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.
Cloudy water - sometimes called milky water - can be unsettling, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing it. While it may not always be dangerous, it’s important to understand why it’s happening and how to ensure your home’s water is cleaner and purer.
What Is Turbidity in Water?
Cloudiness, murkiness, or a grayish tint in water is often caused by turbidity. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), turbidity measures how clear a liquid is based on how much light is scattered by particles or other materials in the water. High turbidity levels usually mean there are higher amounts of dissolved minerals, metals, bacteria, or other particles present. The tricky part? You can’t always tell the exact cause just by looking at the water. That’s why water testing is the best way to know for sure.
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Common Causes of Cloudy Tap Water
Tap water that appears to be cloudy or milky can often be attributed to excess air inside the water. Hot water is often more cloudy than cooler water since expanded molecules trap more gases that appear as small bubbles in the water. This type of turbidity usually dissipates after a few minutes as the captured air bubbles rise to the surface and escape into the air.
Excess Air Bubbles
One of the most common and harmless reasons for cloudy water is excess air trapped in the water supply. Hot water often appears cloudier than cold water because heat expands water molecules, allowing them to trap more gases. This type of cloudiness usually disappears within a few minutes as tiny air bubbles rise and escape.
Dissolved Minerals
Hard water containing calcium, magnesium, or iron can make water appear cloudy. Over time, these minerals can also cause scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and fixtures.
Metals or Sediment
Iron, manganese, or other metals can cloud water and sometimes give it a metallic taste or odor. Sediment can also make water appear dirty, especially after plumbing repairs or a disturbance in the water main.
Bacteria or Organic Material
While rare in treated city water, bacteria can cause cloudy water, especially in well water systems. This can also cause discoloration—brown, yellow, or even green tints
Construction or Water Main Breaks
Work being done on the water system or a nearby water main break can stir up sediment and introduce excess air into the supply. This may cause temporary cloudiness or discoloration.
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Boiling your water may not help reduce the cloudiness of your water; it should be filtered.
Possible Effects of Cloudy 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. Other effects could include:
Taste and Odor Changes
Minerals like iron can cause discoloration and a metallic taste or smell.
Plumbing Damage
Hard water can lead to mineral deposits and scale buildup in pipes, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
Staining
Iron and other minerals may stain sinks, tubs, laundry, and fixtures.
Health Concerns
If cloudiness is caused by bacteria or other harmful contaminants, drinking the water could pose health risks.
How to Fix Cloudy Water
Determine the Cause
Since cloudy water can have many different causes—some harmless, some serious—start with a professional water test. This identifies what’s in your water and helps you choose the right solution.
Follow Local Advisories
If there’s a water main break or boil advisory in your area, follow instructions from local health officials. Keep in mind that boiling kills bacteria and viruses, but it won’t remove minerals or sediment that cause cloudiness.
Install a Point-of-Use Filtration System
For cleaner, purer drinking water, the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station® uses multi-stage reverse osmosis filtration to significantly reduce contaminants. It installs under the sink and dispenses water through a dedicated faucet for convenience.
Consider Whole-Home Water Treatment
If minerals, sediment, or metals are affecting your water throughout the house, a whole-home water system can treat water as it enters your home. Kinetico offers solutions for iron removal, sediment filtration, and water softening.
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.
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