Have you ever gone to fill up a refreshing glass of water from the tap only to notice that it comes out slightly cloudy or with tiny bubbles? What causes this cloudiness? And is it safe to drink or should you just pour it away? Read on for answers to these questions about cloudy tap water.

What causes cloudy tap water?

When a glass of water appears cloudy after you’ve filled it from a faucet, this is usually just lots of tiny air bubbles within the water. There are a few reasons why this might happen. First of all, air bubbles are more likely to form in your water during cold weather. This is because air becomes more soluble in water the lower its temperature is. When your pipes and the air around them are colder than usual in winter, air bubbles are more likely to form.

An increase in water pressure also increases the solubility of air in water. So, if your water pressure is high, your water is more likely to come out of your tap looking cloudy. Air can also get trapped in your water due to a burst pipe in the area or repairs and maintenance being carried out on the pipes. It could also indicate a problem with your plumbing, so consider contacting a plumber if your tap water is consistently cloudy, particularly if you also hear banging noises coming from the pipes.

Should you drink cloudy tap water?

In most cases, yes, cloudy or bubbly tap water is completely safe to drink. If you leave the water to stand in an open cup or glass, you will notice these tiny bubbles rising to the top of your glass and disappearing, essentially bursting at the top and releasing into the air. If your water is clear after leaving it to stand for a few minutes, then it is safe to drink and you shouldn’t worry about the cloudiness.

If the cloudiness doesn’t clear, then it may be caused by something else. In this case, it may not be suitable for drinking. For example, it could be deposits of some material that has made its way into your water from the pipes or faucet. Hard water may also sometimes appear slightly cloudy because of the increase in minerals deposited in the water, although this is still safe to drink.

If you’re having problems with your kitchen plumbing or your home’s pipes, then contact Brandon Plumbing for our reliable services around Clemmons, Winston Salem, and Lewisville, NC.