Ruling on the water that underwent a change in its color, smell or taste

Q: I live in a mountainous region in Southern Yemen where many abominable acts are committed. It is known that this area suffers scarce rain according to the Will of Allah (Exalted be He). Only very few people offer Salah in the Masjid (mosque); and they even perform Wudu' (ablution) with contaminated water in a small tank beside the Masjid even though its color and taste have changed. They refuse to listen to any advice of not performing Wudu' with this water and even insist on the correctness of their deed. The problem is worsened by the fact that the man in charge of the Masjid supports them because he is illiterate. May your Eminence give a Fatwa on this problem, which is prevalent in our region! I hope you can send my people a message through me that may convince them and urge them to stop their wrong actions, for offering Salah without Wudu' is definitely invalid. May your message save a whole village from this wrongdoing and make its inhabitants perform Wudu' in their houses if Allah wills. (Part No. 5; Page No. 76) You will be honored for bringing these illiterate people out of their ignorance. May Allah grant us success and may He (the Most High and the Omnipotent) guide them to Al-Sirat-ul-Mustaqim (the Straight Path).

A: All praise is due to Allah Alone and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family and Companions. To commence: This question is general and needs elaboration. If the water changes because of some impurity which falls into it, then it is to be regarded as impure and it is impermissible to use for purification from major or minor ritual impurity or for washing clothes. On the other hand, if water changes because something pure falls into it or out of remaining in its place for a long time, then it is permissible to use it for Wudu', Ghusl (ritual bath) or for getting rid of any impurity.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.