Many individuals are concerned about tap water quality and whether simple household methods can purify it. Boiling is a frequently considered approach, recognized for addressing certain impurities. This article examines what boiling water can and cannot achieve for water quality.
Chlorine and Boiling Water
Boiling water can indeed reduce the amount of chlorine present in tap water. Chlorine is a volatile substance, meaning it readily transitions from a liquid to a gaseous state, even at temperatures well below water’s boiling point.
As water heats up, the kinetic energy of its molecules increases, causing dissolved chlorine gas to escape from the water and enter the surrounding air. This process, known as volatilization, accelerates significantly as water approaches and reaches its boiling point.
Boiling water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes can notably decrease chlorine levels. The noticeable change in taste and odor often experienced with boiled water is largely due to this reduction in chlorine.
It is important to note that this method primarily works for “free chlorine” used in municipal water treatment; chloramine, a more stable compound composed of chlorine and ammonia, does not evaporate as easily and is not effectively removed by boiling.
Fluoride and Boiling Water
In contrast to chlorine, boiling water does not remove fluoride; instead, it can lead to an increased concentration of fluoride in the remaining water. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that exists as a dissolved ion in water, not a volatile gas.
When water boils, water molecules evaporate as steam, but the dissolved fluoride ions are left behind. As water volume decreases, fluoride becomes more concentrated.
Fluoride is a stable compound, and the heat from boiling is insufficient to break it down or cause it to evaporate.
Understanding Boiling’s Role in Water Quality
Boiling water serves distinct purposes when it comes to improving water quality, with varying effects on different contaminants. While it is effective for removing volatile substances like free chlorine by facilitating their evaporation, it proves ineffective for dissolved minerals such as fluoride.
The primary and most recognized benefit of boiling water for safety is its ability to kill pathogens like bacteria and viruses, thereby making biologically contaminated water safer for consumption.
However, boiling does not remove non-volatile dissolved solids, heavy metals, or other chemical contaminants. Its utility is specific, and it is not a comprehensive method for purifying water from all types of impurities.