Why Is My Tap Water Cloudy? (And How To Fix It)
If you live in the United States or Canada, then you should have water you can drink straight from the tap, at least in theory. With the emergence of forever chemicals, increased population density, and water shortages in many areas, it’s understandable that many are skeptical about drinking water straight from the tap. Sometimes water can even come out looking very cloudy, leaving you wondering what is wrong with your home’s water supply.
The most common cause of cloudy tap water is a high concentration of air bubbles in the pipes. You may have a dirty aerator, or a problem in the pipes. Less common causes include a buildup of sediment in the water, methane gas, hard water, and even very cold outdoor temperatures can contribute to water cloudiness. To fix the problem, try flushing your pipes, calling your water company, cleaning your aerator, and replacing any old faucets or hardware.
If you live somewhere with a clean water supply, it can be very frustrating when your tap water comes out cloudy instead of crystal clear. To ensure your cloudy tap water is safe to drink, you must find the root cause of this murky issue. Once you know what’s causing the cloudy water, you’ll know if it’s safe to drink, and also how you can fix the problem for good.
Is It Safe To Drink Cloudy Water From The Faucet?
Cloudy tap water certainly doesn't look appetizing, but is it safe to drink? This is an important question, as you don’t want to have to boil all your water or pay for expensive bottled water just because your faucet water is cloudy.
In the majority of cases, tap water is caused by tiny air bubbles that eventually release into the air, which means it is still safe to drink. In some cases, the cloudy water is caused by sediment, gas, and hard water. These impurities sometimes should not be consumed, especially in large quantities. This is why you must find the reason why your tap water is cloudy.
Eight Reasons Why Your Tap Water Is Coming Out Cloudy
1. There’s Air In Your Water Pipes
The most common reason for cloudy tap water is tiny air bubbles trapped in it. If you allow this cloudy water to sit for a few minutes, you’ll notice it clears up.
This is because the air bubbles slowly leave the water, leaving only clean water behind. This type of cloudy water is safe to drink, especially if you let it sit for a few minutes. There are several reasons your water may have air and gas particles in it, and they are all found in this list.
2. Your Water Has Dissolved Gas
One reason for tons of tiny air bubbles in your water is due to dissolved gas in your water supply. It might sound scary to have gas in your tap water. While this isn’t ideal, it’s more common than you might think.
Methane gas, for example, can naturally occur in some water supplies due to natural decay near the water supply. There are other gases that can dissolve into water in various natural forms. If gas is the problem, you may notice gurgling sounds coming from your faucet in addition to cloudy or milky-looking tap water.
3. There’s Been A Burst Water Main
If your water turns from clear to cloudy seemingly overnight, there may have been an issue in the main water supply. A water main break or leak can cause problems with your tap water.Â
One primary concern is water and contaminants in the pipes, while the issue persists. When air finds its way into the system, don’t be surprised if tap water comes out in a different flow. The change in water pressure and increased air can cause cloudy water, and other issues.
4. Hard Or Heavily Treated Water Is To Blame
Hard water typically has a high mineral content. Minerals like limestone, chalk, and others found in various parts of the world, seep into the water supply. Hard water is known to cause dry skin and can leave stains on your shower surfaces. It can also turn your water a cloudy color.
This is particularly true when you heat the water. Minerals can react to the heat, causing them to release and give a cloudy appearance to the water. If your water is only cloudy when using hot water, then hard water may be to blame.
5. Your Pipes Or Hardware Are To Blame
Another way that air can get into your water supply is through faulty pipes and hardware. If your faucet is old, then it might not be letting out a steady stream, and may instead let air in. If your faucet aerator is old and clogged, then there is a very good chance this is the cause of your cloudy water issue.Â
If some faucets emit clear water, while others release cloudy water, then another part of your sink is likely to blame.
6. The Weather Is Causing Cloudy Water
The outside temperature can also cause your water to look cloudy. Very cold outdoor weather will make your water more air soluble. This, and increased water pressure, can result in more trapped air in your water supply when it’s very cold outside.
If you notice the water is usually cloudy in only the coldest parts of the year, then the weather may be the cause of your cloudy water problem.
7. There’s Sediment In Your WaterÂ
Water heaters and water supplies in general can have a buildup of sediment. Over time, this sediment can mix with your water supply and change the color of your water. In some instances, your water may look rusty, and in others it can look cloudy. It all depends on the type of sediment in your water.
Calcium carbonate and other non-metallic substances are often the cause of sediment in your water pipes and water heater. Your water is most likely cloudy if you haven't run the water in some time, as sediment has had time to build up.
8. The Water Supply Is Otherwise Contaminated
There are tons of ways a water supply can become compromised. Road work gone wrong, a severe weather event, a boiling water order, and many other reasons. If you can’t find the source of your water issue, then you might want to do some digging and see if others in your neighborhood are having the same new cloudy water issue.
Five Ways To Solve Your Cloudy Tap Water Problem
1. Contact Water Department
If your cloudy water has seemingly appeared out of nowhere, you should contact your water department. This is an important step to ensure your water is still safe to drink. The water department can inform you of any water main issues, as well as potential water contamination.Â
2. Clean Out Your AeratorsÂ
Aerators are a great way to create a steady and aerated flow of water. If they aren’t functioning properly, or are clogged due to sediment, then your water may be cloudy. Clean or replace all the water aerators in your home, and then test the water.Â
3. Flush Your Hot Water Heater
If you suspect a buildup of sediment is to blame, then flush your water heater. This will help remove any sediment that has built up over time. You may have to repeat this process any time you return from a trip, or don’t use hot water for several days.
4. Change Out Your Old Faucet For A New One
If your faucet or some part of your sink hardware is to blame for the cloudy water, replace it. Ensure you replace it with a system that has good aeration. If your water is only cloudy in one sink, then a new faucet may be the solution.
5. Run The Water For Five Minutes
If there is air in your pipes, one way to flush it out is to run the water for a few minutes. If you run the water for several minutes and notice the milky color of the water has turned clear, then your water is likely back to normal.
Summing Up Reasons Why Tap Water Is Cloudy
If you turn on your faucet and cloudy water comes out, you’ll want to find the cause of this problem. Usually air bubbles cause cloudy water, but the issue can also come from minerals, sediment, and gas. Call your water department to see if there are any contamination issues, and then run your cold and hot water to flush the system. Clean your aerators and replace any old hardware, especially if the water is only coming out cloudy in one sink.
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Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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