Cloudy tap water is generally described as “milky water” or “white water” because the cloudiness is basically a neutral color. Frequently we expect water to come for the tap crystal clear and anything other than that is a sign of something wrong — or maybe even hazardous. In most cases, if you’re getting your water from a municipal water supply, cloudy tap water is only an aesthetic issue and has no health risks or even taste issues associated with it.Cloudiness in tap water is actually dissolved air. Mostly, it occurs naturally in well-water where municipal water supplies are often sourced, or it may enter the water during pumping. As long as the water is under pressure inside your supply lines, air it contains remains in a dissolved state. When you open the tap, however, pressure is released and the dissolved air content in the water rapidly turns into millions of extremely tiny air bubbles that impart a clouded effect when the water is viewed in a glass or other clear container.A simple test can confirm that cloudiness is simply air coming out of solution in the water, not chemicals or other impurities:
Open a tap and fill a drinking glass or clear jar with tap water. Set the glass on a counter and note the degree of cloudiness in the water.
Allow a few minutes to pass and observe the clearing process of the water. If tiny air bubbles are the cause, you’ll notice that cloudiness in the water clears steadily, starting from the bottom and moving up toward the top of the glass until all water is perfectly clear. That’s a classic indicator of air content causing the cloudiness.
If the water at the top of the glass clears but water at the bottom looks rusty or otherwise discolored, contact a qualified plumber for an inspection. You may have internally rusted or corroded water supply lines that need replacement.
For a professional opinion about issues of cloudy tap water, contact the plumbing experts at Air Assurance.
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