You turn on the tap to get a refreshing glass of water and notice that the water looks cloudy.
Or maybe even a little bit milky.
However you choose to describe it, your water is not as clear in colour as you were expecting.
Are you are wondering what is causing this discolouration, and what can be done to fix it?
In most cases, your cloudy water is due to one of two reasons. In this article, we’ve got the explanations – as well as the solutions!
Reason #1) Tiny Air Bubbles
The most common reason for cloudy water is due to tiny air bubbles caused by either an increase in water pressure or a drop in temperature.
For water to get all the way from the water tower to your home, pressure is needed throughout the water system. Pressurized water contains more air than unpressurized water. This can lead to a creation of bubbles when the air is released from the water from your tap, causing a cloudy appearance.
During colder temperatures, water increases in temperature on its way from the reservoir to your tap. Because cold water contains more air than warm water, some of the air is no longer soluble and creates a cloudy appearance when released.
If you’ve had some recent plumbing work, there may be some trapped air within your pipes that could also cause this issue.
The water is harmless, and the bubbles will naturally disappear from your glass after a few minutes.
Reason #2) Hard Water
Other than seeing cloudiness in your water glass, hard water can also be identified by noticing discolouration on fresh laundry or white spots on washed dishes. This is because water appliances will eventually form a buildup of white or discoloured mineral deposits.
Depending on where you live, there may be an abundance of calcium or magnesium in the ground. As water moves throughout the water table, it can pick up this sediment leading to the formation of hard water.
To get rid of hard water, have a plumber install a reverse osmosis filtration system in your home. Not only will this remove the extra minerals to eliminate the cloudiness, but harmful chemicals and bacteria will also be removed.
To estimate the hard water level for your city in Ontario, consult this chart. For more accuracy for your home's hard water, you'll need to purchase a testing kit. A hard water testing kit involves dipping a paper strip into water, then matching the colour with a hard water value.
Will Cloudy Tap Water Make Me Sick?
White, cloudy drinking water is usually safe, assuming it's caused by trapped air. The cloudiness will disappear if you let the glass of water sit for a few minutes. On the other hand, water that has a coloured tint (such as brown or yellow) can be harmful as it may be contaminated water from rust or sediment built up from a blockage.
Always ensure you are drinking and cooking with cold tap water. Hot water is more likely to contain dissolved sediment and contaminants. Use hot water for showering, hand washing, cleaning and laundry only.
Contact an Oakville Plumber for a Water Test
Most of the time, seeing cloudy water is nothing to be concerned about.
Occasionally, however, it could be due to other more severe causes including methane gas or a high level of TSS.
The best way to determine the cause of your tap water’s discolouration? Have our Oakville Plumbers complete a water test at your home. Depending on the reason for the cloudy water, a plumber can quickly inform you of a solution, too.
At McKenna Plumbing, we are well versed in the reasons for cloudy water in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga and the surrounding area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!