Why is my water an orange/brown colour or why does it have a metallic taste?
If your water is an orange/brown colour when you first run your tap but clears after a short period, or if it tastes metallic and bitter, this usually indicates high levels of iron or copper. Both can leach into your water from corroded pipes.
Corrosion can occur when the plumbing is old, particularly with cast iron or copper pipes. In some instances, it can only take a small length of pipe to produce the discolouration.
Running your taps for about 30 seconds to draw fresh water through may resolve the issue. If not resolved, a pipe burst or leak can occur. Consult a plumber for advice.
