Is it safe to drink or cook with hot tap water?
You've probably filled your kettle with water from the hot-water tap without a second thought, but you might want to reconsider.
Whether by accident or by habit, you've likely consumed water from the hot tap.
Surely water from the hot or cold tap can't be that different?
As it turns out, most people aren't aware of the potential health risks associated with drinking hot tap water.
Most sources will tell you that hot tap water is not treated the same way as cold tap water.
Your hot tap water usually comes from your hot water storage system, whereas the cold water is filtered, disinfected, and closely regulated.
Various health organisations worldwide recommend against drinking hot tap water.
According to NSW Health, hot water may bypass household filtration systems entirely, dissolving metals from pipes and providing a breeding ground for bacteria when it is stored at the wrong temperature.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines also clearly state that:
- Drinking water should be free from harmful levels of chemicals and microorganisms
- Water quality can be affected by plumbing materials and temperature
- Cold water is best for drinking and cooking, even if you plan on boiling the water
Three reasons why you shouldn't drink hot tap water
Metal contamination
The United States Environmental Protection Agency states, "Hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water and is therefore more likely to contain greater amounts of lead. Never use water from the hot water tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula."
Hot water is more likely to dissolve metals such as lead, copper and zinc from your plumbing.
This is common in older homes or those with outdated fittings.
The hotter the water, the more corrosive it is and the more it leaches from your pipes.
Continuous exposure to low levels can pose health risks, especially for children and pregnant women.
Hot water bypasses filtration
Most homes have filtration systems installed only on the cold water line, meaning the hot tap water bypasses any treatment.
Public health experts recommend using only cold tap water, as unfiltered water can allow metals, bacteria, and sediment to go straight into your cup.
Bacterial growth
Hot water systems provide the ideal conditions for certain types of bacteria.
The temperatures are too low to kill the bacteria but hot enough to encourage growth, and the conditions are compounded by poor maintenance.
Stagnant water in tanks and pipes also increases risks.
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