Boiling water has long been seen as a quick fix for purification, but is it really effective? While it’s excellent for destroying bacteria and viruses, boiling doesn’t remove heavy metals, pesticides, PFAS, disinfection byproducts, or other contaminants. In fact, it may actually concentrate them. That’s why modern, high-performance filtration systems have become essential for homes and businesses. Let’s explore what exactly boiling does, how to do it effectively, and how it differs from water filtration systems.
Understanding Boiling Water’s Effects on Contaminants
Boiling is a long-standing method of purifying water. However, is it the most effective method, and does it actually remove chemical contaminants? Let’s explore the answers to those questions.
Does Boiling Water Clean It Completely?
No, boiling water does not clean it completely.
Boiling is the most effective means of destroying waterborne pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites like Giardia, which causes beaver fever (giardiasis). It can also help remove certain volatile compounds with a low boiling point, but this is only partially effective and generally requires a longer boiling time.
However, boiling doesn’t remove a much, much longer list of chemical and biological contaminants, including lead, mercury, fluoride, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and more. In fact, boiling can concentrate many chemical contaminants and even transform some chemicals into more harmful substances.
How to Effectively Boil Water
If you’re under a boil water advisory, boiling is the most effective means of destroying waterborne pathogens, but it must be done correctly. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following method.
Filtering first is recommended, especially if your water is cloudy. If you don’t have a filter, run it through a paper towel, coffee filter, or clean cloth, or let it settle for a while before boiling.
Once it is clear, here is what you do:
- Place clear water in a pot or pan on your stove.
- Turn on the heat to high and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Let it boil for one minute at low elevation, or for three minutes at elevations over 6,500 feet.
- Allow it to cool.
- Store in clean, sterilized containers with tight-fitting lids.
Comparing Boiled Water to Filtered Water
Boiling effectively kills waterborne pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, it does not remove most chemical contaminants and may worsen them.
Filtering, on the other hand, helps remove pathogens, but not as effectively as boiling. However, quality filtration systems can remove virtually all chemical contaminants, including heavy metals like lead and mercury, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, disinfection byproducts, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and more.
Therefore, boiling is not a substitute for filtration, or vice versa. However, if you’re on a municipal supply system, their job is to ensure your water is free of waterborne pathogens. You only need to boil if there is an issue with your municipal supply, for example, due to severe storms. In that case, filtering first is recommended, followed by boiling afterwards.
Also, boiling does not deal with hard water, and filtration systems may not either. If yours is exceptionally hard, you may need to use a water softener before a filtration system. However, it’s crucial to understand that some hardness is good, as it provides essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium that our bodies need. This is why distilled and reverse osmosis methods are not actually good for us, because it is “too pure.” This is why quality filtration systems are designed to selectively remove contaminants while leaving some of the beneficial hardness behind.
The Efficiency of Water Filtration Systems
Filtration systems are much more efficient at purifying than boiling, since quality filtration systems remove more than 99% of chemical contaminants. They provide instant access to healthy, purified water to drink and use in the home. Because Woder takes on work through bids, its filtration systems are built to meet the strict performance requirements set by municipalities, businesses, and institutions.
Different Types of Water Filtration Systems
Before buying a water filter, it’s essential to understand your water issues. You can check your municipality’s routine tests, but the best option is to have your supply tested by a lab. Then, research what was found and what is considered safe and unsafe. Finally, look at the different types of filtration systems to find one that works best for you and your water issues.
Here are some quality filters to explore, which we’ll break down into under-sink and inline filters.
Under Sink Filters
Ideal for filtration directly at your kitchen sink for drinking and cooking water.
