Cloudy tap water can be caused by harmless microbubbles of air, but sediment or a supply change is also possible. A simple glass test—watching whether the water clears from the bottom upward—helps separate trapped air from particles before blaming a filter or plumbing fault.
Watch how a glass clears
Fill a clear glass with cold water and let it stand. If the cloudiness disappears within seconds or minutes from the bottom upward, dissolved air is usually coming out of solution as pressure drops.
Particles that settle point to sediment
If specks, sand, or material settle to the bottom, compare several faucets and cold versus hot water. Sediment at one fixture may come from that aerator; throughout the house it can relate to plumbing work, pipes, or the supply.
Cloudiness only in hot water can involve the water heater
If cold water is clear but hot water contains particles or discoloration, the source may be the water heater or hot-water piping. Do not open pressurized or fuel-fired equipment; use the pattern as useful information for maintenance or service.
A sudden whole-home change deserves a supply check
If every faucet changes at once, check utility notices or recent work. During a health advisory, follow official instructions and do not rely on appearance or taste to decide whether the water is safe.
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — WaterSense Home Maintenance — Household water maintenance, leaks, fixtures, and efficiency.