish or rusty coloured.
Here are some frequently asked questions about discoloured water:

What causes tap water to be discoloured?

Stratford draws its drinking water from deep well aquifers, which makes it rich in minerals. One of those minerals is iron, and over time, iron deposits build up in the City’s watermains. The discolouration is a result of oxidized iron entering the water stream. Aging iron watermains also contribute to the issue. There are no adverse health or safety issues with discoloured water.

How does oxidized iron enter the water stream?

Normally, it remains largely contained within the infrastructure (watermains), but when that infrastructure is disturbed as a result of nearby construction, a watermain break or hydrant use, for example, the iron deposits are stirred up and enter the water stream.

Why do you flush the hydrants?

Typically in the spring and fall, the City of Stratford flushes it hydrants to remove some of those iron deposits that may have settled in the watermains. Because this stirs up the deposits, nearby residents may notice discoloured water for a short period.

Will it affect my laundry?

It may stain your laundry, particularly whites, so we recommend waiting until the water clears before doing laundry.

How can I get rid of discoloured water in my home?

When a discolouration event occurs (watermain break, construction, hydrant flushing), it is important to flush the lines in a systematic manner to ensure the discolouration does not spread throughout the plumbing system more than necessary. Choose a tap as close as possible to where the water service enters the house, and run the cold water for 10-15 minutes until it clears. If it doesn’t clear in that time, turn the tap off for 30 minutes and then try again.

Will my internal plumbing cause discoloured water?

Internal factors, including issues with hot water heaters, water softeners, or galvanized steel or iron plumbing, may contribute to discoloured water. If you suspect there is an internal issue, and there have been no known external events like hydrant flushing or a watermain break, a plumber may be able to help. If you live in an apartment, contact your landlord.

Who do I call at the City if I have a concern about discoloured water?

You can contact Stratford’s Water division by calling 519-271-0250 ext. 5222.

Other water issues

Does your tap water smell unusual?

If your tap water has an unusual smell only when the hot water is running, the issue could be coming from your hot water tank. Over time, sediments like iron can accumulate inside the tank, leading to unpleasant odors. To address this, it's a good idea to periodically drain the tank and, if necessary, replace internal components.

If you notice a smell when both the cold and hot water are running, there could be a few possible causes. One common source is the drain trap under your sink, where debris like food scraps, grease, or other materials can accumulate and create unpleasant odors. If cleaning the drain doesn't resolve the issue, check the aerator on your tap. This small mesh screen at the end of the faucet can collect mineral deposits over time, which may also contribute to the smell.

Does your tap water look cloudy or milky?

This is usually caused by tiny air bubbles trapped in the water. If you let the water sit for a few moments, the air will naturally dissipate, and the water will clear up on its own.