What does it mean when your drinking water comes out of the tap looking like milk? Is it dangerous? Should you still drink it?

Yes you can drink it. Teenagers in West Jordan discovered this yesterday afternoon. West Jordan water had been taking on the appearance of milk for the last two months. There were many theories behind the strange water. “It’s white because they put snake venom in it,” says Kirsten Cox, a local teen in West Jordan. Her brother, Hyrum claims, “It’s just dust particles in the water.”

However after some local research at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, they discovered that few things are actually added to West Jordan water before it’s shipped for drinking. (1) Snake venom and dust are not on the list, however, fluoride is. Fluoride is added to comply with the Salt Lake Valley Health Department. (2) But fluoride doesn’t create the milk illusion. So what causes the water to come out with the appearance of milk?

"It’s the air bubbles," says Kristen. The teenagers found a website online that explained the white water. (3) “Whenever there is a significant change in the temperature, the water is affected. Cold water holds more air then warm water, so when the water warms up the air is trapped.” The teens explained. This causes tiny bubbles which take on the appearance of snake venom, milk, and dust.

What can be done about the white water milk? As simple as it sounds, the teens discovered that if you let the glass stand by itself for two to three minutes, the air will remove itself from the water and presto, clear safe water. Kudos to the curious teens.

(1) The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District website: http://www.jvwcd.org/water/source.aspx

(2) Information concerning what is added to the water: http://www.jvwcd.org/water/default.aspx

(3) Websites about white milky water: http://www.cbnbh2o.com/tips/milky.html & http://www.mwra.state.ma.us/04water/2004/whitewater.htm