Why does my water look different than normal?

Sometimes the drinking water from the tap may look physically different. This may because of color, air, or suspended material. The following are comments regarding these effects.

Milky, or White Water
This effect is almost always due to air in your water. To test this, fill a clear glass with water and let it sit for a minute or two. As the entrapped air is suddenly liberated from the tap, the water will start to clear from the bottom – and will eventually clear all the way to the top. There are no health concerns associated with this effect.

Particles
Very small particles appearing your drinking water may result from several sources. Reddish or brown or black particles usually indicate rust. Rusty water occurs from sediment in the pipes and may occur in the water mains or in the pipes inside your home. Sometimes a temporary rusty sediment will be seen if the fire hydrants in your neighborhood have been recently flushed. Very old piping systems are the other major cause of this observation.

Sometimes black particles also come from the disintegration of rubber faucet gaskets or washers, or flexible hoses used in the supply line or in water heater connections.

Particulate in your water is especially noticeable after long periods of disuse. It may clear after several minutes of running.

Colored Water
Drinking water with a tinge of blue, green, brown, black, orange, or yellow color is almost always due to minerals dissolved in the water: copper, iron, and manganese are usually to blame, and may come from the water source, from deteriorating pipes, or a faulty water heater.

(Previous Section) (Next Section)