IT may appear a different colour, but Rockhampton's tap water is safe to drink, councillor Greg Belz said on Friday.

Cr Belz, who chairs the Rockhampton Regional Council's water committee, has urged residents not to jump to wrong conclusions.

Many residents across the city, including from Kawana, Berserker, Frenchville, Glenlee and Depot Hill, reported brown-coloured water running from their taps over the past two days.

Some are concerned the water's conditions is causing family members to fall ill with stomach bugs and rashes.

But as residents across the region stock up on bottled water (shelves were reportedly empty at some supermarkets on Friday), Cr Belz said if he had any concerns he would not let his mother, 80, drink the water.

"I understand there is a perception that when the colour of the water changes it's unsafe to drink. There is no connection between the colour of the water and its safety.

"Water-testing protocol at the treatment plant is very strict and reliable," he said.

"If there was any cause for concern with the drinking water we would notify the Queensland Health Department and they would decide whether the water was safe.

"Fitzroy River Water staff, and even my 80-year-old mother, drink tap water. Do you think I would let my mother drink the water if it wasn't safe?"

He said it could take at least a week before the water returned to normal.