A Water Quality Message for Iowa American Water Customers
Iowa American Water (NYSE:AWK) on Jan 29, 2026 explains why tap water may appear cloudy or milky: dissolved air (oxygen) trapped in cold water releases as tiny bubbles when pressure is reduced at the faucet.
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Rhea-AI Summary
Iowa American Water (NYSE:AWK) on Jan 29, 2026 explains why tap water may appear cloudy or milky: dissolved air (oxygen) trapped in cold water releases as tiny bubbles when pressure is reduced at the faucet. The company says this is not a health concern and that water meets applicable regulatory standards.
Customers are advised to hold a glass to light to watch bubbles clear and to call (866) 641-2108 if cloudiness persists.
Details
News Market Reaction – AWK
On Jan 30, the first trading day after this news, AWK closed 0.10% above the previous close.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Jan 30 session.
Key Figures
- River temperature
- 32.5 degrees
- Winter Mississippi River source water temperature
- Clearing time
- 1–2 minutes
- Time for cloudy water in glass to clear as bubbles rise
- Customer service number
- (866) 641-2108
- Phone number for Iowa American Water customer inquiries
Historical Context
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New director named to lead business development and government affairs in Iowa.
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Guidance to Pennsylvania customers on protecting pipes in sub-freezing weather.
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Temporary disinfectant change in New Jersey plants for annual maintenance.
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Illinois rate request tied to about $577M of planned water investments.
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Announcement of a $4.7M Sacramento-area well project for supply resiliency.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
dissolved oxygen medical
safe drinking water act regulatory
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Water Company explains "cloudy" water
"Cloudy or milky-looking" water, caused by dissolved air (oxygen), is not a health problem. The phenomenon of cloudy water from the tap is like bubbles being released from a carbonated beverage when the cap is removed and pressure released," said Tony Loete, Vice President of Operations at Iowa American Water. He adds that Iowa American Water provides its customers with water that meets or surpasses all Iowa Department of Natural Resources and
Dissolved oxygen in water is most evident during winter months when the water temperature is the coldest. Cold water absorbs more air out of the atmosphere than warm water. During the winter months, the temperature of the Mississippi River, Iowa American Water's source of supply in its Quad Cities District, drops as low as 32.5 degrees. The water temperature does not increase significantly, as it passes through the water treatment process, and the network of underground water mains, known as the distribution system. Since the water temperature remains cold as it travels from the treatment plant to the customer, it remains saturated with dissolved oxygen until it enters the customer's home or business.
When that cold water enters the internal plumbing system of a home or building, it warms up to room temperature during extended periods of non-use or overnight. This warmer water physically cannot hold as much dissolved air, but because the water is under pressure within the plumbing system's pipes, the excess dissolved air cannot escape until the water flows from the faucet. The result is cloudy water when the faucet is initially turned on. Hot water from the water heater is typically cloudier than cold water.
"Customers can observe dissolved air (oxygen) escaping from a glass of water by holding the cloudy water up to a bright light or sunlit window and watching the water clear from the bottom of the glass up as the tiny air bubbles rise to the surface. The glass of water should clear in a minute or two," Loete added. If the cloudy/milky water does not clear up within a few minutes, please call Iowa American Water at (866) 641-2108.
Customers with questions or concerns about their water quality should contact Iowa American's water quality experts or visit the company's web site at https://www.amwater.com/iaaw/Water-Quality/Water-Quality-Reports/ for a copy of the company's latest water quality report. A video explaining the cloudy water phenomenon is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl5x7Qth9w4.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 227,000 people.
For more information, visit iowaamwater.com and follow Iowa American Water on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
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SOURCE American Water
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