Is it good to drink boiled water daily? A Comprehensive Guide

According to the World Health Organization, boiling water for just one minute can kill harmful bacteria and viruses, making it a reliable disinfection method. But is it good to drink boiled water daily, and what does this simple practice mean for long-term health?

Quick Summary

Daily consumption of boiled water is an effective method for killing microbial pathogens but has limitations regarding chemical contaminants. The practice can aid digestion and circulation, but a combined approach with filtration may offer more comprehensive water purity.

Key Points

• Microbial Safety: Boiling is an effective method for killing most bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause waterborne diseases.

• Chemical Limitations: Boiling water does not remove chemical contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides, and can sometimes concentrate them.

• Daily Health Benefits: Drinking warm boiled water can improve digestion, aid detoxification, and relieve nasal congestion.

• Proper Storage is Key: Boiled water must be stored in a clean, covered container to avoid recontamination, and ideally consumed within 24 hours.

• Filtered vs. Boiled: For complete water purity, a certified water filter is more comprehensive than boiling alone, addressing both microbial and chemical threats.

The Science Behind Boiling Water

Boiling is one of the oldest and most trusted methods for water disinfection. When water reaches a temperature of 100°C (212°F) at sea level, the intense heat effectively destroys or inactivates many common waterborne pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. For most microbial threats, a rolling boil for one minute is sufficient. At higher altitudes, where water boils at a lower temperature, a slightly longer boiling time of three minutes is recommended. This thermal inactivation process is simple and requires no special equipment, making it a reliable emergency solution.

What Boiling Does and Doesn't Do

While boiling is a powerful tool against biological threats, it's crucial to understand its limitations. It’s important to note that boiling only addresses microbiological contamination. It does not remove or reduce non-biological threats.

Here is a quick look at what happens to water when it is boiled:

• Kills Microorganisms: Boiling is highly effective at inactivating or destroying most viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that cause diseases like cholera and typhoid.
• Evaporates Volatile Compounds: Chemicals with low boiling points, such as chlorine, can evaporate during the boiling process. This can sometimes improve the taste and odor of tap water.
• Concentrates Non-Volatile Substances: Because water evaporates, the concentration of substances with higher boiling points increases. This can include heavy metals like lead and arsenic, and other chemical contaminants.
• Precipitates Minerals: In areas with hard water, boiling can cause calcium and magnesium salts to precipitate, reducing water hardness and scale formation.

Benefits of Drinking Boiled Water Daily

Incorporating boiled water into your daily routine offers several potential health benefits, particularly when consumed warm.

• Improved Digestion and Metabolism: Drinking warm boiled water, especially in the morning, can help stimulate the digestive system. It aids in the breakdown of food, helps flush out toxins, and can relieve constipation.
• Detoxification: Some proponents suggest that drinking warm water can slightly increase body temperature, inducing sweating that helps flush toxins from the body through the skin.
• Relieves Congestion: The steam from a warm beverage can help clear nasal and throat congestion caused by colds or allergies. Warm liquids can also be soothing for a sore throat.
• Enhanced Blood Circulation: Consuming warm water can cause blood vessels to expand, promoting improved blood circulation throughout the body. This can help transport nutrients and oxygen more efficiently.
• Supports Weight Management: Increased water intake helps boost metabolism and create a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management efforts.

Drawbacks and Limitations of Boiled Water

While beneficial in many ways, daily reliance on boiling water has clear limitations that need to be considered.

• Doesn't Remove Chemical Contaminants: As noted, boiling does not remove heavy metals, pesticides, or other chemical pollutants that may be present in tap water. This is a major limitation for water safety in chemically contaminated areas.
• Can Concentrate Harmful Substances: The evaporation of water during boiling can increase the concentration of non-volatile contaminants like lead, nitrates, and PFAS, making the water more dangerous.
• Can Affect Taste: Boiling drives off oxygen, which can leave the water with a "flat" taste. Aerating the water by pouring it between two containers can help restore the taste.
• Risk of Recontamination: If boiled water is not stored correctly in a clean, covered container, it can be recontaminated. Some studies also show that nitrite levels can increase in boiled tap water after one day of storage.
• Inefficient and Time-Consuming: Boiling water in a kettle or on the stove is energy-intensive and requires waiting for the water to cool before consumption. This is less convenient than using a filtration system.

