Iowa American Water has addressed a common customer concern regarding the appearance of cloudy or milky-looking tap water, especially during the colder months. According to the company, the phenomenon is harmless and occurs due to tiny air bubbles in the water, which can create a cloudy appearance when the water is released from the tap.
Tony Loete, Vice President of Operations at Iowa American Water, noted that the cloudy water is similar to the bubbles released from a carbonated drink when the pressure is released. He emphasized that this visual issue does not pose any health risks and meets all the standards set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There are no regulations regarding dissolved oxygen in drinking water, reinforcing that it is safe for consumption.
This occurrence is more pronounced during winter when the cold water, sourced from the Mississippi River, is capable of absorbing more air than warmer water. The temperature of the water remains low as it travels through the treatment process and distribution system. Once the cold water reaches a customer’s plumbing and warms up, it cannot retain the same amount of dissolved air. Consequently, when the faucet is turned on, excess dissolved air escapes, resulting in the cloudy appearance.
To confirm the presence of dissolved air, customers are encouraged to fill a glass with the cloudy water and observe it in a well-lit area. As the tiny air bubbles rise, the water should begin to clear from the bottom of the glass upward within a couple of minutes. If the cloudiness persists, customers are advised to reach out to Iowa American Water for further assistance.
For any questions or concerns regarding water quality, customers can contact Iowa American Water or access the company’s water quality report through their website. They also offer educational content, including a video that explains the cloudy water phenomenon.
Iowa American Water is a significant provider of water services in the state, ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water to approximately 227,000 residents. The company is a subsidiary of American Water, the largest water utility company in the United States, serving more than 14 million people nationwide.