Is cloudy water filling your glass, you maybe wondering “is my drinking water safe to drink?”
There are a few reasons why you’re the water coming out of your sink could be cloudy. Murky, cloudy water can indicate that you have a water problem. The good news is that most of these water problems are easy to fix.
But is cloudy water safe to drink? Read to find out everything you need to know about cloudy water.
What Makes Water Cloudy?
The safety of cloudy water depends on the cause, and there are a few common potential causes:
Air Bubbles
The most common culprit of cloudy water is trapped air bubbles. When tiny air bubbles become trapped in your pipes, they alter the pressure of your water supply, causing the water to appear cloudy when it comes out of the tap.
How do you know if this is the cause? If the water naturally clears up after a few minutes of sitting in a glass. As the air rises out of the water, it clears.
Hard Water
Another potential cause of cloudy water is hard water. Hard water has a high mineral content, and the mineral deposits may build up inside faucets or pipes, such as limescale.
That mineral buildup and hardness can make its way out of the tap and into your glass in cloudy water.
Hardness can do more than make the water cloudy. It can also impact our hair and skin. Hard water may be the culprit if your hair is tough to brush and style after washing. Another tell-tale sign of hard water is white spots on dishes coming out of the dishwasher or buildup on your shower head.
Sediment in the Water
If cloudiness remains in the water for over 24 hours after it’s gathered, it may have sediments. Water can collect sediments like silt or rock when it passes through your plumbing. These sediments don’t fully dissolve and will leave the water looking cloudy.
Is Cloudy Water Safe To Drink?
Cloudy water does not look appealing to drink, and safety is often a concern. If you’ve spotted “milky” looking water in your glass, you may wonder if cloudy water is safe to drink.
Since air bubbles are the most common cause of cloudy water, cloudy water is often safe to drink. The air bubbles typically are safe and won’t cause harm.
However, the root cause behind your cloudy water will determine if it’s safe or not. Furthermore, if you notice that your water has a color or odor in addition to the cloudiness, this could indicate a severe water problem. Green, brown, or yellow water may contain contaminants and is dangerous to consume. This water can make you sick; the same dangers depend on the contaminants.
The bottom line is that cloudiness alone does not indicate whether the water is safe. It would be best to find the cause behind the water’s appearance.
Testing Cloudy Water
Instead of playing a guessing game with your health, it’s best to test your cloudy water so you can determine if it’s safe.
Test for Air Bubbles
The first simple test to try can tell you if air bubbles are the reason for the clouds. Fill up a glass with water. Let the water sit for about one hour. If the water has cleared when you come back, air bubbles were likely the reason for the murky water.
Water From Every Tap
Another helpful test is to run cold water from all water sources/taps in your home. Fill a different glass with some water from each. Is every class cloudy? This is another sign that air could be the reason. However, this method is not definitive and does not guarantee that the water is safe. Regardless, it does help to know if the issue is isolated to certain faucets or is global in your home.
Professional Water Quality Test
Regardless, you should get a professional water quality test if you have cloudy water. Aqualite’s comprehensive in-home water quality testing gives you a complete understanding of your well water’s health. We identify potential health risks, water problems, and possible water treatment solutions so your home will be protected by the cleanest, healthiest water ever.
It will help you determine the quality of your water. You can be sure if the water is safe and how to improve it.
Water testing helps you determine a wide range of potential contaminants and water issues, including:
- Hard water
- Chlorine
- PFAS and PFOAs
- Microorganisms
- Acidity
- Nitrate or nitrite
- Haloacetic acids
- Radium
- Manganese
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Chloramine
- Ammonia
- Hydrogen Sulfate
- Trihalomethanes
- Chromium
Fixing Cloudy Water
Cloudy water from air bubbles may be safe to drink, but it can indicate a more significant issue with your pipes. Therefore, start by checking your pipes for any leaks or damage. You may need to consult a plumber for assistance if you notice any.
If hard water appears to be the culprit of your cloudy water problem, a water softener system can help. A whole-house water softener system is the most effective way to reduce water hardness. The softener will reduce common hardness-causing contaminants, including chloramine, chlorine, and more.
One of the best ways to resolve cloudy water is with a whole-house water filtration system. Filtration purifies the water in your home, improving its quality and safety. Address your water quality issues for cleaner, clearer water. You can rest assured that your water is safe to drink and get rid of clouds once and for all.
Call The Water Experts
If you’re dealing with cloudy water in New England, Aqualite US is here to help. We provide in-home water testing to get to the bottom of your murky water. With our professional testing service, we can thoroughly assess your water quality and identify any concerns, including hardness, contaminants, and more.
Our experienced team will recommend the best solutions for your home and its water. We provide complete water services, including full-home water softeners and water filtration systems.
You can count on us to test, identify potential problems, make the appropriate recommendation, install your system and help you get quality, clear water. Our water softener and filtration systems are easy to maintain and use, help ensure the purity of your water, and are far greener and more cost-effective than water delivery.
If you live in New England and are dealing with cloudy water, turn to Aqualite US today. Contact us to learn more about how we can help!
