Updated November 6, 2024
What Can You Do About Brown Water?
A targeted water sampling program, like Metro Group’s Domestic Water Screening (DWS) protocol, can help determine whether the municipal supply or an internal factor, like bacteria or metals in the piping system, is responsible for the discoloration. The screening can also help pinpoint problem areas.
What is Domestic Water Syndrome?
Quality issues in your drinking water can cause a strong emotional response. No one wants to see brown water in their sinks or showers; the discoloration often triggers feelings of concern and uncertainty. Is the water safe to drink? Could it make someone sick? What’s behind the discoloration?
In large multi-family residential buildings, this sporadic appearance of brown water is known as Domestic Water Syndrome. It can be challenging to pinpoint the cause since it may appear intermittently in different locations throughout the building. Drinking water systems are dynamic, with various potential factors at play.
Does Your Building Experience Brown Water Issues?
If you’re experiencing brown water, the first step is to understand what’s in your water. Metro Group offers a sampling and analysis service to identify key components affecting your building’s water quality. Our analysis can reveal:
- Chlorine levels at your building’s main incoming line
- Bacteria levels (acceptable or elevated)
- Metal levels (acceptable or elevated)
- Confirmation of no issues at the time of sampling, which can help rule out transient debris
What Can You Do About Brown Water?
A targeted water sampling program, like Metro Group’s Domestic Water Screening (DWS) protocol, can help determine whether the municipal supply or an internal factor, like bacteria or metals in the piping system, is responsible for the discoloration. The screening can also help pinpoint problem areas.
What Do Sampling Results from Brown Water Mean?
According to John Caloritis, Certified Water Technologist (CWT) and Metro Group’s National Technical Director as well as President of the Association of Water Technologies (AWT), New York City’s municipal water is generally of very high quality and is rarely the cause of brown water. More than 50% of the time, sampling results show no issues, with discoloration caused by temporary releases of sediment due to nearby construction.
When sampling reveals elevated bacteria or metal levels, it often points to internal issues like biofilm buildup or corrosion within the pipes.
What are the Solutions for Domestic Water Syndrome?
If your brown water analysis indicates elevated bacteria or metals, here are potential solutions:
- System Piping Disinfection: If biofilm is present, a thorough chemical disinfection can help clear bacteria, though this may temporarily disrupt tenants.
- Supplemental Disinfection Unit: If bacteria issues persist due to slow-moving water, a disinfection unit can provide a consistent disinfectant flow.
- Anti-Corrosion Treatment: If metals are leaching from pipes, a corrosion inhibitor can be applied safely to slow down the corrosion process and gradually improve water clarity.
- System Filtration and Repairs: Other interventions, including filtration or targeted repairs, may also be recommended based on specific sampling results.
Implementing these solutions may require expertise, as NYC mandates a special license from the Department of Health for chemical treatments in drinking water systems. Metro Group’s certified water treatment professionals have the knowledge and resources to assist.
Who Can Help with Brown Water Issues in Your Building?
For brown water concerns, Metro Group’s CDC ELITE certified and ELAP approved laboratory can handle the full sampling protocol and provide analysis. Our water treatment team is ready to recommend and complete corrective actions, whether disinfection, corrosion treatment, or further testing is needed.
Metro Group has been the trusted source for building solutions since 1925. For more information about our Drinking Water Services or to schedule a free consultation, contact us at sales@metrogroupinc.com.
