Why Is My Tap Water Cloudy? (And Is It Safe to Drink?)
It’s alarming to turn on your faucet and find cloudy or milky tap water instead of the crystal-clear water you expect. If your tap water doesn’t look clean, you’re right to be concerned. The good news is that not all cloudy water is dangerous. However, it’s a clear sign that something is in your water.
This guide will help you identify the common causes—from harmless air bubbles to sediment—and tell you exactly what you should do about it.
What Causes Cloudy or Dirty Tap Water?
There are a few common reasons why your tap water might not be clear.
Cause 1: Harmless Air Bubbles (Pressurized Water)
The most frequent cause of milky tap water, especially from a public water source, is simply tiny air bubbles. This is often due to a pressurized municipal system.
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Here’s an easy test: Fill a glass with the cloudy water and let it sit for a few minutes. If the cloudiness starts to clear from the bottom of the glass up, it’s just air. Your water is safe to drink.
Cause 2: Total Suspended Solids (TSS) or Sediment
If the cloudy water never settles, or if you see particles at the bottom of the glass, you likely have dirt, silt, rust, or other suspended solids. This can happen if a nearby water main was recently repaired or if your own pipes are aging.
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This sediment can damage your appliances and plumbing. This is a clear sign you should consider a whole-house water filtration system to protect your home.
Cause 3: Problems with a Single Faucet
If the cloudy water only comes from one faucet (like the kitchen sink), the problem is likely not your water. The faucet’s aerator is probably just clogged with sediment. Try unscrewing it, cleaning it, and reattaching it.
Why Is My Hot Water Cloudy, but My Cold Water Is Clear?
This is also a very common issue. Hot water molecules are “excited” and can hold more dissolved gases (like oxygen) than cold water. When you turn on the hot tap, the pressure drops, and these gases release as tiny, milky bubbles.
However, this can also be a warning sign. Water heaters can accumulate iron, rust, or hard water minerals (scale). This is a frequent problem in Central Florida, where hard water is common. This buildup can reduce the life of your water heater and lead to corrosion. A water softener can solve this problem.
Is Cloudy Tap Water Safe to Drink?
This is the most important question. The answer is: it depends.
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If it’s just air bubbles (and clears in a few minutes), yes, it is safe to drink.
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If it’s cloudy and discolored (brown, yellow, or green), NO, do not drink it. This indicates contaminants like rust or other materials.
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If it’s from hard water buildup, it’s generally considered safe, but it will damage your appliances, pipes, and leave residue on your dishes and skin.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution. You should never have to guess about the safety of your family’s drinking water.
Get Clear, Clean Water for Good
The best way to permanently eliminate cloudy, dirty, or hard water is with a targeted water treatment solution. Whether you need a whole-house filter to remove sediment, a water softener to fight hardness, or reverse osmosis for perfectly pure drinking water, we have the answer.
Smart Water Treatment Technology is the trusted expert for clean water services in Sanford, Orlando, and across Central Florida. Don’t just live with unclear water.
Contact us today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation water test. We’ll come to your home, analyze your water, and show you exactly what’s in it—so you can get a clear solution, guaranteed.
