Planning to re-boil drinking water? 5 reasons why you shouldn't

Digital Desk: Boiling water is a fundamental practice with widespread benefits, particularly in enhancing health and safety. It serves as a reliable purification method, eradicating harmful contaminants, bacteria, and parasites that may jeopardize well-being, making it crucial in areas with questionable water quality. Moreover, this accessible and cost-effective approach reduces the risk of waterborne diseases.

However, the question arises about the fate of leftover boiled water. Should it be discarded, or is it suitable for a second round of boiling? Experts caution against the latter, emphasizing potential risks associated with re-boiling water.

One significant drawback of re-boiling water is the potential transformation of harmless nitrate salts into the toxin nitrosamine. Linked to ailments like cancer, leukaemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, nitrosamine poses a serious health threat when water is boiled excessively.

Arsenic, a naturally occurring element in water, can also become more concentrated through re-boiling. Elevated levels of dissolved arsenic may lead to severe health issues, including cancer, infertility, heart attacks, mental disorders, circulatory system damage, and skin damage.

Fluoride, when consumed in excess through re-boiled water, raises the risk of bone disorders such as fractures, tenderness, and pain. Children under 8 years old are particularly susceptible to damage to teeth and tooth enamel.

Similarly, re-boiling water can elevate dissolved calcium levels, potentially contributing to kidney stones and gallstones. Although calcium is beneficial for teeth and bones, moderation is key.

Moreover, the pH of water changes boiling, making it slightly more acidic due to the escape of dissolved carbon dioxide. This alteration may affect its taste and impact its suitability for certain uses.

Considering the potential risks, it is strongly advised against using re-boiled water for preparing formula for babies. Studies also indicate that re-boiled water may alter the taste of tea, emphasizing the importance of mindful water practices in various aspects of daily life.