Milky Tap Water is Nothing to Worry About

July 16, 2025 – Milky or cloudy tap water—often described as hazy, soapy, or foamy—is usually caused by harmless air bubbles, not dangerous contaminants. This common occurrence, known as aeration, happens when air becomes trapped in the water supply and forms tiny bubbles that give the water a white or cloudy appearance.

KSST has received some questions about water quality, especially in Precinct 4. Recent repairs to large diameter water lines have trapped air in the system.

Aeration can occur for several reasons, including pumping from wells, routine plumbing repairs, or temperature fluctuations in the water lines. Cold water, for example, can hold more air than warm water. When it warms up in household pipes or at the tap, the air is released as bubbles, similar to what happens when opening a carbonated drink.

Importantly, these bubbles are not a health risk. The cloudiness is purely cosmetic and should dissipate within a few minutes if the water is left to stand in a glass. As the bubbles rise and escape into the air, the water will clear from the bottom up.

To confirm it’s just air, fill a glass and watch it settle. If the cloudiness clears from the bottom, it’s safe. However, if the water remains cloudy or develops an odor or discoloration, it may signal a different issue and should be reported to your local water utility.