Generally speaking, you should reduce the temperature of your hot water if it is too hot to touch. You can consult the owner's manual for your heater or check with your plumber to determine the proper heat setting. Lowering your water temperature will reduce the staining problem and save you money on your energy bill Also keep in mind that a tap that is used often throughout the day usually will not produce copper stains, so if you flush the tap for a minute or so before using the water for cooking or drinking, copper levels will be low. Sediment or sand can appear in your drinking water any time there is a sudden change in the velocity, volume, or direction of water flowing through our mains. These conditions may occur following the opening of a fire hydrant or when we flush the system.
Sediment is the result of an accumulation of minerals in the water mains.
Sand comes from the gradual aging of the cement pipes used in much of our distribution system. Each year we flush several hundred miles of water main to control the buildup of these materials which pose no health risk. Water with sediment or sand should clear within several hours. Discolored water, like the appearance of sediment and sand, usually results from a sudden change in the volume, velocity, or direction of the water flowing through our water mains. Using discolored water for laundry may also stain some clothing.