In 2018, the city of Austin issued a boil-water alert as it struggled with the effects of that year’s flooding. The plan was that people should not drink directly from the tap without first boiling it. At least until the utility company got back to full operation.
This caused a rush for bottled products, while for others, it was a matter of boiled water vs. filtered water.
Whether there is an emergency or not, it is important that you don’t drink directly from the tap, however, there are a lot of different opinions out there about filtration and boiling.
Some people believe that filtering is the best way to go, while others think that it's a waste of money. So what's the truth?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at filtered water vs boiled water and help you decide which is the best option.
What Are Filtered and Boiled Water?
These are two of the most common types of drinking water. The difference between them is the way they are treated before being consumed.
Filtered: This is obtained by passing tap water through a filtration system to remove any impurities or particulates. These devices come in different shapes and sizes, including mineral filters for access to mineral-rich water.
Boiled: This refers to the process of heating tap water in order for it to become drinkable. This is done without adding any chemicals and takes about 10 minutes of boiling before the water is safe and clean enough to drink. It has to cool down first though.
Now that we know what these two processes involve, which one is better than the other?
Advantages and Disadvantages of Filtration System
One way to resolve the controversy surrounding the water filter vs boiling water issue is to look at how one stacks up against the other. Here, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of the filtration system.
Advantages
- Filtration is cost-effective.
- Filtering has enormous environmental benefits.
- Filters require little maintenance.
- Filters can also remove chlorine and other matter that can give your drink an unpleasant taste or odor.
- Filtering removes impurities and dangerous contaminants, such as lead, mercury, chlorine, arsenic, and a slew of chemicals.
- Using filters, you can retain vital minerals such as magnesium, calcium, fluoride, and zinc.
Disadvantages
- It does not eliminate all contaminants.
- The cost of filter systems will increase each year since filters must be changed every couple of months.
- The rate of filtration is slow, which results in a slow output.
- Some products are difficult to install.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Boiling
Apart from boiling cooking, washing, and making tea, boiling is also quite good for purifying water for drinking. But that you can easily boil does not automatically settle the matter of boiling vs filtering water. We also need to look at the advantages and disadvantages of this method.
Advantages
- Makes hard water soft.
- It's an efficient method of purification.
- Boiling removes chlorine
- It is among the most energy-effective means of purging impurities from water.
- According to the CDC, boiling is the most effective way to eliminate disease-causing organisms such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Disadvantages
- You must boil for a long time, at least 10 minutes, or else, bacteria won't die.
- Boiling accelerates evaporation, leaving hazardous chemicals behind.
- You cannot safely remove unwanted contaminants like lead, arsenic, magnesium, and nitrates by boiling only.
Comparing Filtered and Boiled Water
Not all water is created equal. Depending on how it's sourced and treated, it can vary widely in quality. This is why it's important to know the difference when comparing boiling tap water vs filtering.
Remember, boiling is just heating up plain old tap water to the point where it's not just hot, but boiling hot, usually 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and then cooled to room temperature. The boiling process kills any bacteria so it's safe to drink.
Also, keep in mind that boiling will not eliminate bigger contaminants. Your drink might still include residue or dirt, especially if it came from a really dirty source. You may need to purify it further unless you are fond of gritty coffee.
Filtered water is purified by a device that removes all impurities through a filtration system, which can be either physical or chemical. They are used to remove sediment, organic matter, dissolved gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, heavy metals, and other contaminants that can potentially cause harm if consumed.
If you decide to boil, you don’t need equipment - usually, a kettle or cooking pot is okay.
Filtration on the other hand requires that you install filters for water to your line or tap. Some of these devices are small and you may be able to install them by yourself. Others are quite complex and may need the services of an expert to get it all set up and running.
Both options are safe to drink, but the filtered result may be more palatable since it doesn't have the same "cooked" taste that boiled does. However, if you're traveling to a place with a questionable drinking source and don't have access to a filter system, you may want to boil before drinking.
Best Water for Your Health
Is boiled water the same as filtered water? The short answer is no.
Is boiled water better than filtered water? The short answer this time around is yes.
Boiling can kill some bacteria, but it won't remove all of the impurities and this can affect your health and lead to various diseases.
Filtered is a much better option because it removes virtually all impurities. Also, water tastes better when filtered than when boiled. It has a pleasant taste and smell which makes it more appealing to drink. When boiled, it lacks luster and is often bland in taste, making it difficult to drink on its own.
As you can see, there are a number of benefits associated with filtration that cannot be achieved via boiling. And best of all, getting a filtration system in your home has become easier than ever before.
For example, you can use whole house water filtration systems if you want clean water at every faucet. You can install a countertop or under-sink filter in your kitchen if you only want it from one point in your home.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has settled the water filter vs boiling water argument once and for all.
There's no denying that filtration is better for health. It's been shown to remove impurities and contaminants from drinking sources, which can lead to better overall health.
These products are readily available and easy to find, so there's no excuse not to start drinking healthy today.
Filterway offers a full range of filters: some are designed for chlorine removal, others for removing bacteria and pathogens, others focus on removing impurities, and some can even do all three. We have some of the best apartment water filter systems for small families, as well as complex filtration equipment for entire homes and facilities. You can easily get what you need for your drinking needs by exploring our website.
When you filter tap water with a properly installed filtration system from our website, you'll realize how beneficial it can be.
Your body will thank you for it too.
