Water that has a milky appearance is the result of air entrainment. This is 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 high pressure of the water line, the air bubbles will release when it goes through your tap and is exposed to the open air when it is used. This can be seen when your water is sitting in a glass or any other object.
Air can enter the water line 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 that requires a shutdown. However, whenever repair are made, we make sure to thoroughly flush the lines.
Regardless of the air’s mode of entry 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. In the event 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.
