Eli5: why is tap water cold?
In: Engineering
Most tap water is around 55º F as that is the natural underground temperature. However, there can be a slight warming or cooling depending on the season (extremes) and travel from from treatment facility to tap — but usually not more than a degree or two. When water reaches 39.2 F, that is its densest point – and a phenomenon called “turnover” can occur. Turnover is when the top water cools and sinks creating frazil ice (kind of like a slush consistency) — so those of us who live in *very* cold winter climates can notice very cold water from the top during these times.
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