The following is a list of commonly asked
questions regarding water "appearance".
Although these are the most likely answers, you
should always report any water issues to the
Water / Wastewater Department at (512) 332-8960.
Why does my water appear cloudy when first taken from a faucet, but then clears up?
The cloudy water could be caused by tiny air bubbles in the water. After a while, the bubbles rise to the top and are gone. Another cause of cloudiness in cold water comes from calcium. In certain waters, the nontoxic chemical, calcium carbonate, will precipitate when it is cold. Since it is white, this precipitate can cause the water to look cloudy. Water with calcium carbonate in it is perfectly safe to drink or use for cooking, though it may be unappealing to look at.
My drinking water is reddish or brown in color. What causes this?
This reddish-brown color is nontoxic, but can stain clothing in the wash. The most likely causes are Iron and / or Rust.
Iron, which sometimes occurs in nature, may be dissolved in your drinking water. When Iron is dissolved in groundwater, it is colorless, but when it combines with air as you take water from your faucet or elsewhere inthe system, the iron turns reddish-brown. If you notice the water changing from colorless to brown, you may want to consider buying an iron-removal unit for your home.
Drinking water pipes - in the street, leading to your home, or in your home - may also be rusting, creating rusty-brown water. Also, your hot water tank may be rusting. ~If you are having trouble and your neighbors are not, then your own pipes or water heater probably are rusting. Letting the water run a while will often clear the water (save the rusty water for plants).
Why is my drinking water dark in color, nearly black?
When manganese, a chemical currently thought to be nontoxic that frequently occurs in nature, dissolves in groundwater, it is colorless. When it combines with the chlorine in the water as it comes into your home, it turns black. If you have blackish water, you may want to consider a filter to remove manganese from the water in your home.
What is the difference between "hard" and "soft" water?
Which type does the City of Bastrop have?
"Hard" water contains a substantial amount of minerals known as calcium and/or magnesium. These minerals are nontoxic but can cause other problems such as; difficulty in lathering suds for washing, leaving white spots on your shower stall and on your dishes. "Soft" water contains little calcium or magnesium.
The City's water is considered "hard." |
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