Cloudy or milky looking water is caused by tiny air bubbles which are typically caused when water in the pipes changes temperature, often in the spring and the fall.
There are two reasons for this:
- Water can absorb more air when at a higher water pressure. Because the water in the underground distribution system and your home's pipes is pressurized, when the water is poured from your faucet into a drinking glass the air can leave the water in the form of air bubbles.
- As water gets warmer it releases air bubbles. Drinking water enters the city distribution center at a cold temperature and as it makes it way to your tap it gets warmer. Cold water can hold more air than warm water, so as the water gets warmer the air leaves the water in the form of bubbles.
If you experience cloudy or milky water the best way to verify that the issue is caused by air bubbles is to fill up a drinking glass and let it sit on the counter for a few minutes. If the bubbles rise to the top and the cloudiness disappears, then the issue was just caused by the air bubbles.
If after letting the water sit for a few minutes the cloudiness has not cleared, please call the Public Works Department at 763-592-6777.