Why Is My Water Cloudy?
Cloudy water can be concerning. Learn more about what causes cloudy water, and how to address it to make your home's water better.
Turbidity of Water
Cloudiness, murkiness or grayish water can be unsightly and concerning if you don't know what the cause is. It is usually caused by dissolved or suspended solids or excess air in the water; this can also be referred to as "turbidity." According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), turbidity is the measure of relative clarity of a liquid and is a measurement of the amount of light that is scattered by the material in the water. Higher turbidity or cloudiness usually means there is a higher concentration of dissolved minerals, bacteria or metals in the water. It is difficult to determine exactly what is making the water cloudy simply by looking at it. Many things like excess air, dissolved minerals, bacteria, metals or other pollutants can cause water to be cloudy.
What Causes Cloudy Water?
Tap water that looks cloudy or milky is often caused by excess air trapped in the water. Hot water tends to appear cloudier than cold water because expanded molecules hold more gases, which form small bubbles. This type of turbidity is generally harmless and usually clears up after a few minutes as the air bubbles rise to the surface and escape.
However, not all cloudy water is caused by excess air. In many cases, turbidity can also come from dissolved metals, minerals, or even bacteria, which may give the water a tinted appearance. These issues can happen naturally or result from land disturbances such as heavy storms, construction activity, or urban runoff that introduces additional particles into the water supply. As water travels through pipes and infrastructure, it may pick up sediment, minerals, and other contaminants that affect its clarity.
Why is My Water Cloudy?
Another common cause of cloudy tap water in city water systems is a water main break or nearby construction. When this happens, you might notice water that looks dirty or cloudy due to sediment being stirred up and extra air entering the supply. If contamination is suspected, local health departments may issue a boil water advisory to kill bacteria and viruses. While boiling helps reduce health risks, it does not address turbidity caused by minerals, metals, or sediment.
For homeowners concerned about cloudy tap water, water testing is the best way to identify the cause. Installing a whole-home water filter or point-of-use filtration system can significantly reduce turbidity, remove contaminants, and improve the overall taste and clarity of your drinking water. In 2025, advanced filtration technologies are widely available, making it easier than ever to enjoy clear, safer, and better-tasting water directly from your tap.
If Your Water Has Any Discoloration,
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Boiling your water may not help reduce the cloudiness of your water; it should be filtered.
Effects of Cloudy Tap Water
If the water is cloudy with a brown, yellow or green color, other contaminants may be in the water. Depending on the contaminant, it may be unsafe to drink or drinking it could cause adverse health effects. Turbidity from hardness in water can cause mineral buildup on water fixtures and in pipes and other plumbing. Iron and other minerals can cloud water, cause it to taste and smell metallic, or stain fixtures and laundry.
Solutions for Turbidity
To improve water for drinking, Kinetico offers the K5 Drinking Water Station. It is a point-of-use, reverse osmosis system with multi-stage filtration to significantly reduce contaminants in water. Water is dispensed through a dedicated drinking water faucet for convenience and ease of use. Kinetico also offers whole-home water treatment solutions, including systems for iron and sediment reduction.
Although turbidity may be a visible sign of contaminants in water, water that looks clear may still include contaminants or dissolved solids that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Have your water tested by your local Kinetico water expert who can then recommend the right water treatment solution for you.
Be Sure You Have The Best Water Possible