Why Does My Tap Water Look Cloudy?
Many homeowners complain about their tap water looking cloudy, thinking it’s unsafe to drink. It’s usually safe, but who wants to take the chance? Let’s look at why your tap water might be cloudy and how to treat it.
Why Does Tap Water Look Cloudy?
Cloudy tap water happens for various reasons, from harmless to potentially problematic. Here’s what’s probably happening.
Air Bubbles
The most common cause of murky tap water is trapped air bubbles. Pressurized water in pipes causes bubbles, which is common when temperatures drop, or your supplier recently aerated the water. The bubbles rise to the top and dissipate quickly, leaving the water clear.
Hard Water
Hard water is the bane of many homeowners. It wreaks havoc on appliances and plumbing. However, the minerals (mainly calcium and magnesium) can make it cloudy. Hard water isn’t dangerous to drink, but as mentioned, it can leave scale buildup in pipes and water-based appliances.
Sediment & Debris
Sediments, such as sand, silt, or rust particles, can enter the water supply through pipe ruptures or backflow. The sediment makes the water murky and might settle at the bottom of your drinking glass.
Contaminants
Contaminants like bacteria, algae, or organic matter can also cause murky water. This is more common with wells than treated water from municipal suppliers. Contaminants can pose health risks, so it’s wise to be cautious if you suspect your well water supply has been tainted.
High Chlorine Levels
Most city water suppliers add chlorine to the water for disinfection. However, excess levels can sometimes make the water look cloudy. Chlorine can also contribute to tap water’s often off-putting odor and taste.
How to Treat Your Tap Water
The good news is that several water treatment options are available to take care of cloudy, bad-tasting, or smelling water. Here are the most effective options.
Install a Sediment Filter
A sediment filter can treat water clouded by sediment and debris. It is an excellent first line of defense that can be paired with other systems we’ll mention later. These filters trap particles like sand, silt, and rust.
Use a Water Softener
Most areas in the United States have hard water, so installing a water softener can help kill two birds with one stone. Water softeners work by ion exchange, where calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged with sodium ions. This process makes the water “soft” and prevents cloudiness and mineral buildup.
Install a Whole-Home Water Filtration System
A whole-home water filter is the best way to address concerns about sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants. Whole-home units ensure you get the cleanest water from every tap in the house.
Try a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System
Reverse osmosis systems are the most effective water treatment solutions for removing contaminants, minerals, sediment, and bacteria. They work by passing water through a semipermeable membrane. An RO system is the best choice if your cloudy water is caused by sediment or contaminants.
Disinfect Your Water
If you think your water is contaminated, it’s crucial to disinfect it. UV water purifiers are chemical-free and effective at removing most pathogens.
Test Your Water
Before investing in a home water treatment system, get your water professionally tested. You can buy tests at the hardware store or hire a water treatment company to do the test for you. This test will tell you what’s in your water so you can get the best system to deal with it.
Tri-Florida Water Treatment has the perfect water treatment solution for you. We’re a family-owned business that’s proudly served customers in Polk County and the surrounding areas since 1984. Call us today for a free in-home water test.