Having problems with your tap water?
Most tap water issues have simple explanations and straightforward fixes. Cloudy water is almost always harmless air bubbles. A chlorine taste is legal and expected. Brown water usually clears in minutes. This guide covers every common UK tap water problem — what's causing it, whether it's safe, and exactly what to do.
Select the type of problem you're experiencing below, or see the full list of symptom guides.
Chlorine, metallic, chemical, or unusual flavours
Cloudy, brown, discoloured, or particles
Chlorine, rotten eggs, musty, or chemical odours
Low pressure, intermittent supply, or air in pipes
All tap water problem guides
Why Does My Water Taste of Chlorine?
Strong chlorine or swimming pool taste
Taste issue
Why Is My Tap Water Cloudy or Milky?
Water appears white, cloudy, or milky
Appearance issue
Why Is My Water Brown, Yellow, or Orange?
Water is discoloured brown, rusty, yellow, or orange
Appearance issue
Why Does My Water Taste Metallic?
Water has a metallic, bitter, or tinny taste
Taste issue
Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
Water smells of sulphur, rotten eggs, or sewage
Smell issue
Why Is My Water Pressure Low?
Water comes out slowly or with poor pressure
Pressure issue
Not sure what category your problem is?
If your water looks, smells, or tastes wrong — or if your pressure has changed suddenly — enter your postcode below. We'll show you what has been detected in your area, which can help narrow down the cause.
Covers 50+ contaminants across 220 postcode districts in England, Wales, and Scotland.