White water can be caused by excessive trapped air in your water pipes or main supply. The trapped air dissolves in the water but when you run a tap, built-up pressure is released and air bubbles are formed, which give your water its white appearance. This is called aeration and does not make your drinking water unsafe. If your water does appear to run white, it should clear after a short while. White water is also a sign of a high level of chlorine in your water, which is often used to disinfect water during repair work.
What Causes My Water To Look White?
Your water supply might be contaminated by impurities accumulated along the path feeding your residence. These impurities can come from places like surrounding reservoirs or pipes, and they can often end up in your local tap water supply. And although aesthetically unpleasant, impurities that cause your water to turn white are generally harmless.
You can differentiate between air bubbles and contamination by filling a glass with water and letting it settle for a few minutes. If the water appears white due to air bubbles, the bubbles will quickly rise to the top. If the water remains white, it could indicate your water has been contaminated by impurities such as rocks, stones, sand, or dirt.
White Water Can Also Be Caused by Any of the Following:
- Problems with residential plumbing
- Main supply system repairs
- Pressure changes in the main supply systems
- Hot water heaters – trapped air can be released more easily when water is heated, giving the way a white appearance
What Should You Do?
Firstly, check with neighbors to find out whether the problem is only affecting your property. If your neighbors are also experiencing white water from the tap, it is likely your residential plumbing system is not where the problem lies. Contact your water supplier as there could be a problem with the main supply.
If your neighbor’s water is running clear, it is useful to find out whether you require professional assistance. To test this, fill a glass with water and leave it to settle for a few minutes. If the white water does not become clear, contact a certified plumber or your water supplier to inform them of the issue.
If a certified plumber or your water supplier confirms your water supply has been contaminated with impurities, a sediment filter can remove the particles.
Until your water runs clear and to help avoid dehydration, fill a jug of water every 24 hours and store in the fridge to maintain freshness.
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