Drinking Water Quality – FAQs

Drinking water quality in Scotland is of a very high standard, but occasionally something happens to cause the quality of the water to change. This may mean that the water tastes, looks or smells different to normal. Most of these changes are completely harmless and do not make the water unsafe drink. This section explains what the most common issues are, the likely causes and what consumers can do. If you are at all concerned about the quality of a public water supply you should contact Scottish Water in the first instance. If the supply is a private one you should speak to the environmental health section of your local authority.

Taste and Smell

Lead

Discoloured or Dirty

White, Cloudy or Milky Water

Water Hardness

Fluoride