- Woder WD-G4-DC Lead, Chlorine, HM, and PFAS Filter
- Woder Fluoride Removal and Advanced Dual Filtration System
- Woder Sediment Removal and Advanced Dual Filtration System
- Woder Heavy Metals Removal and Advanced Filtration System
- Woder Sediment Filter – Dirt, Sand, and Dust Removal
- Woder Heavy Metals Removal Advanced Dual Filtration System
- Woder WD-G4-2512-DC Filter (New WD-10K-DC)
- Woder WD-G4-210-DC Water Filter (New WD-4K-DC)
Inline Filters
Perfect for water coolers, ice makers, refrigerators, and dedicated cold/filtered water faucets.
- Woder Advanced Water Filter WD-G4-JG
- Woder Fluoride Removal and Advanced Dual Filtration System
- Woder Sediment Removal and Advanced Dual Filtration System
- Woder WD-HMG4-JG Heavy Metals and Advanced Filtration System
- Woder WD-20m-JG Sediment Removal Filter
- Woder WD-FRM-REP Fluoride Removal Cartridge (Gen4)
- Woder Heavy Metals Removal Advanced Dual Filtration System
- Woder One-Piece Filter w. JG (New WD-10K-JG)
- Woder WD-G4-210-JG Inline Filter w. JG (New WD-4K-JG)
- IT’S YOUR WATER™ Filter w. Garden Hose Faucet Adapter
What Are the Benefits of Filtering Tap Water?
Here are some benefits you gain from filtering your tap water.
Removes Heavy Metals and Harmful Chemicals
Quality filtration systems can remove 99% or more of harmful heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, PFAS, VOCs, microplastics, and numerous other dangerous substances.
Pathogen and Disinfection Byproduct Removal
Filtering helps remove pathogens, but not as well as boiling. However, pathogens are generally not a concern for most people when you use a treated municipal supply. The far bigger issue here is the disinfection byproducts left behind after treatment. Fortunately, quality filtration systems are also designed to remove disinfection byproducts.
Improved Taste
Filtering removes the off tastes and odors that often come with tap water.
Improved Health
Filtered water supports immunity, aids digestion, and protects kidney health.
Healthier Hair and Skin
Filtering is also better for your skin and hair when showering and washing clothes, further benefiting your skin.
Cost Savings
A filtration system can save you a lot of money compared to buying bottled water.
Environmental Benefits
Filtering has enormous environmental benefits compared to buying bottled water, as it eliminates the plastic production and carbon emissions associated with producing, shipping, and purchasing bottles.
Convenience
Filtering is fast and convenient. It eliminates the need to purchase water and provides it right at your sink, where you need it. Filters are also available in versatile options for added convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens to Water When You Boil It?
When water boils, it physically transforms from a liquid into a gas. This causes bubbles to form, which erupt from the surface as it evaporates. Living organisms cannot survive boiling, making it highly effective at destroying waterborne pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
What Is the Disadvantage of Boiling Water?
Boiling can effectively remove waterborne pathogens, but it does little to nothing to remove most chemical contaminants, including lead, mercury, PFAS, microplastics, pesticides, disinfection byproducts, and pharmaceuticals. In fact, boiling is known to concentrate many chemical pollutants.
Is It Better to Drink Boiled Water or Filtered Water?
Filtered water is best since quality filtration systems can remove over 99% of chemical contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. These contaminants are not removed by boiling and may, in fact, become more concentrated. However, boiling is better at destroying waterborne pathogens.
Filtration Improves Water Quality, Safety, and Taste
Boiling is a reliable method for killing waterborne pathogens, but it does not ensure that your water is clean, safe, and chemical-free. For that, a high-quality filtration system is essential. Woder’s filtration products remove over 99% of heavy metals, PFAS, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and more, delivering purified water quickly and efficiently.
Whether you’re looking for a powerful under-sink filtration solution for everyday drinking and cooking, or a compact inline filter perfect for water coolers, refrigerators, ice makers, or dedicated cold/filtered water faucets, Woder has you covered.
Because Woder regularly fulfills large bids, our systems are built to meet high safety and performance standards for municipalities, businesses, and institutions. If you’re looking for a US-made solution backed by proven results, contact our team for discounted quotes for bulk orders and beneficial long-term business relationships.
