You turn on your faucet to get a refreshing glass of water, but what comes out is a cloudy, milky liquid. Your first thought is likely, “Why is my tap water cloudy all of a sudden?”. A water quality test may show that the water is positive for bacteria and nitrate but is safe to drink. The water may also have a strong odor of sulfur and a metallic taste which makes it unpleasant to drink.
It’s a disconcerting experience, and you’re right to be cautious and ask questions like ‘is cloudy water from tap safe to drink?’ or ‘can cloudy water make you sick?’. While cloudy tap water is often harmless, it can sometimes be a sign of underlying issues with your water quality or plumbing.
At Aqua Clear Water Systems, we believe every family in Tennessee, Georgia, and Kentucky deserves peace of mind about the water they drink. This guide will help you understand the causes of cloudy water and what you can do to fix it.
The Two-Minute ‘Glass Test’
Before you panic, perform this simple test to get a better idea of what’s causing the cloudiness:
- Fill a clear glass with the cloudy water from your tap.
- Set it on a counter and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Observe the glass and water.
If your tap water is cloudy then clears up from the bottom of the glass to the top, you’re most likely dealing with tiny air bubbles. If the water remains cloudy when particles continue to settle at the bottom of the container, it may be a more serious issue.
Common Causes of Cloudy Tap Water
The following section examines the primary factors which produce milkiness in water.
Harmless Air Bubbles (Aeration)
This is the most frequent cause of cloudy water, and the good news is, it’s completely harmless. The cloudiness is simply due to dissolved air bubbles in the water, a phenomenon known as aeration. This can happen for several reasons:
- Changes in Water Pressure: Water in the pipes is under pressure, which allows it to hold more dissolved air. The water becomes hazy when you turn on the faucet because the water pressure release creates small air bubbles that rise to the surface.
- Cold Temperatures: Cold water contains higher levels of dissolved air than does warm water. In the winter, when cold water from the mains enters your warmer home pipes, it heats up, and the air is released.
- Recent Plumbing Work: If there has been recent construction or repairs on the water main in your area, air can get trapped in the system and cause temporary cloudiness.
The water from your tap may contain particles that make it appear hazy. The safety of drinking this water depends on the source of your tap water. If your tap water comes from a municipal supply, it should be safe to drink.
However, if your tap water comes from a well or private source, it may contain contaminants that make it unsafe to drink. It is always best to check with your local water authority to determine the safety of your tap water.
Hard Water Minerals
The presence of cloudy water after conducting the glass test indicates that your water supply contains hard water minerals. Hard water is water with a high concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. The minerals in your water do not pose any health risks, but they can lead to various problems in your home:
- White, chalky residue (limescale) on faucets, showerheads, and dishes.
- Soap scum buildup in sinks and tubs.
- Stiff, scratchy laundry.
- Dry skin and dull hair.
- Reduced lifespan and efficiency of water-using appliances.
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) stands as a major cause which leads to persistent water cloudiness. The water contains fine particles which consist of sediment, silt, sand, clay, and organic matter that survive the treatment process. High levels of TSS can indicate poor water quality and may suggest that your water source has been disturbed, perhaps by heavy rain or nearby construction.
The main issue to consider is whether cloudy water poses any health risks to people. The presence of TSS as the cause of cloudiness in the water would result in a positive answer. The particles themselves are not dangerous, but they can transport bacteria, viruses, lead, and other harmful substances which create health hazards.
Methane Gas or Plumbing Issues
In rare cases, especially for homes with well water, cloudy water can be caused by methane gas. This is a flammable gas that can enter the water supply from natural sources or nearby drilling activities. The signs of methane include sputtering faucets and visible gas bubbles.
Old, corroded pipes can release particles into your water supply, which results in both discoloration and cloudiness. This is a sign that your plumbing system may need professional attention.
How to Fix Cloudy Tap Water: A Solution for Every Cause
Now that you know the potential causes, let’s talk about solutions.
- If it’s Air Bubbles: Patience is key. The cloudiness will disappear naturally. Contact your local water utility for assistance if you experience a sudden and ongoing problem, because they can check if maintenance work has occurred in your neighborhood.
