Filtered water vs. Boiled water: Which is better?

Water is vital to our living. But due to the burden of population, environmental pollution and depletion of natural resources, getting clean water has become a challenge.

For those who can affored it, the market is flooded with all kinds of filters and for those who cannot, boiling tap water before consumption is recommended.

But which is a better way to ensure the purity of water? Even the doctors suggest drinking boiled water to prevent water-borne diseases such as Jaundice, Typhoid, and Diarrhoea.

But, then this makes us question the need for filtered water and how it is useful for us when boiled water is recommended by doctors.

Here is a detailed analysis of both the processes and which one is more useful.

If you think that the water coming straight out of the tap is healthy to drink, think again! The journey of water from the water treatment plant is assumed to be safe and free from bacteria and contamination as they use chlorine and fluoride for killing the bacteria. However, the pipes through which it flows and reaches our home might not be clean and while it is collected in storage & treatment plants water can attract more contaminants in the process. So, if you think that the water coming out of the tap is pure, you must read this. But since people are getting aware of the quality of drinking water, several measures are being taken at the government level to provide safe drinking water to the whole country.

Boiling is one of the oldest methods for getting safe drinking water and it is a widely practised household water treatment method used for water purification. The main purpose of boiling water is to kill germs that are present in it. However, while boiling water is a time-tested practice, it has its own limitations. Also, there are other water purification methods available that are more effective, easy, and convenient. When the water is boiled, it helps remove micro-organisms that can’t withstand high temperatures. But, if you think that the impurities and other chemicals are removed after boiling, you are wrong! To disinfect those invisible water-borne viruses and bacteria, make sure that the water is continuously boiled for a minimum of 20 minutes. If you boil it any less than that, then the water is not safe for drinking purposes. The process also does not dissolve impurities like lead, arsenic, magnesium and nitrates.

Compared to boiled water, purified water is considered safer to drink. A water purifier can help remove impurities, chemicals and micro-organisms from the contaminated or tap water while making it pathogen-free. From RO to UV water purifiers, there are several technologies that help in purifying water and making it drinkable. It also reduces the dependency on bottled water.

Drinking safe water is also known to promote a healthy immune system as all the necessary minerals & vitamins are there. It also helps in the weight loss process while boosting metabolism and skin health.