Close

Need help solving your water quality issues? Click here to connect with a Pentair True Blue PRO.

Why is My Water Cloudy and How Do I Fix It?

Main Content Starts Here
Pentair Water Solutions
Pentair Water Solutions

07/01/2021

Why is My Water Cloudy and How Do I Fix It?

Don’t you hate it when you get a drink from your tap, and it looks like a glass of milk? Cloudy tap water is a common problem many homeowners face. By learning more about what causes water to be cloudy — and how to fix it — you can take steps to ensure you have clear, great-tasting water for everyone in your house.

What Causes Cloudy Water From a Tap?

Why is my tap water cloudy? In the majority of cases, cloudy water is just air bubbles. When water is cold or pressurized, it can hold more air than usual. Even though your water will likely warm up and depressurize inside your home, the air can’t escape until you turn on your tap. When you do, the millions of tiny air bubbles will coalesce in your cup of water, making it look cloudy.
The good news is that if you let your water sit for a few minutes, these air bubbles will naturally pop and escape the glass, leaving you with clear water.
But not so fast. In some cases, cloudy water might be the result of certain contaminants like silt and sediment. It's best to get a water testing kit to know for sure what’s in your water. Our Rapid Water Test looks for 16 of the most common contaminants, so you can see what you’re up against.
You may also get cloudy water if you live in an area with hard water. In these areas, chalky limescale deposits can start to form inside your pipes, which can eventually make their way into your glass.

Is Cloudy Water Safe to Drink?

Now, the moment of truth… is cloudy water safe to drink? If the issue is caused by air bubbles, then yes. Just let your container of water sit until all the bubbles disappear, and it’ll be as good as new.

But what if the cloudiness is being caused by contaminants or hard water? If that’s the case, you may want to look into a water filtration or water softener system to help reduce contaminant levels. Sometimes, these contaminants don’t even have a smell! Though if your water does smell bad, it’s an even bigger reason to get a water testing kit.

How to Fix Cloudy Water

Whether you’re annoyed by air bubbles or worried about contaminants, it’s relatively easy to learn how to fix cloudy tap water. Your two main solutions are a water filtration system and water softening system.

Water filtration systems are best when you think contaminants might be the root issue, while water softeners work to remove the minerals that cause irksome limescale deposits in your tap.

Our water filtration systems can help to reduce contaminants, minerals, and silt to provide you with great-tasting water from every tap. With our water softener systems, you can kiss your hard water woes goodbye for good. In addition to giving your clean-tasting water, they can also provide you with softer skin and hair and extend the life of your appliances.

Related Articles

true

WELL WATER VS. CITY WATER: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Unless you place a bucket outside to collect water.…

true

HOW HARD WATER EFFECTS HAIR & SKIN: DRYNESS, DAMAGE & MORE

Hard water. You’ve probably heard this term…

true

7 SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW WATER SOFTENER OR FILTER

In an ideal world, every glass of water…

Disclaimer: The information on this website has not been reviewed by the FDA. Products offered for sale herein are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. No medical claims are being made or implied. Contaminants mentioned are not necessarily in your water.

Back to top of page