- If it’s Hard Water: You have the power to create a significant improvement in your home when dealing with hard water. The best way to combat hard water is to install a water softener. A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium minerals, eliminating cloudy water, preventing limescale buildup, protecting your appliances, and leaving you with softer skin and hair.
- If it’s Sediments (TSS) or Other Contaminants: If you suspect your water contains sediments or other impurities, a water filtration system is the ideal solution. A whole-house filtration system provides home-wide water treatment by removing particles, chlorine, and other contaminants from all household water sources. For targeted purification of your drinking water, an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system provides the highest level of filtration.
- If you suspect Methane Gas or Plumbing Problems: You should contact professionals right away when you detect methane gas or notice any problems with your plumbing system. Contact your local health department for methane testing. If you believe the issue is your pipes, a licensed plumber can assess the situation and recommend the necessary repairs.
The Ultimate Fix: Professional Water Testing and Treatment
The ‘glass test’ provides useful information, but it does not offer complete knowledge about the water quality. You can’t see, taste, or smell many of the contaminants that could be lurking in your water. The only way to know for sure what’s causing your cloudy water – and to get a lasting solution – is with a professional water analysis.
Don’t let cloudy water leave you guessing. Take charge of your home water quality right now. Contact Aqua Clear Water Systems to obtain your complimentary water analysis which will begin your journey toward clear water that tastes great and remains safe to drink.
For families who experience recurring cloudiness or other water quality issues, installing whole home water filter systems can provide a lasting solution. These systems treat all the water entering your home, removing sediments, minerals, and dissolved gases that contribute to cloudy tap water. By filtering every faucet, they ensure cleaner, clearer, and better-tasting water while protecting your plumbing, appliances, and fixtures from buildup and corrosion.
If you have noticed your tap water is looking rather cloudy and want to know how to fix it, you must first determine the cause. The most likely reason is the presence of tiny, trapped air bubbles in the system. A glass of cloudy water should gradually clear over a minute as the air bubbles travel from the bottom upwards. Cloudiness like this can sometimes happen when repairs are undertaken on a pipe nearby and air gets trapped in the water. Occasionally this fizzy water may dislodge deposits that have collected inside the pipes, so you may notice deposits in the bottom of your glass also. If there is a simple explanation like this for air in your pipes, you can release the trapped air from your system and the problem should be solved. However, unexplained water pressure fluctuations resulting from a burst or leaking pipe could lead to more extensive problems with your plumbing and it may be necessary to call a plumber.
If just the hot water tap is cloudy, fixing it may not be necessary as this can be normal when gasses trapped by water molecules expand in the heat. If the problem persists though, your water heater may need repair so call a plumber as soon as possible because water heater issues can be dangerous.
Other Causes for Cloudy Tap Water
Hard water may appear cloudy due to its high mineral content, which can create chalky white deposits in your faucets and pipes. Hard water can also make your hair and skin feel dry and cause your clothes to develop stains and wear out more quickly. Hard water will leave scale deposits on your fixtures and pipes which will build up over time, disrupting your water pressure and wearing out your water-using appliances. The easiest way to fix this type of cloudy tap water is to have a water softener system installed.
While bubbles and hard water are not generally dangerous to your health, there are other contaminants to be aware of that can also cause cloudy water and be hazardous. The presence of methane gas, for example, can cause dizziness and blackouts, rashes, and leg swelling. If your cloudy water also has a color like brown, green, or yellow, you need to have your water analyzed to see what contaminants or pollutants are causing the problem, so you can choose the right water filtration system to fix your cloudy tap water.
Choose Aqua Clear Water Systems for Aqua Clear Water
At Aqua Clear Water Systems, our expert technicians will perform a free water test at your home so they can assess what is causing the problem with your tap water and offer suitable options that tie in with your needs and budget. If you want to fix your cloudy tap water and ensure your water is 99.9% free of harmful contaminants, toxic chemicals, and limescale we have numerous options for you to choose from, including whole house systems or simple drinking water filtration. Whatever the problem, we have the solution.
