Home Blog Home and Wellness The Disadvantages of Drinking Boiled Water: What You Need to Know

The Disadvantages of Drinking Boiled Water: What You Need to Know

by Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated January 18, 2025
Water is essential for life. In Australia, many of us rely on boiling water for daily use, whether it’s for making tea, coffee, or simply drinking it to stay hydrated. While boiled water may seem like the safest option due to its ability to kill bacteria and other pathogens, it’s important to understand that drinking boiled water on a regular basis can have some unintended consequences. In this blog, we’ll explore the disadvantages of drinking boiled water and why you might want to reconsider your water habits.

The Process of Boiling Water

Before diving into the disadvantages, it’s worth understanding how boiling water works. Boiling water is a process where the temperature of water is raised to 100°C (212°F), causing it to turn into steam. The high heat kills harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which makes it seem like a reliable method of purifying water.
However, despite these benefits, boiling water can also cause certain unwanted changes that could affect your health.
boiling water

Loss of Essential Minerals

While water is essential for hydration, it also carries essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium that are beneficial for our body. When you boil water, especially for extended periods, these minerals are often lost due to the heat.
In Australia, where water quality can vary significantly between regions, the loss of minerals from boiled water can lead to deficiencies over time. For example, people living in areas with hard water (rich in minerals) may experience a reduction in mineral intake after boiling.
Mineral deficiencies can contribute to various health issues, such as:
  • Weak bones(due to a lack of calcium)
  • Muscle cramps(from magnesium deficiency)
  • Heart arrhythmias (caused by a lack of potassium)
intestinal Health
Consuming water that has been boiled too long or repeatedly can contribute to these issues, especially if you rely solely on boiled water for hydration.

Changes in Taste and Smell

Ever noticed that boiled water sometimes has a strange taste or smell? Boiling water for long periods can cause the oxygen content in the water to decrease, which negatively affects its taste. The smell can also change due to volatile compounds evaporating during the boiling process.
For many Australians, water is not just a necessity but an essential part of the daily routine, especially in regions like Sydney and Melbourne, where people value quality drinking water. If the taste and smell of your water are compromised, it could discourage you from drinking enough, which leads to dehydration.
the woman is drinking water in the room

Risk of Overheating and Scalding

One of the most obvious disadvantages of drinking boiled water is the risk of scalding yourself. Hot water from a kettle or stove can reach temperatures above 100°C, and even after boiling, it can remain dangerously hot for several minutes.
In a busy household or office, someone could easily forget about the temperature of the water and take a sip too soon, leading to burns or scalds. This is especially true if you’re preparing hot water for children or elderly people, who may not react as quickly to the discomfort of hot water.
To avoid burns, always ensure the water has cooled down before drinking. Alternatively, use atemperaturecontrolledwater filterthat can maintain the water at a lower, safer temperature.
the burned hand left blisters

Boiling May Not Remove All Toxins

While boiling water kills most harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, it doesnotremove all types of contaminants. For example, boiling does not eliminate chemicals like lead, chlorine, or pesticides that may be present in the water. In urban areas like Sydney, where water contamination can occur, boiling water alone may not be sufficient to ensure safety.
To address this issue, consider using a water filter in addition to boiling. Filters can help remove harmful chemicals and improve the taste of your water, providing a safer and more enjoyable drinking experience.

Energy and Time Wasted

Boiling water requires energy, whether you’re using electricity, gas, or even a wood-fired stove. While the costs may seem small for one or two cups, they can add up if you’re boiling large quantities of water daily.
there’s water boiling on the stove
In Australia, where energy prices can be high, especially during hot summer months, boiling water may not be the most efficient choice. Instead, investing infiltered watermight be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long run.

Potential Impact on Your Teeth

Boiling water can cause changes to its pH levels, making it more acidic or alkaline depending on the mineral composition. While water with an extreme pH level is unlikely to be harmful, water that is too acidic can lead to the erosion of enamel on your teeth over time.
This is especially concerning if you drink a lot of boiled water or consume it frequently throughout the day. The acidity can gradually weaken your tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay.
the boy is checking the teeth health
To reduce the impact on your dental health, consider drinking boiled water with astrawto minimize contact with your teeth. Also, make sure to maintain good oral hygiene to counteract any potential effects.

Unnecessary Dehydration

Although boiled water can hydrate you, the process of boiling can actually remove some of the oxygen from the water. This reduction in oxygen levels could potentially make it less effective for hydration than fresh, cool water. In places like Queensland or New South Wales, where temperatures can reach high levels, hydration is crucial. Drinking boiled water may not provide the same refreshing feeling that chilled water does, leading to decreased water intake overall.
To stay properly hydrated, consider drinking water at room temperature or slightly chilled, especially during hot weather. You could also use awaterfilterfor convenience and improved taste.
tap water

Conclusion: Is Boiling Water Worth It?

Boiling water certainly has its benefits, especially when it comes to eliminating harmful microorganisms. However, there are a number of potential downsides to drinking boiled water, including the loss of beneficial minerals, changes in taste, risk of scalding, and inadequate removal of chemicals and toxins. While boiling can be a useful method in some cases, it’s important to consider other options, such as using water filters, to improve both the taste and quality of your water.
By being mindful of the potential risks and choosing a more balanced approach to hydration, you can protect both your health and yourwell being.

Takeaways

  • Loss of minerals can lead to deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
  • Taste and smell can be affected by the lack of oxygen in boiled water.
  • Risk of scalding is a real concern, especially for children and the elderly.
  • Boiling doesn t remove all contaminants , especially chemicals like lead and pesticides.
  • Energy costs and time can add up if you boil water too often.
  • Drinking boiled water frequently may contribute to tooth enamel erosion and dehydration.
For a more sustainable and healthy approach to hydration, consider using awater filterordrinking cooler water. It’s essential to find a balance that works for you to stay hydrated and healthy.

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Contaminants Detected in  Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

30  Total Contaminants in Your Water

Water Provider

Fruitland Water Special Service District

Population Affected

120,000

Water Source

Ground water
Exceeds Guidelines

Others Detected

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