Discoloured or rusty tap water can be caused by a number of different factors. Below are different scenarios and suggested steps you can take to help resolve the issue.

If you are a tenant in a multi-residential building, please report any incidents of discoloured tap water to your landlord or superintendent.

The City supplies cold water to its customers. If only hot water is discoloured, this indicates a private plumbing issue and you may wish to contact a plumber.

If only one tap produces discoloured water, try these steps to resolve the issue:

  1. Remove the aerator (screen) from the tap where you are experiencing the discolouration.
  2. Turn on the cold water for approximately 10 minutes.
  3. Place the aerator back on your tap.

If the issue persists, you may wish to contact a plumber.

If all taps are producing discoloured water, this may be a result of plumbing work on your property, construction on a watermain in your area or nearby fire hydrant use. Try these steps to resolve the issue:

  1. Remove the aerators (screens) from your taps.
  2. Turn on the cold water tap in the basement laundry room, or the tap located nearest to your water meter and main water shut off valve.
  3. Let the water run for 10 minutes.
  4. Place the aerators back on your taps.

If the issue persists after you have attempted the above

Submit a service request online or call 311 to have Toronto Water investigate.

Investigation process

  • Your request will be investigated within eight hours. Please note that someone will need to be home in order for staff to access your property.
  • To resolve the issue, staff will flush the watermain that supplies water to your home in order to clean out any mineral deposits or sediment that may have built up or settled to the bottom of the pipe.
  • Flushing can take up to 30 minutes to complete at which point you will be asked to the following:
    • Remove the aerators (screens) from your taps.
    • Turn on the cold water tap in the basement laundry room, or the tap located nearest to your water meter and main water shut off valve.
  • If the water is still not clear, there may be sediment in your meter or the portion of your pipe from the property line into your home. Staff will:
    • Remove and inspect the water meter for clogs
    • Attach a hose to the main water supply where it enters your home through the foundation wall. Once attached, staff will run water through the hose and drain it into a toilet, sink or drain.