Imagine this: you open your tap. Maybe you want a glass of water or you’re filling up your bath for a nice soak, but suddenly the color of water is strikingly similar to Hulk’s skin. What is going on? Well, your water is green. How did that happen? Should install a water filtration system or replace the pipe? Let’s know!

Reasons For Green Tap Water

Before diving into how to get rid of the green murky color, you need to know why the water is green, to begin with. Here are some of the most common reasons.

There’s Copper

Normally, the main reason why water is green is not because the Incredible Hulk is taking a soak in it, but because there is copper in the water. Copper is a very common metal that can find its way into water and well, the result is green water that looks straight out of a horror movie.

Copper can damage the water pipes through corrosion, the soil, and even poisoned wells. So, that is something that you need to keep in mind. If you see green water, 9 times out of 10, it will be because of copper.

Algae Is The Culprit

So, what about that one time when your water is green, but there’s no copper in it? Well, that can be because of biological compounds. Algae can be formed in stagnant water and when the water moves, the algae get disturbed and breaks down in the water, turning it into a murky green.

Algae don’t normally form in water, but it is not uncommon either. You can also see huge chunks of algae in the water when you go ahead and open the tap. So, if you see that, then you know what’s behind the reason for your water turning green.

The Pipes Are Corroded

One of the ways by which copper can make its way into the water is through corroded pipes. Now, as much as you don’t want to admit it, pipes can corrode. They can only last for so long and there’s not a lot that you can do besides changing them.

After a decade or so, your pipes will show signs of corrosion and one of them can be dirty green water. So, if you don’t want to get stuck in more problems, then you should do something about the corroded pipes.

Water Is Acidic

Speaking of corroded pipes, there can be a lot of factors that contribute to the corrosion of pipes. One of them is the water pH being out of whack. Water is normally neutral, having a pH of 7.

But if there’s something mixed in the water, then it can turn highly acidic. It can have a high concentration of hydrogen ions and that is what not only leads the water to be acidic but it will also accelerate the corrosion process of the pipes. If you have acidic water, then the pipes will deteriorate at lightning speed, which is very alarming.

Live Organisms Are The Reason

Sometimes, there can also be bacteria and microorganisms in the water and those can turn the water into a murky green color. If you have ever seen a swamp, then you would know that it is a green puddle of murky water and the reason why it’s green is because of the organisms in it. They thrive in the water and multiply over time, hence polluting the water and making it green.

This is not good at all and you need to get the water checked because organisms in water are very questionable. It doesn’t just happen on a whim. There could be a serious case of poisoned water that’s leading the water to turn green.

How To Get Clear Tap Water?

Now that you know why your tap water is green, here are some things you can do to rectify it once and for all.

Replace The Pipes

So, if you think that the green color of the water is because of the pipes, then the first order of business is to get the pipes checked. If they are very corroded, then you want to change the pipes. This is a highly tedious task that no one ever wants to do, but you have to.

It’s the only way you can stop the green water from ruining everything and you will also save yourself from more problems like pipe leaks and bursts.

Get Your Water Tested

If you suspect copper in the water, you can’t just tell it with your naked eye. You need to get the water tested for the exact concentration of copper in the water. This is why you want to either send your water sample to a water lab and wait for the results or you can even request a water report from your local water supply company and they will provide you with the details.

This is something that you have to get done to rule out all of the possibilities. If copper is in the water, then you need to get to work on how to remove it because green water is not the same as having mere hard water.

Water Filters Help

If the water has copper in it and the pipes are still in good condition then it might be a supply problem. Regardless, you still don’t want to drink or even use green water, because that’s just yuck.

So, you have to invest in a water filter that removes traces of this green pigment-inducing metal from the water. It can be attached right with the tap and once you let the water run, it is going to remove copper from it and the water will turn clear in no time. It’s seriously amazing. However, if you don’t want to install a filtration system, you can also order bottled water home delivery Erie for drinking water.

Disinfection Is Key

If there is a huge quantity of bacteria in your water, then your water supply is probably infected and you can’t drink that water unless you’re baiting for a stomachache or worse. This is why you want to proceed with disinfection.

Disinfection includes the process of killing bacteria by either introducing chlorine in the water or some other type of disinfectant that won’t alter the taste of water and will get rid of the bacteria in no time. This is going to be a lifesaver, so make sure that it doesn’t go unnoticed.

Let The Water Run

Sometimes, there might just be an obstruction in the tap and that is why your water is green. It might be getting mixed with the remnants on the walls of the pipes and the result is green water. Well, in this case, you want to let the water run for a bit.

A few seconds in, you will see the water turn from green to clear and the problem is solved. Keep in mind that it doesn’t normally happen. But it’s worth a try before you go ahead and take big steps like getting a filter or disinfecting.

Conclusion

Green water can be because of a handful of reasons and now you know how to deal with it. Green water sounds mystical, however, it’s anything but and it will make everything look like a swamp. In any case, using a whole house water filtration Warren system will do the trick. However, if the green water is due to corroded pipes, it’s better to replace the pipes.