During cold weather/cold water conditions the Billerica Water Division receives calls from our customers due to white, cloudy or milky looking water. We would like to reassure our customers that Billerica’s drinking water is safe and is in fact tested extensively to ensure this.
The white, cloudy or milky looking water is a cold water phenomenon that occurs when the water is saturated with oxygen. We also add oxygen to the water to help remove metals such as Iron and Manganese.
While this can be alarming for our customers please know that it is NOT harmful and actually clears up within seconds of being exposed to the atmosphere.
To demonstrate, you can fill a clear container with the white, cloudy or milky water and watch as the water becomes clear.