Why does my water look cloudy or white?

The cloudy water is most likely caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to the bubbles in carbonated soft drinks. After a while, the bubbles rise to the top and escape into the air. This type of cloudiness occurs most often in the winter when the relatively cold water leaves the treatment system and travels through pipes in the cold ground to your warmer home. 


When you open your tap, the water is no longer trapped inside the pipes, and the oxygen immediately begins to escape or bubble to the surface. The technical term for this naturally occurring phenomenon is “off gassing.” The air bubbles are harmless, do not affect water quality, and will go away on their own.

Show All Answers

1. Is my tap water tested?
2. Why does my tap water taste like chlorine?
3. What is the pH of my water?
4. What is the hardness of my water?
5. What is the pinkish residue on my bathroom fixtures?
6. Why does my water look cloudy or white?
7. The aerators on our faucets are clogged with white particles. What is it?
8. Why does the water in my bathroom sink smell like rotten eggs?