When getting a glass of water from your faucet, you expect to see a glass of clear, pristine water. However, water from the tap can sometimes appear cloudy or milky. With the recent reports of water contamination in Flint, MI, many people might be worried to see their water behaving in ways that seem strange. Below we discuss the most likely causes of cloudy tap water and let you know when there are causes for concern.
Common Causes of Cloudy Tap Water
In general, there are three reasons why your tap water might appear cloudy:
- Air bubbles
- Particles
- Methane gas
The first cause, air bubbles, is totally harmless and remedied easily. However, the second two causes, particles and methane gas, require extra precautions.
Air Bubbles in Tap Water
Determining whether the cloudiness in your tap water is caused by naturally-occurring air bubbles is easy. After filling your glass with tap water and noticing the whitish color of the water, simply let the water sit for a few minutes. Air bubbles will rise to the top of the water and dissipate on their own. Therefore, if your water becomes clear on its own after a few minutes of sitting on your counter, the cloudiness was caused by air bubbles.
Particles in Tap Water
Sometimes, particles from a rocky or stony water source in earth can cause tap water cloudiness. Allowing a glass of tap water to stand can also help you determine if particles are causing a milky appearance, just like the air bubble test. Particles will not dissipate on their own, so if the water remains cloudy after sitting a few minutes, it could be an indication that particles are causing the discoloration. A sediment filter will help removing particles, and in rare cases, disinfecting the water might also be needed to remove bacteria.
Methane Gas in Tap Water
In extremely unusual cases, methane gas in water can result in a milky appearance. Methane contamination in tap water is generally found in places where drilling gas or oil is common. The methane in the water makes it flammable, so it can be potentially hazardous. If you suspect methane has contaminated your water, contact an accredited water-testing laboratory immediately to have your water professionally tested.
If you are experiencing any issues with the water in your Delaware or Maryland home. contact First Class HVAC. We have been providing professional and friendly plumbing services in towns like Milton, DE, and Berlin, MD for over 40 years.