Water with a milky appearance is the result of air entrainment or the process of oxygen mixing with water to create air bubbles.
The high-pressure conditions inside the water line keep the air bubbles suspended within the water. Once the water leaves the waterline’s high pressure, the air bubbles will release as it goes through your tap and is exposed to the open air when used. This can be seen when your water is sitting in a glass or any other object.
Air can enter the water line in several different ways. Severe drought conditions cause low aquifer levels, which can result in wells pumping air in addition to water. Most commonly, though, air enters the line when utility work is being done, which requires a shutdown. However, whenever repairs are made, we make sure to flush the pipes thoroughly.
Regardless of the air’s entry mode into the main, air within the water from the tap remains safe for consumption. So, if your tap water comes out milky but clears up within 2 minutes, then you know it’s just small air bubbles. If the water doesn’t clear up completely at all, please contact us, and we will send a technician to check your water quality and flush the water lines.
