Have you ever turned on your tap and noticed that the water coming out is cloudy? If so, you're not alone. Cloudy tap water is a common issue that many homeowners experience. However, it's important to understand why your tap water is cloudy and whether or not it's safe to drink.
At Jarboe's Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we take pride in helping homeowners with all of their plumbing needs, including issues with tap water. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons behind cloudy tap water and provide answers to some common questions about drinking it.
As we turn on our faucets, we expect clean and clear water to flow instantly, but sometimes, what we see is different. Instead of crystal clear drinking water, we see cloudy or milky water. It's not always a cause for concern, but it can be a sign of some underlying problems in our plumbing system or water supply. Here are some reasons why your tap water might look cloudy:
Often, the most common cause of cloudy water is the presence of air bubbles. This type of cloudiness is caused by aerated water. It is harmless and usually disappears within a few minutes.
One common cause of trapped air is a phenomenon called water hammer. Water hammer occurs when water flows at high speed through the pipes and then suddenly stops, causing the pipes to vibrate. This can create a vacuum that sucks air into the pipes.
Another source of trapped air is leaks in the plumbing system. When water escapes through a leak or burst pipe, air can seep in through the same opening. This can happen even if the leak is small and difficult to detect.
Additionally, if the water pressure in your home is too high, this can cause air to enter the pipes. This is because the high pressure can push tiny air bubbles into the water supply, which then get carried along with the water through the pipes.
In some cases, air can also enter the pipes due to faulty valves or fixtures. For example, a defective backflow preventer can allow air to flow into the pipes from the outside.
Another common cause of cloudy water is the presence of sediments like sand, dirt, rust, or limescale build up in the water supply or pipework connected to your home. These particles can come from the pipes, the water source, or the supply system itself, and they can make the water look cloudy and affect its taste, even if it is otherwise naturally clear.
Chlorine is a common disinfectant added to the water supply to kill harmful bacteria and viral contamination. Sometimes, a high concentration of chlorine can make the water appear cloudy. This type of cloudiness usually disappears within a few days.
Some areas have hard water, which means it has a high concentration of extra minerals like calcium and magnesium. Hard water can make the water look cloudy and leave chalky white deposits on surfaces. Although hard water is not harmful, it can cause problems for appliances and plumbing systems.
Finally, changes in temperature can also cause tap water to look cloudy due to air bubbles or dissolved gasses. Cold water holds more dissolved gasses than warm water, so when the temperature changes suddenly, it can cause the gasses to come out of solution and appear as cloudy water.
The answer to this question is not always straightforward. In most cases, cloudy tap water is safe to drink and won't impact your health. However, there are a few factors to consider:
Source of Water - If your water comes from a municipal supply, it's likely treated and safe to drink. However, if you have a private well, you should have your water tested regularly to ensure that it's free of harmful contaminants.
Treatment Process - Even if your water is treated, it's essential to know what kind of treatment process it underwent. Some treatment methods, such as chlorination, can cause cloudy water. However, even with cloudy water, the level of disinfection may still be safe to drink.
Duration of Cloudiness - If your water is only cloudy for a short period, it's likely safe to drink. If the cloudiness persists for an extended period, it could indicate a more serious issue, such as high levels of bacteria or other contaminants.
If you're not comfortable with the appearance of your tap water, there are a few solutions you can try to to improve its clarity and taste:
Let the Water Settle - Sometimes, simply letting your water settle for a few seconds or minutes can help any trapped air bubbles or sediment settle to the bottom.
Use a Filtration System - A reverse osmosis filtration system can help remove any impurities from your water, including minerals and sediment. This will not only improve the appearance of your water but also its taste.
Reduce Water Pressure - If high water pressure is causing your water to appear cloudy, turning down the pressure can help reduce the aeration.
Have Your Water Tested - If you're concerned about the quality of your water, having your water tested by a professional can help identify any issues that need to be addressed.
Install a Water Softener - If you live in a hard water area, the most likely cause of cloudy water is high mineral content. Installing a water softener can remove these minerals from well water or water from a local water supply network.
Cloudy tap water is a common issue that many homeowners experience. While it can be concerning, in most cases, it's safe to drink. However, if you're not comfortable with the appearance of your water, there are several steps you can take to improve its clarity and taste. At Jarboe's, we're here to help with all of your plumbing needs, including issues with tap water. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.