Water Quality - Learn More
In this section we will cover the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions on water quality related topics:
Blue water and copper corrosion
Water is an extremely good solvent and has a natural tendency to dissolve or corrode metals and other materials. The extent of this problem depends on many factors including temperature, type of materials and the mineral balance of the water. Copper water pipes are sometimes affected by corrosion and the by-products that are released can cause staining of fittings or a metallic taste to the water supply. The water supplies in the South Staffs area can be described as moderately hard, a characteristic which tends to reduce the corrosive effects of water.
How do I know if I have copper corrosion? If the water coming out of your cold water taps has a blue-green tinge, you may have copper corrosion in your pipes. This is more noticeable after the water has been standing in the pipes for some time.
You may also notice/experience:
Blue or blue-green stains below the taps on sinks or baths.
Pipe failure or pinhole pipe leaks due to pitting corrosion.
How can I reduce the levels of copper in my drinking water? There are a few simple precautions that can be taken to reduce the levels of copper in your water.
Do not use water from the hot tap for drinking or cooking as copper dissolves more easily in hot water.
Do not cook or drink with water that has been standing in the pipes for a long time e.g. overnight or for several hours during the day.
Run the tap for a period – if your service pipe is no more than 40 metres, filling a washing up bowl will be sufficient. This water can then be used for watering the garden.
Where can I get more advice? If you would like further information about copper in water or copper corrosion, call 0800 389 1011 and we will be happy to help you.
Qualified plumbers registered with the Institute of Plumbing can also help with advice. http://www.iphe.org.uk/|
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Fluoride
Fluoride can naturally occur in underground water supplies. In some areas fluoride is added at the request of the local Health Authority.
Why is Fluoride added to the Water supply? Fluoridation is carried out at the request of the local Health Authority to protect teeth from decay.
Since 1985 all of our Company supplies have contained either natural fluoride or an enhanced fluoride concentration, both at 1.0mg/l. Fluoridation is carried out under the Water (Fluoridation) Act 1985 and is operated to a Code of Practice, which advises the 1.0mg/l concentration. Before the Company embarked on its fluoridation policy, extensive consultation was undertaken with the local Health Authorities and the public. This consultation process convinced the Company of the benefits that fluoride would bring to the dental health of the local population.
The concentration of fluoride in the water is independently audited every month by the local Health Authority. It is upon their advice that the dosing limits have been set.
Who pays for fluoridation? The Health Authorities. The costs for this are not included in our water charges.
Where can I get more information? If you would like further information about fluoride in water, call 0800 389 1011 and we will be happy to help you.
For general queries relating to fluoride and fluoridation please contact your local Health Authority.
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Lead in Drinking Water
Is there lead in our drinking water? Whilst the water we provide from the mains in the street is wholesome and virtually lead free, lead can be picked up if it passes through a lead service pipe, which connects the water main to your house. Lead can also be picked up from internal lead plumbing or certain other plumbing fittings.
Lead was generally used for water pipes up to the 1970’s. Properties built since the 1970’s are unlikely to have lead pipes – copper and plastic being the most commonly used materials. Some types of water, especially soft water, can pick up lead from pipes and whilst the water is treated to reduce this, deposits of lead can sometimes build up in pipes within your property.
The current regulatory standard for lead in drinking water is 25 micrograms per litre (equivalent to 25 parts per billion). From 2013 this standard will reduce to 10 micrograms per litre (equivalent to 10 parts per billion). Whilst there is no short-term risk to health from lead at these levels, the Department of Health advises that action should be taken by customers to reduce lead levels to as low as possible and certainly below the 25 micrograms per litre standard. This is particularly important if the water is regularly drunk by young children or anyone who is pregnant.
How do I know if I have lead pipes? If the pipes in your home are dull grey and can be scraped with a knife to produce a shiny silver coloured metal then there is a possibility that you have lead pipes. If your home was built before 1970 and has not been modernised it is likely to have lead pipes.
If you have a lead service pipe or are concerned about the level of lead in your water we can arrange for samples to be taken to help decide on actions to be taken to reduce the level of lead in your supply.
