Suspended Particles in Water

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

The Wenatchee Valley is fortunate to have very clear, clean drinking water.  It can be alarming to have a sudden change to the water.  Below are some common sources of particles that can end up suspended in the water.

BROWN OR ORANGE PARTICLES: Brown or orange particles in water are usually small pieces of rusted steel that haveExample of water containing rust particles broken off of the inside of your plumbing supply lines or the city’s water mains. These particles are very hard, irregular in shape and size, and can be several different colors.  They consist mostly of iron and are not a health hazard.  Allowing the water to run before use is usually recommended to remove the particles.

Another cause of brown or orange particles in water could be a defective water softener. Inside a water softener are many small, round beads that can vary in size and color.  

WHITE OR TAN PARTICLES: White or tan particles usually come from one of three places: the inside of your pipes, your water heater or your water softener. 

White or tan particles can be a combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate; this material is often referred to as pipe scale.  Calcium and magnesium carbonates are naturally occurring minerals and are found in varying concentrations in most water.  These minerals are not a health threat; in fact, they are beneficial to human health.  The amounts of these minerals in water determine the hardness of the water, higher mineral concentration makes the water “harder”.  Over time, these minerals can deposit on the inside of your pipes and then begin to flake off.  If you add a water softener to your plumbing system, the softer water can re-dissolve the minerals from the pipes and pieces may begin to flake loose.

The calcium and magnesium carbonates can also precipitate out of the water forming white or tan sand-like deposits in a water heater.  Water heaters also contain a plastic dip tube that takes the cold incoming water to the bottom of the tank.  As the plastic dip tube ages it can disintegrate causing small plastic pieces in the water.

BLACK PARTICLES: Black particles can come from four common sources: the inside of a steel pipe, a broken water filter, a degrading faucet washer or gasket, or a disintegrating black rubber, flexible supply hose. 

If the particles are small black specks that might be describes as being oily or sooty in texture, they are probably from the inside of a flexible hose, often used as water heater connectors.  Over time, the chlorine in the water causes the rubber to break down.  Contact a licensed plumber to remedy this problem. 

If you have additional concerns or questions please contact the water utility at (509) 888-3235.