We’re all acquainted with survival shows: several daring souls choose to brave the elements, finding their own food and purifying their own water. Contestants often resort to boiling their water as a means of purification, but does boiling water really make it safe to drink? How much does the boiling process actually purify water? Let's break it down!
What Happens to Water When You Boil It?
When water is heated and brought to a rolling boil, a series of physical and chemical changes occur. Initially, as heat is applied, the water molecules absorb energy and increase in temperature. As the temperature rises, the water molecules gain kinetic energy, causing them to move more rapidly.
When the water reaches its boiling point, which is 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), the added heat energy causes the water molecules to transition from the liquid phase to the gaseous phase, forming water vapor.
During the boiling process, the energy input from the heat is used to overcome the attractive forces between the water molecules, enabling them to break free from the liquid state and transform into vapor. Boiling is a phase transition that occurs throughout the entire volume of the liquid, creating bubbles of water vapor within the liquid water.
Boiling water can play a critical role in cleansing water from certain contaminants. The heat applied during boiling kills or inactivates most microorganisms, bacteria, and parasites that may be present in the water, making it a simple yet effective method for providing safe drinking water.
Does Boiling Water Remove Chemicals from the Water?
Boiling water is effective in removing or reducing certain volatile chemicals, particularly those with lower boiling points, such as chlorine. When water is brought to a boil, volatile compounds may evaporate, and the concentration of these substances in the water may decrease. However, it's important to note that boiling water is not a comprehensive method for removing all types of chemicals and contaminants.
How to Disinfect Water by Boiling
To disinfect water by boiling, follow these steps:
- Use clear water. Begin with clear water, free from visible debris. If the water is cloudy or has sediment, you can filter it through a clean cloth or coffee filter to remove large particles. Boiling alone will not remove these contaminants.
- Boil the water. Place the water in a clean pot or kettle and bring it to a rolling boil. Ensure that the water boils for at least one minute. If you are at an altitude above 6,562 feet (2,000 meters), boil the water for three minutes to adjust for the lower boiling point at higher elevations. Please note, failing to bring water to a complete boil can leave contaminants like bacteria and parasites in the water.
- Cool the water. Allow the boiled water to cool before using it. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the water in a clean container or cooling it in the refrigerator. Once the hot water is cooled, you will have safe water to drink.
By boiling water, you effectively kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms, bacteria, and parasites, making the water safe for consumption. This method is particularly useful in emergency situations such as when the water supply is contaminated and the health department sends a notice to boil water before consumption, or when access to other water purification methods is limited.
Keep in mind that boiling water does not remove chemical contaminants, or heavy metals, so if your water source is suspected to contain chemicals or pollutants, consider using additional water treatment methods, such as activated carbon filters from Aquavis, for a more comprehensive approach to water purification.
Does Boiling Tap Water Make It Taste Better?
Boiling tap water can improve its taste by removing certain elements that contribute to an undesirable flavor or odor. One common example is chlorine, which is often added to municipal water supplies to disinfect them. While chlorine serves a crucial role in water treatment, its presence can impart a distinct taste and odor. Boiling tap water helps to dissipate chlorine, resulting in water that many people find more palatable.
Additionally, boiling can reduce the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other impurities that might contribute to an unpleasant taste. However, it's essential to note that not all taste-related issues are addressed by boiling. For instance, minerals like calcium and magnesium that contribute to water hardness are not removed through boiling. If you're looking to improve the taste of your tap water, it's worth considering other water treatment methods, such as activated carbon filters, which can provide more comprehensive purification and taste enhancement.
Filtered Water
Filtered water is run through a system like the Aquavis Pulse. Water filters offer a noticeable improvement in taste and odor by effectively removing chlorine, organic compounds, and volatile chemicals from tap water, or other untreated water.
The porous carbon material within the filter attracts and adsorbs impurities as water passes through, resulting in clean, refreshing tap water. Carbon filters are widely used in various water purification systems, including pitcher filters, under-sink filters, and whole-house filtration systems, providing a convenient and accessible solution for households seeking better water quality.
Benefits of Filtering Tap Water
Filtering tap water can improve your overall well-being and provide several health benefits. Running water through a filter helps remove potentially harmful contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the water to make sure it is free of various levels of contamination and is safe for consumption.
This reduction in contaminants not only improves the taste and odor of the water but also reduces the risk of exposure to substances that may have adverse health effects over time. Another benefit of filtering tap water is that it can contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the consumption of single-use plastic water bottles. By opting for filtered tap water, individuals can significantly decrease plastic waste, conserve resources, and lower their carbon footprint all while enjoying healthy water.
An additional benefit is that filtered water is a cost-effective alternative to bottled water, providing a readily available and affordable source of clean drinking water. Investing in a water filtration system, whether it's a pitcher filter, faucet attachment, or under-sink filtration unit, typically involves lower long-term expenses compared to purchasing bottled water regularly.
Carbon filters from Aquavis can save you additional costs that you might expend with a more complex filtration such as reverse osmosis. With a one-time purchase of a filtration system and occasional filter replacements, individuals can enjoy access to clean and great-tasting water without the recurring costs associated with bottled water or pricey filter maintenance. By choosing carbon filtered tap water, individuals not only save money but also contribute to their overall health and environmental sustainability.
Boiled Versus Filtered Water
Boiled water and filtered water both offer benefits in terms of improving water quality and safety. Boiling water is one of the most common and inexpensive disinfection methods, as it kills or inactivates harmful microorganisms, bacteria, and parasites, making it safe for consumption. Boiling can also reduce certain volatile chemicals and contaminants, such as chlorine. However, boiled water does not remove chemical pollutants or improve taste and odor significantly.
Because municipal water sources have already treated the water that supplies residential areas for bacteria and microorganisms, there isn’t much of a need to boil your tap water (unless it’s to further purify it for medical purposes like cleaning out a wound). And unlike Aquavis carbon filters, boiling water does not remove microplastics, harmful “forever chemicals” (PFAS), lead, or cysts, all which may be present in your tap water.
Filtered water using an activated carbon filter offers a comprehensive approach to cleansing water. Activated carbon filters effectively and efficiently remove a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds, enhancing the taste, odor, and overall quality of the water. This makes carbon filtered water not only safe but also better tasting.
Filtered water also provides a convenient and sustainable solution for households seeking better water quality. Water filters also eliminate the need for purchasing single-use plastic water bottles. This not only reduces plastic waste but also saves money in the long run. Investing in a water filtration system, such as an under-sink carbon filtration system, can help you save money and cut down on plastic waste, while providing your family with access to clean water at home.
With the removal of contaminants and improvement in taste, filtered water enhances the overall drinking experience, encouraging individuals to stay hydrated and consume more water throughout the day. Overall, while both boiled water and filtered water have their advantages, the comprehensive purification and enhanced taste provided by filtered water make it a preferred choice for households seeking superior water quality and convenience.
Make the Switch to Filtered Water with Aquavis
Aquavis offers a robust and comprehensive under-sink filtration system that is easy to install and provides delicious drinking water within minutes of installation. Aquavis under-sink water filters use an advanced carbon filter made from coconut shells which helps remove harmful substances such as chlorine, PFAS, organic compounds, and heavy metals for safer, tastier tap water.
Reach out today to see how Aquavis filters can improve your tap water and help you live a healthier life!
