Information About Cloudy Water

This phenomenon normally occurs during the winter months in St. Louis and is not related to the quality or safety of the tap water.

January 26, 2023 | 2 min reading time

From time to time, the Water Division receives inquiries from customers experiencing “cloudy” or “milky” water. This phenomenon normally occurs during the winter months in St. Louis and is not related to the quality or safety of the tap water.

Fast Facts Regarding Cloudy Water

  • Cloudy water is perfectly safe for all intended uses, including drinking.
  • Cloudy water is a physical response to a change in the temperature and pressure of the water, and is not an indication of water quality problems or contamination.
  • Cloudy water occurs when the water hasn’t been used for a long period of time and the water has been allowed to warm in basement pipes.
  • Running the tap for several seconds to bring in colder water will help reduce cloudiness.

Read more about cloudy or milky water. If you would like additional information on this or any other subject related to your drinking water, please contact the Water Division Laboratories for assistance by calling 314-592-8222, or by emailing quality@stlwater.com.

Related Stories

  1. Yard Waste Collection Discontinued During Winter Months 2023 Dec 04, 2023: City yard waste collection will be discontinued starting the week of December 13.

Related Services

  1. Pay Your Personal Property Tax Personal property taxes are due by December 31st of each year.
  2. Pay a Parking Ticket How to pay a parking ticket online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
  3. Pay a Traffic Ticket and Plead Guilty Without a Court Appearance Many minor traffic citations and all Metro fare violation citations may be paid before the first court date without a court appearance.
  4. Renew Business Licenses, File Returns, and Payments Renew and pay business licenses online, in person, or by mail
  5. Pay a Water-Refuse Bill Options for how to pay a water-refuse bill to the Collector of Revenue’s Office

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