Discolored Water
Yellow, Orange or Reddish Brown Water
Brown or Black Muddy Water
Cloudy Water
Uncolored Cloudy Water
Cloudy water is usually caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to gas bubbles in carbonated beverages. Usually, this cloudiness occurs in the winter, when the drinking water is cold.
Cloudiness can also be the result of fine silt that is stirred up from operations of hydrants or flow reversals.
If you notice cloudy water, fill a clean, clear glass with water from the cold tap and let it sit on the counter. If the water starts to clear at the bottom of the glass first, it is caused by air in the lines. This is probably due to air bubbles -- either from dissolved oxygen being released or trapped air in the plumbing. In our region, it would most likely be from air trapped in the plumbing.
If you are also noticing sputtering from the faucet -- and have had recent plumbing work -- it is probably the air trapped when the water refilled the empty plumbing. This should clear as the water is used.
If others in the neighborhood have a similar problem, especially where CLGW has been working on the main, the problem may be the result of air trapped in a water main or from fine silt which has been stirred up. If it is silt, it should settle out with time, as mentioned in the “Brown or Black Muddy Water” section.
However, if the problem appears to be from air trapped in the main, please contact CLGW.
Foaming/Cloudy Water