Why Isn't My Water Clear?

The City strives to deliver crystal clear water. Sometimes, that's not what the customer sees. Following are explanations on why your water may not be clear.

Cloudy Water

Entrained air causes water to look cloudy. If you fill up a glass and the water appears cloudy, set the glass down and watch it for a few moments. You will likely see the water gradually clear up, starting from the bottom of the glass. This air is harmless.

White Crystals

White crystals are usually calcium deposits. These crystals form when water containing calcium sits in pipes or is heated up. The crystals are harmless, and dissolve in vinegar.

Brown or Red Water

Sand grains and bits of rust from metal water system components accumulate in the bottom of the pipes over time. A rush of water through the pipe will re-suspend these deposits and can carry them to your home or office. The City works to minimize this from happening by flushing out the pipes on a regular basis. However, if you experience this problem, wait 15 minutes to let the material settle back out, then run the water again. These deposits are not harmful, but can leave unsightly spots on laundry. If your water is brown or red for a short time every time you turn on the faucet, it is likely from old, galvanized household plumbing.

Blue Water

The most common cause of blue water is from homes that use a toilet bowl cleaner that is tinted blue. A drop in household water pressure from a broken line or a shutdown of the water supply to the house can draw the water from the toilet tank back into the household plumbing. The toilet bowl cleaner is not made to be consumed, so flush water out of the pipes until it runs clear again before drinking it.

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