Why Your Water Looks White in Winter; And Why It’s Totally Safe
Published in the Winter 2026 edition of Customer Service Connections
Have you ever poured a glass of tap water on a cold winter morning and noticed it looks milky or white for a few seconds before clearing up? Good news: that cloudy appearance is just tiny air bubbles, not a water quality problem. In fact, it’s a normal seasonal effect that happens more often when the temperatures drop.
Cold Water Holds More Air
During the winter, groundwater and distribution pipes get colder. Cold water naturally holds more dissolved air than warm water the same way a cold bottle of soda stays fizzy longer than one left out on the counter. As that cold water travels through the mains into your home, it becomes pressurized. More pressure means dissolved air.
When It Comes Out of the Tap, Pressure Drops
The moment water leaves the faucet, the pressure is released and all that extra dissolved air rapidly escapes as tiny bubbles. Instead of rising immediately to the top (like soda bubbles), they form throughout the water, scattering light and making the water look white or cloudy. This is harmless and will quickly dissipate on its own if left out on the counter.
Cloudiness Disappears Quickly
If you set the glass down and watch closely, you’ll notice:
- The water clears from the bottom up
- The bubbles rise to the surface
- Within 30–60 seconds, the water is crystal clear again
The Bottom Line
Cloudy water in winter is normal It’s caused by harmless trapped air. It clears on its own in seconds Your water remains clean, high-quality, and fully treated all year round. So next time you see milky water on a cold day, you can tell your friends and family: Don’t worry, that’s just winter air escaping. It’s actually a sign of fresh, pressurized water coming through the system.