Brown Water is a comprehensive, plain-English resource dedicated entirely to one issue: brown, yellow, rusty, or discolored tap water.
If you’ve turned on the tap and noticed water that looks brown, orange, or cloudy, you’re not alone. This is a common experience for homeowners, renters, apartment residents, and building managers—especially in older homes and urban areas.
Most people immediately worry about safety, health risks, or whether something is seriously wrong. Unfortunately, the information they find online is often confusing, overly technical, or unnecessarily alarming.
Brown Water exists to do the opposite.
This site explains what brown water is, why it happens, and what it usually means—in clear, straightforward language. No fear-based messaging. No technical overload. Just practical explanations you can understand quickly.
Our goal is simple: help you move from uncertainty to clarity, so you know what you’re dealing with and what to do next.
Brown water is almost always related to sediment, rust, or mineral disturbance somewhere in the plumbing system. In most cases, the discoloration is not coming from the water source itself, but from pipes, fixtures, or building infrastructure.
Common reasons include:
Rust from aging iron or galvanized pipes
Sediment stirred up after water shutoffs or repairs
Pressure changes in city water lines
Water heaters releasing built-up particles
Infrequent water use allowing sediment to settle
Brown water can appear suddenly or gradually. It may affect only hot water, only cold water, or both. It may show up in one apartment but not another.
Understanding where the discoloration originates is the key to knowing whether the issue is temporary, building-wide, or something that needs attention.
Brown Water breaks these causes down clearly, helping you understand:
What’s likely happening
Where the problem usually starts
Whether it’s something that resolves on its own
In most cases, brown water has a logical explanation—and once identified, it becomes far less stressful to manage.
One of the biggest frustrations people face is not knowing what to do after they see brown water.
Should you:
Run the taps?
Stop using the water?
Call the landlord?
Contact a plumber?
Worry about health risks?
Brown Water is built to guide you step by step, starting from the first moment you notice discoloration.
We provide:
Clear explanations of common causes
Simple checks you can do safely at home
Guidance on when to wait and observe
Signs that suggest a building or plumbing issue
Clear next steps if action is needed
You don’t need technical knowledge or special tools. The guidance is written for everyday residents, families, and property occupants who want clarity without confusion.
Brown Water is organized so you can quickly find the information that applies to your situation.
Main sections include:
Causes in Homes & Buildings – where discoloration typically comes from
How to Diagnose the Problem – narrowing down the source
NYC/NJ Plumbing Issues – urban and older-building realities
Health & Safety – clear, calm explanations of actual risks
What to Do Next – practical action steps
Landlord & Building Guide – navigating shared plumbing systems
Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, parent, or building resident, this site is designed to give you confidence instead of concern.
Brown water looks alarming—but with the right information, it’s usually understandable and manageable.
That’s exactly what Brown Water is here to provide.