Stream water is brown. Continue or abort?

[seanspotatobusiness]

NT 15444 60355 (Ordnance Survey coordinates)

I have collected water from near the origin of a stream near the top of a hill in the Pentland Hills. I filtered it through a squashed up flannel into a bottle and I'm ready to add a sterilising tablet but the water is yellow or brown, not unlike concentrated urine. Is it safe to continue with this water? I'm pretty sure all the water I've seen around here has this tint. I was expecting it to be clear. Where ever could this endless supply of brown come from?

 

[crosslandkelly]

Could be Tannins?

 

[crosslandkelly]

Could be Tannins?

Tannins are natural organic matter that can result from nature's fermentation process as water passes through the ground in peaty areas or through levels of decaying vegetation. Tannins are typical found in shallow wells, in swampy or marshy areas as well as coastal areas.

 

[John Fenna]

Peat stain?

 

[seanspotatobusiness]

I'm reminded of the Bundy's policy: "if it's brown, crunch it down; if it's black, send it back". I'll report back the outcome if I'm not debilitated :-D

 

[crosslandkelly]

Do you have a water filter, such as a Sawyer mini?

 

[mick91]

Iron? We have a stream near me where the water is clear but almost orange due to iron deposits. Probably won't do you any harm so long as it's been sterilized