Yellow, Orange or Rusty Red Particles

Most Common Cause: If a water softener exists in the home, yellow/orange/rusty red particles that settle out in a glass or can be seen in the bottom of the toilet or bathtub may indicate a malfunction of the water softener. 

Recommended Action: The particles are likely resin beads (round) from the softener. (See picture below) Bypass the water softener or limit use of water to prevent resin beads from spreading throughout the house. Please contact a plumbing expert immediately. 

Typical water softener resin beads.

Common Cause: If no water softener exists in the home, the most common cause of yellow/orange/rusty red particles is iron. Typically found in homes built before the 1960s, rust can dislodge from galvanized (iron) piping and result in solids or particles.

Recommended Action: Turn on all the taps. The water should run clear within a few seconds, but it could take up to five (5) minutes. If this result is experienced, no further action is needed. We also recommend not washing clothes during yellow/orange/red water events as it may cause staining on clothing. No health/safety concerns and water use can continue as normal.

Common Cause: In some sections of the city, older cast-iron water mains are still part of the distribution system carrying water to the home. Particles can occur when rust in the mains is disturbed by nearby construction or changes in flow or pressure. Yellow/orange/rusty red solids such as these typically don’t last longer than 12-24 hours. 

Recommended Action: Turn all of the taps on. The water should run clear within a few seconds, but could take up to five (5) minutes. If this result is experienced, no further action is needed. To check for ongoing work in the area which could be the cause of this issue, View Outage Map. We also recommend not washing clothes during yellow/orange/red water events as it may cause staining on clothing. No health/safety concerns and water use can continue as normal.