What the pattern tells you
| You notice | Most likely |
|---|---|
| Brown or yellow water the first minute, clearing | Galvanized or iron pipe in the unit or building |
| Rusty water after weeks away | Standing water in pipes and the heater |
| Hot water only | Water heater sediment or corrosion |
| Many units or homes at once, for hours | Main work, a break or hydrant flushing |
| Orange streaks on walls, pavers or a pool deck | Irrigation water from a well |
NMB Water's step-by-step
For discolored water, NMB Water advises flushing three or four cold water taps for about 5 to 10 minutes at full pressure. If it does not clear, wait another hour and try again. If it still has not cleared in a few hours, or you also lose significant pressure, contact NMB Water Customer Service at 305-948-2960.
For brown or yellow water only on the first draw, NMB points to galvanized iron pipe whose inner zinc coating has worn thin; the longer water sits, the worse it looks. Its 2025 report adds that a licensed plumber should check for galvanized pipe, and if there is none, the water heater and household plumbing should be flushed at least twice a year.
In a condo building
Pipes inside the walls and the building's risers are the association's responsibility; the pipes and fixtures inside your unit are generally yours. If several neighbors report the same discoloration, tell management, since the cause may be building-wide. A filter in your unit will not fix corrosion in the building's lines, and Jorge will tell you that plainly if it is the case.
Hydrant flushing
About once a year NMB Water switches its Norwood plant to free chlorine and flushes hydrants across its service area. Fast-moving water can stir up sediment and cause temporary discoloration. Run cold water until it clears, and avoid washing whites until it does.
Irrigation water
Where a property waters landscaping from a well, iron in the groundwater oxidizes on contact with air and sunlight and leaves orange streaks. Miami-Dade's year-round irrigation rules apply to wells too: two days a week, odd-numbered addresses on Wednesday and Saturday, even-numbered on Thursday and Sunday, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Iron treatment on the irrigation line prevents new stains; old ones need a rust remover tested on a small spot first.
What Jorge tests
Iron in hot and cold water, plus hardness, chloramine and pH, and iron in irrigation water if relevant. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.citynmb.com/911/Brown-Red-Orange-or-Yellow-Water
https://www.citynmb.com/912/Brown-or-Yellow-Hot-Water-On-First-Draw
https://www.citynmb.com/DocumentCenter/View/14691/2025-CCR-ENGLISH-web-version
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/conservation/outdoor-water-restrictions.page
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist