Drinking a refreshing cold glass of water is a great feeling. Cloudy tap water, sometimes referred to as milky or white water is likely due to trapped air or a build-up of dissolved particles in the water pipes. It is important to note the cloudy water from the tap is completely harmless.
Flushing hydrants is an important preventive maintenance activity that verifies proper operation of the hydrant and ensures adequate water flow will be available in the event of a fire emergency. Flushing also removes sediment and deposits that naturally accumulate in water pipes.
Conducting fire flow tests and flushing hydrants are a routine component of a good water distribution maintenance program. When a fire hydrant is opened, the velocity of the flowing water disturbs sediment at the bottom of the pipes and the water turns cloudy. To correct this, open multiple faucets in your home until the water becomes clear.