Frequently Asked Questions

Occasionally, tiny air bubbles in tap water cause a cloudy appearance. Air dissolves into water when pressurized which occurs in the groundwater basin and in the water pipes that deliver water to your tap. As a freshly poured cup of tap water settles, the bubbles (and cloudiness) dissipate.

The bubbles are harmless and pose no health risk. The air bubbles will dissipate if you let the water sit in a glass for a few minutes.

The City’s drinking water comes from a vast underground aquifer. The wells that pump the water from the aquifer into the delivery system are designed to filter out naturally occurring sediments. These particles typically settle in large water pipes and tanks, but sometimes make it through the faucet. Clearing the sediment and particles in our water mains is the main goal of hydrant flushing.

Click here to learn more about groundwater and aquifers from USGS.

When your water tastes or smells funny, the problem may be in the water or it may not. Odors might actually be coming from your sink drain where bacteria grow on hair, soap, food, and other things that get trapped. Gases in the drain that smell get stirred up when water pours into the pipe. Odor can also come from bacteria growing in devices such as water heaters.

It’s possible that from time to time your water may be safe to drink, but is discolored for some reason. The primary cause of water discoloration is due to naturally occurring minerals (primarily iron and manganese) flowing with the water. These minerals, which are heavier than water, settle in water pipelines when water usage is low - especially during winter months. When the water flow and pressure through the water pipes increases again (due to irrigation, construction, etc.) the minerals are stirred up and flow out of your faucets when you turn on the tap. Many times discoloration is caused from plumbing inside a home or business, not municipal watermains.

The Department of Public Services "flushes" the water system twice a year; this also allows the City to remove any sediment from the water lines which helps improve quality and clarity. As a result, water main flushing can cause temporary changes in water pressure or discoloration.

Find helpful information on Water Discoloration from American Waterworks Association.