Frequently asked questions
Why is my water a white/milky colour?
White, milky or cloudy water is due to harmless, tiny air bubbles being spread through the water, usually during repair work.
To check if air is in the water supply, fill a glass of water and allow it to stand. The cloudy appearance should clear from the bottom upwards.
To help fix the problem you can flush a garden tap for a few minutes. If it doesn’t clear, please contact us and we will arrange for the water main to be flushed.
Why is my water a brown/dirty colour?
Brown, yellow or muddy water can be caused by sediment and natural organic matter growing in the water main, or it may be rust from old galvanised wrought iron internal piping.
Sediment can be cleared by flushing the water main, while brown water caused by rusting iron piping can be managed by flushing internal taps or seeking advice from a licensed plumber.
If the water cannot be cleared by turning a garden tap on full for a few minutes, the problem may originate from the water network. This can occur with courts or dead-end streets.
Why is my water unusual tasting or smelling?
Depending how close your property is situated to the treatment plant, you may notice a chlorine taste or odour in the water.
Small amounts of chlorine are added to the water as a disinfectant to destroy any waterborne, disease carrying micro-organisms. The amounts are equivalent to half a tea cup in a backyard swimming pool. Chlorination is an essential part of water treatment and ensures the supply is of a safe quality.
If your water has a very high chlorine odour, you should contact us and we will investigate the problem.
Is there fluoride in my water?
No, the Rockhampton Regional Council became the 14th local government to remove fluoride after State Government amended a mandate.
Council discontinued fluoridating the Rockhampton Region’s public water supplies on 17 June 2013.