What is a common cause of temporary cloudiness in tap water?

Temporary cloudiness in tap water is often caused by the presence of air bubbles. When water is rapidly agitated, such as during the filling of a glass or from the movement through pipes, air can become entrained in the water. The presence of these tiny bubbles can give the water a cloudy appearance. This cloudiness is usually temporary and will clear up as the air bubbles rise to the surface and dissipate.

While other factors such as particles from sediment, mineral content, and chlorine treatment can influence water clarity, they tend to cause more persistent issues rather than the temporary conditions associated with air. Sediments and mineral content might lead to a more consistent murkiness, and chlorine typically affects taste or odor rather than visual clarity in a transient manner.