How can I reduce the levels of lead in my water? There are a few simple precautions that can be taken to reduce the levels of lead in your water.
Do not use water from the hot tap for drinking or cooking as lead dissolves more easily in hot water.
Do not drink or cook with water that has been standing in the pipes for a long time e.g. overnight or for several hours during the day.
Run the tap for a period – if your service pipe is no more than 40 metres, filling a washing up bowl will be sufficient. This water can then be used for watering the garden.
The most effective way is to replace any lead pipework. Some properties have a shared supply with neighbours. If they agree to have it replaced it is advisable to replace it with separate supplies.
Learn more about Separation of Supplies.
Who is responsible for the pipework?
MST – Mains stop tap
The part of the pipe from the main to the property boundary, including the mains stop tap (MST) and meter, is our responsibility, whilst all other pipes and fittings belong to the property owner.
Where can I get more advice? If you are still unsure as to whether you have lead pipes or would like further information about lead in the water supply, call 0800 389 1011 and we will be happy to help you.
Your Environmental Health Office can also provide you with advice.
Qualified plumbers registered with the Institute of Plumbing can also help with lead replacement.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) also has information on lead and these can be obtained on their website - www.dwi.gov.uk or by telephone on 020 7082 8024.
Grants may be available for people on low incomes. Information about this can be obtained from your local authority.
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Taste & Odour|
Taste and odour problems can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of most common problems are explained below.
Chlorine
Why is chlorine added to my water supply? Chlorine is added to drinking water to maintain the water’s bacteriological quality ensuring that it is safe for drinking. The very low concentrations of chlorine involved in this process are entirely harmless and are continually monitored to ensure that the quality of the water is maintained. We try to keep the levels of chlorine in the water supply to a minimum and aim to keep the taste and odour as pleasant as possible.
Why does the water appear to have more chlorine in it at certain times of the day and not others? Over a period of time, the concentration of chlorine in the water will reduce. At certain times of the day, such as first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon, more water is used. This can mean that the water may exhibit a slight chlorinous taste or odour because the water is reaching you quicker and therefore has more chlorine in than when it has been standing in the pipes for longer.
How can I reduce the levels of chlorine in my water supply? Some people may be more sensitive to the levels of chlorine in the supply. If tap water is stored in a jug in the fridge overnight before use, this will help to reduce the chlorine taste and odour. It is recommended that water is not stored for longer than 24 hours as the quality of the water may deteriorate over time.
Earthy
Why does my water sometimes taste earthy? Earthy tastes can sometimes occur in water supplied from a surface water (reservoir) source. These tastes are caused by natural biological processes taking place within the storage reservoir and pose no risk to health. They may also occur if the water has been stood around in the pipework for a long period of time.
How can I reduce the earthy taste in my water supply? If you have been away from home for a long period of time flushing your taps for two to three minutes should help improve the quality of your water supply.
Standing water in a jug in the fridge for a while may also make the taste less apparent.
Metallic / Medicinal / TCP
What causes metallic or medicinal tastes in the water supply? Metallic/medicinal tastes can be caused by a result of a reaction between the water supply and the copper pipework present in the domestic plumbing system. The taste may be particularly noticeable after the water has been standing in the pipework for some hours.
Back syphonage from hoses and fittings associated with washing machines and dishwashers can also result in a medicinal taste to the supply.
How can I determine the cause of the problem? There are a number ways that can help you to establish the cause of the problem.
Flush the tap to waste for a minute or two, prior to using the water for drinking or cooking to see if this makes a difference to the taste.
If you have another downstairs tap which is supplied directly of the mains try using the water from this tap to see if there is any difference to the taste.
If the taste is only apparent after the water is boiled, the kettle may be the cause. This can be confirmed by boiling a sample of water in a saucepan or in a cup in a microwave. If no taste is apparent, it suggests the kettle is the problem.
You can also check with your neighbours to see if they are experiencing the same problem. If they aren’t then the most probable source of the problem will lie within your property as the same water is supplied to all properties in the road.
