Why is My Water Yellow? Understanding Chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts

Chlorine is a chemical disinfectant used to kill bacteria in water. It is typically added to public water supplies in small amounts to ensure the safety of the water. However, high levels of chlorine can cause the water to look yellow. This is because chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water to produce compounds called trihalomethanes (THMs). THMs are disinfection byproducts that can give the water a yellow color.

In addition to causing the water to look yellow, high levels of chlorine can also cause the water to taste and smell bad. It can also irritate the skin and eyes. If you are concerned about the levels of chlorine in your water, you can contact your local water utility to inquire about the levels of THMs in the water. You can also purchase a water filter that is specifically designed to remove chlorine from the water.