By KAREN LAGRANGE COX
The general information below provides 1) possible causes of brown water issues, 2) what to do to help determine the source of the brown water, 3) where to report a water quality issue, and 4) sources and resources.
Connectors are used to connect two different water systems or to connect water lines within an internal water system. Faulty or cracked connectors could cause a leak in the line, which may cause brown water and other water quality issues. Note: Connector is a very generic term. A break in a connector is no different than a break in the water line piping. See Leaks or breaks in the mains or water lines.
External water providers may have issues with their water system that could cause water quality issues, which could present themselves in homes and businesses. A water provider sends water from their water utility system and/or contractual through an external water system to end water users.
Filtration equipment that is not working properly could cause sediment to flow through the filters and thereby possibly cause brown water, pressure, and flow issues.
Flushing of water lines through fire hydrants may cause brown water due to the stirring of built-up sediment and/or cause a change in water pressure.
Laying new or rerouting of water lines may cause water to be temporarily turned off, causing a lack of water while water is turned off. New water lines are flushed and disinfected before being put into use.
Leaks or breaks in the mains or water lines cause a surge of water to go to the leak. This surge of water may stir up whatever sediment is built up in the line, which may cause the water to turn brown. The lines would need flushing at the fire hydrants to flush out the brown water. There may be situations where the location of a leak or may be other unknown leaks in a water line, therefore end water users need to report water issues to their water provider.
Maintenance conducted on the water lines may stir up sediment in the line, causing the water to become brown.
The plumbing inside homes or businesses, particularly if older galvanized steel pipes were used, may have sentiment built up in the lines, which may cause brown water or pressure issues. In cases of brown water, the occupant would need to flush out the water line by opening a faucet and allowing it to run until it is clear.
Water lines are branches or laterals of a water main that carry water from the main to end users. Leaks and sediment can affect the lines, which are usually one-half to six inches in diameter.
Water mains are primary underground pipes, or arteries, in a municipal water distribution system that carries potable water through smaller pipes to end water users (residents, businesses, schools, and industries). The diameter of the mains is usually six inches to sixteen inches. The mains, particularly if made with older, galvanized steel or cast iron, may have built up sentiment (sand, dirt, corrosion, iron, and manganese and/or rust) that occurred through the years, which can present water quality issues such as brown water.
Water pressure changes in the mains or water lines may cause sediment build-up. This same sediment could potentially stir up causing brown water, reaching the faucets at homes and businesses. Change in water pressure could be a result of:
- leak or leaks in the water lines, either in the mains, supply lines, or on the user’s premises.
- increase in water demand, typically during a drought or increase in water usage.
- the issue with a pressure regulator (typically with a private well).
- closed water valves, sometimes closed due to issues or to reroute water.
- issues at the water provider, particularly if they do any maintenance and repairs.
- faulty faucets and fixtures at the premises of a home or business.
The water supply line, also called the exterior service line, from the road to the end water user may have a sentiment buildup or leak on the line thus creating water quality issues. The water supply line supplies water to the entire home, business, school, or industry.
Water tables may change during periods of lengthy rains or drought, which could cause water quality issues.
Water valves that are opened or closed for maintenance, repair, or routine water network flushing could cause sediment in the lines to stir, which may cause water to turn brown.
Water wells (whether private or public) that are overworked or not working properly could have sentiment pumped up along with the water. The sentiment could cause water to become brown. Other issues that may occur due to an overworked water well or from a well not working properly include:
- the water yield could be reduced if the well is pumping air.
- water pressure in the well could be decreased.
- air and dissolved gases or bubbles in the water well could cause cloudy water.
- The pressure switch and pump short cycle (continuously turn off and on).
Quick tests to help determine the source of the brown water issue
- Check with neighbors to see if they are having the same issue. If they are having the same issue, it is likely an issue with the water provider. If they are not having the same issue, it may be an issue with the pipes within the home, business, school, or industry.
- Do the two-bucket test to determine if the issue is with the water supply that comes directly to the premises or from the main supply. Use a clean bucket and fill it with water from the outside tap in front of the house or business and fill the other bucket from the tap behind the home or business. If the sample from the front is brown, empty the bucket, let the water run for a few minutes, then refill the bucket. If this second sample in the front is clear, and if the sample from the back tap is browner than from the front of the premises, this may indicate the issue is with the water supply line and not from the main supply.
- If brown water is coming only from the hot water tap, it may be an issue from the buildup of sediment (organic deposits) in the hot water heater (tank and tankless) over time. Water going into the hot water heater may have sediment that could cause brown water issues from the hot water heater. If brown water is coming from the hot water tap, the water heater may need to be flushed and, in some cases, the water heater may need to be replaced. Both tank and tankless water heaters need routine maintenance by flushing the heaters at regular intervals.
- If brown water is from the cold-water faucet, run the cold water for twenty minutes to see if it clears up. The best place to run the water is in the bathtub furthest to the rear of the house.
- If brown water is coming from only some of the faucets, it may be an issue with the pipe directly to or near those faucets.
- If flushing the cold water does not correct the issue, report the water quality issues directly to the water provider.
Report all water quality issues
City of Broussard Public Works
Contact Mel Bertrand, City of Broussard Public Works Director at (337) 319-6237 or submit a water quality issue at https://www.cityofbroussard.com/i-want-to/report/water-quality-issue
City of Youngsville Public Works
Terry Bourque, City of Youngsville Public Works Director at (337) 857-6342 or submit a water quality issue at https://www.youngsville.us/contacts/report-a-problem/
Lafayette Utilities System (LUS)
Call LUS at (337) 291-5740
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Sources and Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Drinking Water
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/index.html - Flush Your Water Pipes if you Have Been Away From Home More than a Week
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/images/Faucet-graphic-English.jpg - Flush Your Water Heater According to the Manufacturer’s Instruction to Reduce Growth of Germs
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/images/Faucet-graphic-English.jpg - Water Treatment https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/water_treatment.html#print
- Consumer Confidence Reports
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/understanding_ccr.html - Private Ground Water Wells
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/index.html - Protect Yourself at Home
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/protect-yourself-at-home.html#print
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Distribution System Water Quality, Maintaining a Disinfectant Residual
- https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-12/ds-toolbox-fact-sheets_disinfectant_residual.pdf
- Distribution System Water Quality, Protecting Water Quality Through Distribution System Flushing
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-04/ds-toolbox-fact-sheets_flushing_final-508.pd - Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems
https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo - Secondary Drinking Water Standards: Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/secondary-drinking-water-standards-guidance-nuisance-chemicals
