'Milky Water' Is Normal In Winter Months, Forsyth County Says

CUMMING, GA — If you're a Forsyth County customer and have noticed cloudy water coming from your taps, you aren't alone, and you don't need to worry.

The county posted an update on its Facebook page on Monday afternoon saying that Forsyth County water customers with a milky appearance in their water, don't need to be alarmed.

"It is caused by tiny air bubbles trapped in the water, which sometimes happens in colder temperatures," the county said. "The water is safe to drink and use, and the milky appearance should be gone by tomorrow."

The county linked to a 2019 article from the United States Geological Survey, known as USGS, which said the cloudy water, "might be caused by the water in the pipes being under a bit more pressure than the water in the glass, but is more likely due to tiny air bubbles in the water. Like any bubble, the air rises to the top of the water and goes into the air above, clearing up the water. Cloudy water, also known as white water, is caused by air bubbles in the water. It is completely harmless."

The article goes on to say that this happens during the winter months due to cold water holding more air than warm water.

"In the winter, water travels from the reservoir which is very cold and warms up during its travel to your tap. Some of the air that is present is no longer soluble, and comes out of solution."

Water pressure also plays a part in the cloudiness, due to pipes being pressurized.

"The water in the pipes is pressurized to a degree (which helps to get the water all the way from the water tower to your home)," the article says. "Water under pressure holds more air than water that is not pressurized. Once the water comes out of your tap, the water is no longer under pressure and the air comes out of solution as bubbles (similar to a carbonated soft drink). The best thing to do is let it sit in an open container until the bubbles naturally disappear."