Reports: South Peel - Mississauga, Brampton, Bolton - 2005 Water Quality FAQ 3 - Water and Wastewater - Public Works

Our Vision: "To be Recognized as the
Industry Leader in Public Works"

Intro | Characteristics | Regulatory Compliance | FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9. What can I do at home about my water quality?

Chlorine Odour and Taste
Possible Cause	Chlorine getting combined with organics. Chlorination of new watermains. Effects of new plumbing. Change of residency as chlorine concentration varies from location to location.
Suggested Solutions	Chlorine is necessary to control disease-causing organisms. To minimise the chlorine taste and smell in water: Fill a pitcher and let it stand in the refrigerator overnight. Blend the water for 5 minutes or pour between containers about 10 times. Boil the water, let it cool down and then refrigerate. Home plumbing may be flushed for a minute before water use (especially in the mornings, after water stands in the lines overnight).
Musty / Earthy / Sour/ Grassy / Foul Odour
Possible Cause	Algae that bloom in the lake in the summer produces a metabolite called 'geosmin', which causes musty/earthy odour. Dead-end watermains or areas with low water demand. Poorly maintained hot water tanks. Faucet Aerators/Screens and sink drains.
Suggested Solutions	The algae are harmless and although the water may not be aesthetically pleasing, it is safe. Clean faucet aerators and screens on frequent basis. Hot water tanks should be flushed periodically (every 2 to 3 years) to remove rust and scale. Refrain from flushing solids/organics down the drain; stagnant wastewater in the drain may generate foul odours and potentially plug the drain.
Milky / Cloudy Water
Possible Cause	Air trapped in water due to water main breaks, water temperature or pressure change, plumbing work, construction work in the area, water shut-offs. Hot water tank temperature may be set for too high.
Suggested Solutions	Run all cold water taps at once for a couple of minutes to flush the lines and release the air . Lower the hot water tank temperature if above 140F(60C).
Blue / Green Stains on Fixtures
Possible Cause	Copper in water due to copper plumbing.
Suggested Solutions	Run water for 30 seconds to reduce local plumbing (metal concentration) consumption. Keep fixtures dry and drip-free.
Brown / Dirty Water
Possible Cause	Change in water flow due to: Watermain break. Hydrant use. Local Fire. Dead ends. Poorly maintained hot water tanks.
Suggested Solutions	Open cold water faucets and flush water for 5 to 10 minutes, until clear. Refrain from doing laundry to prevent clothes staining. Hot water tank should be flushed periodically (every 2 to 3 years).
White Flakes / Particles
Possible Cause	Flakes are scale caused by hardness. Faulty or disintegrating hot water tank tubing or lining.
Suggested Solutions	Can be reduced by frequent cleaning of faucet aerators/screens and/or frequent flushing of hot water tanks. Contact the hot water tank company.
Oil / Grease in Water
Possible Cause	Often traced to pipe jointing compounds used to repair plumbing; may be of any colour and usually noticed in bathtub or sink.
Suggested Solutions	Open several faucets and flush the cold and hot water for a couple of minutes to flush the lines and release any oil/grease that may have been released. Repeat if necessary.

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South Peel - Mississauga, Brampton, Bolton: 2005 Water Quality Report

Our Vision: "To be Recognized as the Industry Leader in Public Works"

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9. What can I do at home about my water quality?

Our Vision: "To be Recognized as the
Industry Leader in Public Works"