Why Drinking Hot Water From Your Home Taps Could Be Bad For You
Waiting for water to boil can feel like watching paint dry. Reaching for your hot tap might seem like a convenient shortcut – the water is already scalding, after all – but have you ever stopped to wonder what the difference is between hot and cold tap water? Is hot tap water safe to drink?
At Fix My Water, we are passionate about empowering Australian homeowners with safe, clean water. With local water quality statistics showing that many homes face issues such as hard water, elevated chlorine levels, and potential contaminants from ageing infrastructure, understanding the conversation between cold and hot water is more important than ever. This article explores the hot water safety question and provides important context to help you make informed choices for your health and home.
What’s In Your Tap Water?
To understand why drinking hot tap water might be concerning, it’s important to consider how your water makes its way to your tap in the first place. In Australia, tap water undergoes rigorous treatment processes to meet Australian drinking water standards. However, the quality of water delivered to your home can vary significantly based on local infrastructure, plumbing conditions, and the water’s journey through your pipes.
While tap water often contains trace minerals and additives like chlorine or fluoride, used to maintain public health standards, these chemicals can interact differently when water is heated, potentially altering its composition.
Why is Hot Tap Water Bad for You?
The main concerns around drinking hot tap water arise from the heating process and the materials used in plumbing systems. While boiling water is known to kill bacteria and make it safer to drink, the process of heating water within pipes and systems can have the opposite effect:
- Leaching from Plumbing Materials
Hot water interacts with pipes, fittings, and fixtures in ways that cold water does not. In older homes, plumbing may still contain lead or other outdated materials, which can leach into the water when exposed to heat.- Lead Exposure: Even low levels of lead exposure can harm brain development in children and pose long-term health risks for adults.
- Copper Leaching: Overexposure to copper, though less severe than lead, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or even liver and kidney issues.
- Water Heater Contamination
Water heaters are designed primarily for washing and showering, not drinking. Over time, sediments, rust, and microbial contaminants can accumulate in these systems. If the water temperature isn’t high enough to kill bacteria like Legionella or E. coli, the risk of contamination increases. - Concentration of Chemicals
Heating water can increase the concentration of certain chemicals, such as chlorine byproducts and nitrates. While safe at low levels, these substances can become more concentrated when heated, making the water less suitable for consumption.
Is Cold Tap Water Safer?
Drinking cold tap water is generally safer than drinking hot tap water. Cold water is less likely to foster bacterial growth or dissolve contaminants from pipes. However, even cold water isn’t always free from concerns. In South East Queensland, for example:
- Some areas experience hard water, which contains higher levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Ageing infrastructure can introduce sediments or contaminants.
- Local water treatment facilities often add chlorine, which can affect taste and odour.
How to Ensure Your Water is Safe to Drink
If you need hot water for drinking or cooking, here are some simple steps to ensure it’s as safe as possible:
- Start with Cold Water
Always use cold tap water for drinking, cooking, or making hot beverages. Boil it in a kettle or on the stove to reach the desired temperature. This prevents potential contaminants from your plumbing or hot water system from affecting your water. - Install a Filtration System
A full-home water filtration system, like those offered by Fix My Water, removes impurities such as heavy metals, sediments, and chlorine before the water reaches your taps. For added protection, you can pair this with a point-of-use filter for drinking water. Reverse osmosis systems are particularly effective for removing excess minerals and softening water. - Maintain Your Plumbing and Water Heater
Regularly inspect your plumbing system and follow your water heater manufacturer’s servicing recommendations. Flushing your water heater annually can help reduce sediment buildup and improve water quality.
The Benefits of Quality Filtered Water
Filtered water offers numerous benefits for Australian households:
- Healthier Drinking Water: Removes harmful contaminants like lead, chlorine byproducts, and heavy metals.
- Better Taste: Eliminates chlorine and other substances that affect the flavor of your water.
- Protection Against Hard Water: Reduces mineral buildup in appliances and pipes, extending their lifespan.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reduces reliance on single-use bottled water, lowering your environmental footprint.
Fix My Water: Your Local Water Filtration Experts
At Fix My Water, we specialise in providing tailored filtration solutions to address the unique challenges of Australia’s water supply. Whether you’re concerned about chlorine, hard water, or ageing infrastructure, our team can help you find the perfect system to ensure your water is clean, safe, and delicious.
With a full-home filtration system, you can enjoy:
- Cleaner water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
- Reduced exposure to contaminants that may leach from plumbing fixtures.
- Peace of mind knowing your family has access to the highest quality water.
Final Thoughts: Should You Drink Water from the Hot Tap?
The short answer is no – it’s best to avoid drinking water directly from the hot tap. While hot tap water is fine for washing and cleaning, it’s not meant for consumption. By sticking to cold tap water and boiling it as needed, you can reduce your exposure to potential contaminants.
For the highest level of quality and protection, consider upgrading your home with a Fix My Water filtration system. Contact our friendly team today to learn more about our range of solutions. Submit an enquiry form now, and let our water filter experts help you achieve the clean, safe water your family deserves.