Drinking water can sometimes appear ‘milky’ or ‘cloudy’ when first drawn from the tap. This is usually caused by air and generally disappears after a short time. This is the third of three articles that have addressed odor, taste and appearance that you may experience at your tap. These aesthetic characteristics usually do not pose a public health threat but may be noticeable.

Cloudy water, caused by tiny air bubbles in the water, is not harmful to health.

There is a really simple way to check whether milky white water is due to the release of dissolved air. Fill a clean glass with tap water and place it on the countertop. You will notice that the water clears from the bottom of the glass as the bubbles rise slowly to the surface. The effect can be seen in the photograph below.

Be assured that in spite of occasional variations in odor, taste or appearance, your water meets the highest standards for drinking water. If you have any questions regarding this article or any other water topic, please contact Dan McDougal, Water Quality Coordinator, at 801-968-9081. Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District.