Cloudy or white water is caused by tiny air bubbles, they are not harmful and usually clear quickly. If you fill a glass of water and leave it to stand the bubbles should clear from the bottom of the glass upwards. The water is not harmful, and you can continue to drink it.
This issue is usually caused by one of two things
- If the issue is recent and has only been ongoing for hours or days, then it is likely to be due to work on the water mains.
- If the issue has been ongoing for weeks or months, then it is more likely to be caused by something inside your property.
If your tap water has been cloudy for hours or days and you answer yes to some or all of the questions below, then follow the advice in the section below.
Does your tap water look bubbly, cloudy or white?
Does the water clear from the bottom upwards if you fill a glass of water?
Does the water clear after you run your tap for a while?
Is your pressure lower than normal?
Is the water cloudy in all taps at your property?
Are your neighbours experiencing the same issue?
Cloudy/white water advice – hours or days
If you answered yes to the questions above it is likely that the issue has been caused by work on the water mains and air has become trapped in the water and dissolved. This would normally last about 24 hours.
You can try the following steps to clear the issue:
- Run your taps for 30 minutes or more
- Contact us on 01582 344374 to check if there has been any work in your area
- If the problem lasts longer than 24 hours we may need to flush the water mains, contact us on 01582 344374
If the issue has lasted for weeks or months and you answer yes to some or all of the questions below then follow the advice in the section below.
Does your tap water look bubbly, cloudy, or white?
Does the water clear from the bottom upwards if you fill a glass of water?
Does the water look clearer after you run your tap for a short while?
Does the water run slightly warm at first?
Is the water only cloudy from one tap?
Is the water cloudy in your property but clear in your neighbour’s property?
Cloudy/white water advice – weeks or months
If you answered yes to the questions above it is likely that the issue has been caused by an internal issue. Heat from hot water pipes or boilers can heat up your cold water and make it look cloudy. Leaving your stop tap or another valve partially shut may also cause the water to be cloudy.
You can try the following steps to clear the issue:
- Lag your pipes to prevent the cold water being warmed by hot pipes
- Check your internal and external stops are both fully open, and any isolation valves on taps
- If the problem persists contact an approved plumber (watersafe.org.uk) for advice
- If these steps don’t resolve the issue then, contact us on 01582 344374
