Milky or Cloudy Looking Water

Why does the water look milky?

Occasionally your water may look milky or cloudy.  Milky looking water is usually the result of very tiny air bubbles in the water.  These bubbles are so small (almost invisible to the naked eye) they look like someone poured milk in your water.

Where do the bubbles come from?

Our water has air dissolved in it all the time.  Most of the time the air stays dissolved in the water and you can't see it.  During the colder months the water temperature drops down into the forties (Fahrenheit).   When water gets cold, it can hold more air (oxygen) in solution and becomes supersaturated.  

If the cold supersaturated water comes into contact with any obstruction in the plumbing system (such as a valve that is not completely open), it causes turbulence which results in the air coming out of solution and forming tiny bubbles.  You don't have the same problem in the summer time because the water does not contain as much air.

Is the Utilities Department doing anything about this?

No.  Unfortunately, we cannot control the temperature of the water.

How long will it last?

This problem can last until the water warms back up.

Is it harmful?

No.

Additional Information

If you need more information on Norfolk's drinking water, please contact the Division of Water Quality at 441-5678 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

We are here to serve you!

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Water or Sewer Main Breaks (757) 823-1000

Water Turn On/Turn Off (757) 664-6700

Miss Utility (Call Before You Dig)

1-800-552-7001