Canberra waters get murky

If you live in Canberra and your water changes colour over the next few days, don't be alarmed.

Residents in Red Hill, Griffith, Manuka and Kingston may experience water discolouration due to an increase in velocity, with pressure and flow testing to occur from Monday to Wednesday, ACTEW Water says.

Crews will undertake some flushing of the pipes to reduce the impact of this change in flows and residents are being advised any discolouration should clear if they run the front garden tap for no more than three minutes.

"In most cases the discolouration will dissipate with normal use," ACTEW Water said in a statement.

"The change in colour normally occurs when the natural sediment is disturbed within the pipes, causing the water to take on a brown or reddish colour."

Don't drink the water if it appears, tastes or smells objectionable, ACTEW said adding that washing machines and dishwashers should not be used as the discoloured water may stain clothes or clog filters.