Does Boiling Tap Water Remove Chemicals? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Is Boiled Tap Water Really Safe to Drink?

Boiling water has been one of the oldest and surest ways Aussies have to make their tap water “safe.” And it is effective — boiling water kills most illness-causing germs, bacteria, and viruses. It is a sure means in emergencies or during periods of shortage of clean water. That is why people boil tap water when they are in alert status or when travelling.

But here’s the trick boiling doesn’t kill everything. It won’t remove chemicals, heavy metals, or nasties like chlorine and lead. So even if the water looks safe, it could still contain hidden toxins.

So, even safer boiled water is not perfectly pure. Many people assume boiling makes water 100% clean but that’s a common myth. This article explains what boiling water does and what it can’t remove. We’ll also look at whether it’s enough to keep your drinking water safe and healthy.

Chemicals That Stay Behind Even After Boiling Water

Boiled water is excellent at killing germs. But it will not eliminate chemicals in tap water, which can be a very dangerous health risk. The most harmful contaminants in tap water are often heat-stable. This means they don’t break down or go away when you boil the water. Instead, sometimes boiling worsens them. Because water becomes vapour will leave behind higher amounts of residual contaminants.

Some typical chemicals that boiling will not annihilate are:

• Lead

  Lead usually originates from aged pipes and fittings. Extremely small quantities are toxic and dangerous to your health. Boiling water will not drive out lead, regardless of the duration for which you boil it.

• Fluoride

  Fluoride is introduced into tap water to stop tooth decay. Excess, however, is not good, particularly for kids. Boiling never drives out water from fluoride.

• Pesticides

  Pesticides can enter the water supply through farming run-off and contaminated soil. These chemicals are tough and don’t break down when boiled. As a result, they remain in your water even after heating.

• Pharmaceutical Residues

  Small amounts of medications can end up in the water supply through waste and improper disposal. These drug traces can survive boiling temperatures. That means they stay in your water unless properly filtered out.

When it comes to boiling vs filtered water, filtration is the clear winner. Filters like activated carbon or reverse osmosis remove tough, heat-resistant chemicals. This gives you cleaner and healthier water every day.

Can You Remove Chlorine by Boiling Tap Water?

Yes, you can boil tap water to get rid of chlorine, but it’s not that simple. Chlorine gradually converts into gas and is released by evaporation while boiling the water. But it will take 15 to 20 minutes of continuous boiling to eliminate most of it.

Also, boiling only removes free chlorine, not chloramine — a stronger disinfectant used in many Aussie water supplies. Chloramine doesn’t boil off easily and needs a proper filter to be removed. Chloramine won’t boil off so readily and must be eliminated with a good filter.

Boiling does work to some extent, but it is no good as an everyday option. If you are concerned about chlorine, filtration is faster, simpler, and much more efficient.

Hidden Drawbacks of Drinking Boiled Tap Water

Boiling tap water might appear to be a fast and useful solution. But while it will actually kill germs, there are a couple of unseen drawbacks.

1. Higher Concentration of Contaminants

When you heat water, it is vaporised into steam and comes out of the pot. But chemicals such as nitrates, fluoride, and lead do not go out. They remain in the water when it boils. This makes them more concentrated in what’s left behind.

2. Unpleasant Taste and Smell

Boiling doesn’t enhance flavour — it might ruin it. Chlorine, chloramine, and minerals can give your water a flat, bitter, or metallic taste. They won’t evaporate and will affect the taste of your water. Some individuals have a strong smell that makes their water undrinkable. Some individuals experience a strong smell, making their water horrible to drink.

3. Not Practical for Everyday Use

Boiling water requires power and time, electrical or gas-guzzling, and constant watching. Boiling water every day constitutes power and time wastage. It’s especially inconvenient if you need large amounts for drinking, cooking, or baby formula.

Boiling is fine in emergencies, but not ideal for long-term use. For daily quality, safe-tasting water, a good home filtering system is a better option.

What’s the Best Way to Remove Chemicals from Your Tap Water?

Boiling won’t remove chemicals from tap water. You need a good filtration system to get really clean drinking water. The best way to clean tap water is through a contemporary filtration system. These systems can remove chemicals from tap water.

The following are the best kinds of filtration employed at Australian residences nowadays:

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

RO systems force water through a thin membrane to filter out as much as 99% of impurities. These include lead, fluoride, nitrates, chlorine, and even microplastics. It’s one of the more comprehensive ways of purifying water out there.

Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon filters are excellent at eliminating chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, and flavours and odours. They’re frequently found in under-sink or countertop models for daily use.

Multi-Stage Filtration Systems

These systems use filters like sediment, carbon blocks, and RO membranes. Together, they remove both dirt and harmful chemicals from your water. They provide complete protection for houses that prefer the best quality drinking water.

Purest Water Filtration has the answer for your house. One tap or the entire house, we have you covered. Our options are effective, easy to use, and Australian water conditions.

Want safer water for your family? Trust Purest to deliver the purest.

Boiling vs. Filtration: Which Method Is Safer and More Effective?

Many Aussies wonder: boil or filter for safe drinking water? Both have their place, but they work very differently, and only one offers full protection every day.

Here’s a simple comparison of boiling water vs filtration:

Boiling is handy when you need it, such as in emergencies or boil water alerts. But for daily drinking, not so much — it doesn’t remove chemicals, is inconvenient, and wastes lots of energy.

Filtration is the intelligent option daily. It’s faster and safe drinking water methods than boiling. It also removes more harmful substances, giving you clean, fresh-tasting water.

Filtration is a smart way to get safe drinking water. It helps protect your health and gives you peace of mind.

Is Boiling Water Still Worth It in the Age of Filtration?

Boiled water is still useful during emergencies or natural disasters. It’s also necessary in case of a valid boil water notice. Boiling will kill bacteria and make water safer if you cannot have access to clean water.

But for normal use, filtration is a better option. It eliminates more toxic compounds such as chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics. And you get clean, great-tasting water without the hassle of boiling.

Ready for Truly Clean Water? Choose Purest Water Filtration

Boiling water kills germs. But it doesn’t remove chemicals, heavy metals, or microplastics. So, even when water appears to be clean, it can still contain nasty things in it. That’s why boiling is not sufficient to make your water good enough to drink.

Which is why a Purest Water Filtration system is the intelligent option. Our filters employ proven technologies such as reverse osmosis and multi-stage systems. They remove common contaminants like chlorine, lead, fluoride, and pesticides. You have clean, safe water right from your tap without the inconvenience of boiling.

No boiling. No guesswork. Just pure, healthy water you can trust — every time.

Explore Purest Water Filtration’s home water filtration system today. Enjoy fresh, great-tasting water every day. Perfect for drinking, cooking, and peace of mind.

FAQs

1. Does boiling tap water remove microplastics?
   No, boiling doesn’t remove microplastics. They’re too small and won’t break down from heat.
2. How long should I boil water to kill bacteria?
   Boil water for at least one minute to kill most germs and viruses. If you’re in a high place (above sea level), boil for three minutes.
3. Is filtered water safer than boiled water?
   Yes, filtered water is safer overall. Boiling kills germs, but filtering removes chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics too.
4. Can I use both boiling and filtering together?
   Yes, you can use both for extra safety. Boil first to kill germs, then filter out the chemicals and particles.
5. What’s the safest water purification method at home?
   The best method is a multi-stage filter system. It destroys germs, chemicals, and even tiny fragments like microplastics.