What should I do if my water is cloudy or discolored?

Remove faucet aerators and filters and fully open your COLD water taps, let them run for 5-10 minutes.  If you run the cold water in a bathtub or laundry tub, it speeds up the cleaning process and may provide a light background to help you monitor the discoloration.  If your water still isn’t clear, wait 30 minutes and try again.  Another option, weather permitting, is to run an outside spigot without the garden hose until the water clears. Though discolored, the water can be used on plants and landscape.

  • Cloudy: Water gets cloudy when air gets in and makes tiny bubbles. These bubbles are harmless and will disappear if you let the water sit for a few minutes.
  • Discolored: Sediments in the water lines get stirred up and may cause a slight water discoloration for a short time.

Show All Answers

1. What is the water hardness level?
2. What is the pH level of the city’s water?
3. Is my private well water tested by the City?
4. How do I know if there are any water restrictions in place?
5. What causes discolored or cloudy water?
6. What should I do if my water is cloudy or discolored?
7. What if my water has a rotten egg odor to it?
8. What if my water has a chlorine smell to it?
9. How and why should I flush my hot water heater?