Why Is My Tap Water Cloudy? How To Fix This?

Uh-oh. Is your water murky and cloudy as soon as you open the tap? That can be due to multiple reasons so you have to stay with us for a bit. If you’re looking for causes and potential solutions for cloudy water, then here is what to know. Some problems are temporary and go away on their own. However, for some other problems, you may need to consider water treatment options.

Causes Of Cloudy Tap Water

Here are some of the most common causes of cloudy water coming through the taps.

Air In The Water

The first and most common reason why your tap water is cloudy is because of air in the water. Whenever you go ahead and turn on your tap, the water doesn’t come out in a steady stream. Rather, there will be gurgles and gushes of water, followed by frequent pauses in the water.

If you want, you can even test the theory and fill up a clear glass with water and see if the water is cloudy or not. Chances are that it will be. The air bubbles inside the pipes cause the water to get cloudy, but it does go away after a bit unless you have well water and the well pump is malfunctioning.

The Water Is Hard

Another reason why your water might be cloudy is because of ions in water that make the water hard. Calcium and magnesium commonly are present in water, but if the concentration exceeds a certain point, then it’s called hard water. The water can get cloudy and it is hard to produce lather.

Hard water is quite useless in the house. You can’t wash your body, clothes, or dishes with it, soap and detergent pretty much go to waste and you have no choice but to do something about it before things get out of hand.

And as we mentioned, calcium and magnesium precipitates can cause the water to become cloudy and it’s not at all pleasant to look at, let alone drink.

Disrupted Water Supply

Similar to air in the pipes, there might be a disruption in the water supply and it can cause the water to become momentarily cloudy.

When the water supply is uninterrupted, there is no sign of cloudiness because there is no jerk or movement in the water. Once the supply is halted and then commenced again, the water might get cloudy and that’s frustrating. So, if you’ve recently suffered a disruption in the water supply, either because of a problem in the water treatment plant, your well pump, or something else, chances are that the incoming water will be cloudy.

But you should not be alarmed because usually, it does go away after a bit. So, it’s not something to worry about a lot. However, looking at suddenly cloudy water could freak you out.

Sediments In Water

There are some sediments and particles in water can turn the usually clear water murky and cloudy. Some sediments can impart color to the water as well and that’s not pleasant to drink or look at all. The taste will also be sandy and earthy, so you shouldn’t drink it or use it for anything at all.

Usually, the sediments are suspended and they can settle down after some time and they can be in the water for several reasons. Either the reservoir isn’t clean, the well pump is not functioning proper, or the pipes are carrying the sediments into the water, etc.

Methane In Water

Gasses can also make the water cloudy. Since methane and water are both underground, there can be a possibility of mixing of the two and that’s likely if the water reservoir or well is near a methane fracking site. The methane can penetrate the water and the result will be cloudy water that also has a weird taste and smell.

Even though methane is colorless and odorless, processed methane can have a scent to it and that is what you smell if there is methane in water. The cloudiness is because methane is insoluble in water and therefore it gives rise to a murky color.

It’s Winter

Did you know that cold water has increased solubility than warm water? This phenomenon can cause cold water to trap more air in it during the winter months, and just like air being trapped in the pipes, it can cause the water to be murky. This isn’t a problem during the hot summer months, but it can be during the autumn and winter months.

The water will be cloudy and even though it does go away after a bit of time, it takes longer as compared to when air is trapped in the pipes because the water is cold and the chemical makeup of water is slightly altered due to that.

Solutions For Cloudy Water

Now that you know which things cause tap water or well water to get cloudy, here are some solutions to those problems so you can drink and use clean and clear water.

Get A Water Softener

If the reason for cloudiness in the water is because of high amounts of calcium and magnesium, then the only way to combat this issue is to a water softener installation Washington County.

A water softener removes the excess calcium and magnesium ions and makes the water soft and most of all, clear. So, if you have tested your water and it’s hard, then a water softener is a must-have.

Let The Water Run

Another thing that you can try to remove the cloudiness in the water, especially if it’s because of air trapped in the pipes, is by letting the water run. If you let the tap run for a bit, then it’s going to release the air in the pipes and after some time, you will notice clear water.

If you’re worried about wasting water, then you can collect the incoming cloudy water in a bucket and dump it in plants in your yard or outside. See? No wastage, no nothing.

Clean The Aerator

The aerator may also need an overdue cleanup and it can also be the cause of cloudy water. You want to remove the aerator and clean it with a solution of half vinegar and half water. You can even use a soft toothbrush to clean the mesh of the aerator and that’s going to get rid of all of the gunk stuck in the assembly.

Once you attach it again and run the tap, the water will be relatively clear. So, always keep an eye out for the aerator because it might be dirty.

Water Filters Do The Trick

If sediments or other contaminants are causing your water to turn cloudy and murky, then all you need for this is a regular water filtration system. You can attach it to the tap or you can have a pitcher filter and fill it up with the water or have a whole house filter.

A water filter has many meshes that the water goes through and the sediments are removed for good. If there aren’t any sediments, then there won’t be any cloudiness either, and the best part? Water filters are of many types and you can choose the one that suits your budget and requirements.

Conclusion

Cloudy water isn’t exactly what you want to see or drink because it looks unpleasant and it can taste weird at times too. Well, now you know exactly how to combat that. Water filters are the best solution for most water problems. If you want it only for one tap, you can use a tap water filter, but if you need clean water in every tap of your house, install a whole house water filtration system Loudoun County.