How can I reduce the metallic / medicinal taste in my water supply? Flushing the tap to waste for a minute or two, prior to using the water for drinking or cooking can usually alleviate the problem.
Boiling water more than once can make any tastes more apparent so it is advisable to use fresh water each time you boil the kettle.
Isolating appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers for a period, may also help to establish if they are contributing to the problem.
Where can I get more advice? If you would like further information about the taste or odour of the water supply, call 0800 389 1011 and we will be happy to help you.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate also has information on various taste and odour problems associated with the water supply and this can be obtained on their website - www.dwi.gov.uk or by telephone on 020 7082 8024.
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Appearance|
Drinking water is supplied to very high standards but occasionally water can become discoloured or cloudy.
What causes discoloured water? Discolouration is usually caused by localised corrosion of the water mains, which results in the release of minute particles of iron into the water supply. Normally, these particles settle onto the floor of the pipe and have no effect on the quality of the water. Occasionally however, they may be disturbed as a result of a burst main or maintenance work to the distribution system. The overlying water is then temporarily discoloured, appearing orange, brown or grey.
Another source of discoloured water may be rust from old galvanized service pipes. Service pipes connect the mains in the road to the property. The section of pipe from the mains to the stop tap in the pavement is the responsibility of South Staffordshire Water. The part of the pipe from the stop tap to the property is the house owners responsibility.
Other causes can include use of a hydrant by the Fire Brigade or Council road cleaners.
Occasionally the water may appear milky or opaque.and may have a lot of air bubbles in it. It usually clears from the bottom up if left to stand.This is due to excess air in the water and is not harmful to health. Air can enter water from the mains or it can be drawn in via faulty plumbing fittings.
Is discoloured water harmful? Although discoloured water is unsightly it is not usually harmful to health. Understandably because it is not pleasant to look at customers may prefer not to drink it.
What other problems may arise from having discoloured water? Particles in the supply can occasionally cause problems with rust spotting on washing or blocking up of ball valves. Where a lot of air is present customers may experience noise or vibration in their internal plumbing.
What should I do if my water is discoloured? Discolouration usually clears fairly quickly and the process can be helped by flushing internal taps for a period. If the water does not clear after 30 minutes please contact our Customer Relations Department on 0800 3891011.
What is being done to prevent this occurring? South Staffordshire Water is dealing with mains corrosion by lining or replacing affected mains. These are being prioritised so that the worst affected mains are tackled first. At the same time a mains cleaning program is being implemented to help remove any build up of corrosion sediments that may contribute to discolouration of the water supply.
Where can I get more advice? If you would like further information about the discolouration of the water supply, call 0800 389 1011 and we will be happy to help you.
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Black Slime|
Some customers may notice a grey or black jelly like substance present inside their cold water taps, toilet cisterns and bowls, washing machine drawers, shower heads and around tiles in the bathroom.
What is it? These substances are due to the presence of bacteria and fungi, which are very common in the environment and are not connected with the quality of the water supply.
Why does it occur and how does it grow? Airborne fungal spores are naturally present in the environment and grow only when conditions are suitable. They like a warm moist location with a source of food where the spores multiply to form a grey or black jelly-like growth.
Water provides the moisture that these fungi need to grow and hence they are found in the ends of cold water taps, toilet cisterns and bowls, washing machine drawers, shower heads and around tiles in the bathroom. Normal household heating provides the warmth and products such as aerosols from hairsprays and deodorants; soap residues, shampoos, conditioners and detergents provide the nutrients necessary for growth.
More properties have installed double-glazing in recent years, which has led to a reduction in ventilation within the properties and consequently an increase in fungal growths.
How can I prevent fungal growth occurring? Fungal growths can be difficult to eliminate entirely. The actual growth can be removed using diluted bleach or disinfectant. Improving ventilation will also help to reduce the occurrence of these growths, as will removing any limescale, which provides ideal surfaces for the growth to attach itself to.
Where can I get more advice? If you would like further information about fungal growth, call 0800 389 1011 and we will be happy to help you.
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