Is it Healthier to Drink Warm Tap Water or Microwaved Cold Water?
When considering how to consume water to maintain health, both warm tap water and microwaved cold water are options, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. The choice often hinges on the quality of your tap water and the potential contaminants it may contain. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of both options to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Water Quality and Contaminants
In many regions, such as Canada, tap water can be consumed directly, a practice that is encouraged. However, drinking untreated water from a lake or river is not advisable. Tap water, while generally safe, can contain various contaminants, some of which are carcinogenic. For instance, chlorination byproducts and residual chemicals like fluoride can pose potential health risks.
To ensure that your tap water is safe to drink, it is advisable to filter it. Under-sink filters or whole-house filters can remove a significant number of harmful contaminants. Failing to do so could unintentionally concentrate these contaminants as water is heated, as the heating process can encourage certain chemicals to become more concentrated.
Examining the Source of Warm Tap Water
The warm water you get from your tap typically comes from a conventional water heater, which can be either gas or electric. This water is warm because it has been sitting in the reservoir for an extended period, often long enough for contaminants to settle and accumulate. According to many, the water heater itself can harbor sludge and sediment that have precipitated over years of use.
Observing the inside of a water heater offers a stark reminder of what may be inside your drinking water. It is not uncommon to find a layer of sediment and sludge on the bottom of the tank, which can contaminate the water that is then distributed through the home plumbing system.
Advantages of Microwaved Cold Water
Microwaving cold water from the tap offers a cleaner alternative. By microwaving the water directly, you bypass the contamination risk associated with the water heater. The water from the cold tap is less likely to have been sitting in the tank for a prolonged period, minimizing the chance of contaminants accumulating.
Furthermore, by microwaving the water, you can boil it, which further reduces the presence of any potential contaminants. Boiling water can kill many types of bacteria and viruses that may be present, and it can also reduce the levels of some chemicals.
Conclusion
Given the usual setup of a household, microwaving cold water from the tap is likely the healthier choice. The water from the hot water tank has been sitting in the heater for a significant amount of time, increasing the chances of contaminants settling and accumulating. On the other hand, cold water from the tap is less likely to contain these issues, especially if it is filtered.
No matter the source of water in your home, it is always a good idea to ensure its safety through proper filtration and treatment. The best course of action is to test your water quality and make use of appropriate filtration methods, whether you choose to drink cold tap water or microwaved water.