Comparison: Boiled Water vs. Filtered Water

To understand the best long-term strategy for daily hydration, it's helpful to compare boiling with modern filtration methods.	Feature	Boiled Water	Filtered Water
Effectiveness Against Microbes	Excellent; kills most bacteria, viruses, and parasites.	Varies by filter type; some are effective, some are not.
Effectiveness Against Chemicals	Poor; can concentrate non-volatile chemicals and heavy metals.	Excellent; modern filters remove a wide range of chemical contaminants.
Taste and Odor	Can be flat due to lost oxygen, though some volatile compounds are removed.	Often improved due to the removal of chlorine and other impurities.
Convenience	Low; requires time for heating and cooling.	High; instant access to clean, safe water.
Cost	Low initial cost; ongoing energy costs.	Higher initial cost; ongoing costs for filter replacement.
Energy Efficiency	Low; consumes energy with each use.	High; passive filtration requires no energy.

Best Practices for Drinking Boiled Water

If boiling is your chosen method, follow these best practices to maximize its safety and benefits:

• Use Fresh, Clear Water: Always start with fresh water, free of any visible sediment. If the water is cloudy, filter it through a clean cloth or let the particles settle before boiling.
• Boil Correctly: Bring the water to a full, rolling boil for at least one minute. At elevations above 6,500 feet (2,000 meters), boil for three minutes.
• Store Properly: After boiling, let the water cool completely in the pot. Store it in a clean, sanitized container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent recontamination.
• Consume Promptly: According to some research, it is best to drink boiled tap water within 24 hours of preparation, as some chemical properties can change over time.
• Cool to a Safe Temperature: If drinking it warm, always allow the water to cool to a comfortable temperature to avoid burning your mouth or esophagus.

Conclusion

So, is it good to drink boiled water daily? For microbial safety, yes—boiling is a reliable and time-tested method for inactivating harmful pathogens. However, for a truly comprehensive approach to water safety, particularly in areas where chemical contamination is a concern, boiling has significant limitations. While it can offer some digestive and circulation benefits, it does not remove heavy metals, pesticides, or microplastics. For daily, hassle-free access to the purest water, combining filtration with boiling (or opting for a high-quality, certified filter system) is the superior solution. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the quality of your source water and your specific health and convenience needs.

Zip Water offers products combining boiling and filtration for a comprehensive solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does drinking boiled water remove heavy metals and chemicals?

No, boiling water does not remove heavy metals, chemical pollutants, or pesticides. In fact, as water evaporates during the process, the concentration of these substances can increase.

Is boiled water as safe as filtered water?

Boiled water is safe from a microbiological standpoint, as it kills most germs. Filtered water, however, is often safer for daily consumption as it removes a wider range of contaminants, including chemicals and heavy metals, that boiling leaves behind.

How long should you boil water to make it safe?

For most purposes, health authorities like the CDC recommend bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. If you are at an altitude above 6,500 feet, you should boil it for three minutes.

What happens if I drink boiled water that has been stored for a while?

After boiling, water can become re-contaminated if not stored properly. Some studies show an increase in nitrite levels in boiled tap water after one day of storage, so it is best to consume it the same day it was prepared.

Can reboiling water make it more dangerous?

Reboiling water is generally safe as long as it has been stored properly. The primary concern is not the reboiling itself, but rather the potential concentration of non-volatile contaminants that occurs each time the water evaporates.

Why does boiled water sometimes taste flat?

Boiling removes dissolved oxygen from the water, which can result in a flat taste. You can restore the oxygen and improve the flavor by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers.

Is drinking hot boiled water better than drinking cold boiled water?

While both are hydrating, some people believe that drinking warm boiled water offers additional benefits, such as aiding digestion and circulation. However, the temperature of the water does not affect its microbial safety.