Is Boiled Water the Same as Filtered Water? BIG Difference Explained

In August 2023, alarming news revealed that several reservoirs near Melbourne, including Djerriwarrh and Merrimu, were found to have heightened levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their raw water supplies. Djerriwarrh, especially, had some fairly concerning readings for PFOS, which was found to have 53 nanograms per litre. That number is more than 13 times higher than what the proposed new Australian Drinking Water Guidelines deem is acceptable. This sparked a fair bit of concern among many residents, and a lot of people started looking into safer ways to get drinking water, including boiling it or using water filters.

So, you might be thinking, "Is boiled water the same as filtered water?" To help you prepare for any water problems, we’re going to look at the main differences between boiled and filtered water. That way, you can make the best choice for your family’s health and peace of mind.

Boiled water is a traditional, straightforward way to reduce the risk of illness from pathogens in tap water. It has been used for centuries during emergencies and in areas without advanced water treatment facilities.

Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, and most bacteria, viruses and microorganisms cannot survive temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius for a long time. Therefore, boiling is a highly effective way to kill many biological contaminants.

Drinking boiled water also brings some health benefits, such as aiding digestion and improving circulation, but when asking is boiled water the same as filtered water, it’s important to understand that boiling does not actually clean the water of non-living contaminants.

• Kills pathogens effectively
  Boiling is a trusted method for removing harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites from drinking water.
• Affordable and accessible
  Almost everyone has access to a heat source, which makes boiling water a universally available solution.
• Quick and convenient for emergencies
  Boiling is a fast response to make water safer to drink, especially in emergency situations.
• Aids digestion and circulation
  Drinking warm or boiled water may help improve digestive health and circulation.

While boiling water is effective at killing pathogens, it does not remove chemical contaminants or heavy metals that may be present in your tap water.

Other drawbacks of boiling water include:

• Uses electricity or gas
  Continual boiling can add to your utility bills, especially if done daily.

• Time-consuming
  Waiting for water to boil and cool can be inconvenient, especially in large quantities.

• Limited purification
  Boiling does not remove chlorine, lead, fluoride, pesticides or many other common tap water pollutants.

• Potential for high cumulative costs
  If boiling is your main method for daily drinking water, energy and time costs can quickly add up.

There are many common water contaminants that aren’t removed during the process of boiling water, some of which include:

• Chlorine and chloramine

• PFAS

• Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic

• Fluoride

• Nitrates and nitrites

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Pharmaceutical residues

• Microplastics

• Some viruses and cysts resistant to heat

Simply put, boiling kills biological contaminants but does not clean the water of chemical pollutants that could impact long-term health.

For those who rely on rainwater tanks, the question of water safety is even more critical. Water collected from your roof can be contaminated with various pollutants, including harmful bacteria, viruses, moulds and chemicals. While boiling this water is a common practice, it has significant limitations.

Boiling rainwater for at least one to two minutes can kill many disease-causing organisms. However, it will not remove other significant threats such as dirt, heavy metals, pesticides and other chemicals that may have been picked up from your roof and gutters. If the water has a strong smell after boiling, it may indicate the presence of contaminants that boiling cannot eliminate.

While boiling is a temporary safety measure, it is not a comprehensive solution for making rainwater safe for long-term consumption.

A far more effective and reliable method for treating rainwater is using a water filtration system. Unlike boiling, water filters are designed to remove a wide range of contaminants.

• Comprehensive Removal: Filters can eliminate dirt, bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides and other chemicals that boiling leaves behind.
• Layered Protection: For optimal safety, it is recommended to use a multi-stage approach. A primary rainwater tank filter can treat all water entering your home. For the highest quality drinking water, a secondary point-of-use filter, such as a benchtop or undersink system, can be installed in your kitchen to remove any potential contaminants picked up between the tank and the tap.

Filtered water is tap water that has passed through a physical or chemical filtration system designed to remove a broad range of contaminants. Water filtration not only enhances the taste and smell of your water but also significantly improves its safety and quality.

It becomes clear that filtration goes beyond what boiling can achieve. There are various filtration methods depending on your goals, such as removing heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, sediments and even viruses.

Compared to boiling, filtration is much quicker and consistently provides cleaner, healthier drinking water. When you choose filtered water, you’re not just making water safer—you’re vastly improving its quality.

Here are some of the benefits of using water filters:

• Removes heavy metals
  Protects the body from toxic build-up of metals like lead, which can cause serious health issues.

• Boosts the immune system
  Clean water supports overall health and strengthens your body’s natural defences.

• Enhances skin, hair and nail health
  Reduces exposure to chlorine and other chemicals that can dry out and damage skin and hair.

• Aids in weight management
  Cleaner water encourages better hydration, which supports metabolism and weight control.

• Improves the taste and aroma of coffee and tea
  Chlorine-free water brings out the true flavour of your beverages.

• Aids in digestion and nutrient absorption
  Purified water helps your digestive system work more efficiently.
  

To fully understand whether boiled water is the same as filtered water, it’s important to see why filtration is the superior choice:

• Speed
  There's no need to wait for water to boil and cool down.

• Removes a wide range of contaminants
  Filters help get rid of chemical pollutants, heavy metals and even some microplastics.

• More energy-efficient
  Using water filters reduces reliance on electricity or gas for water purification.

• Customisable options
  There are different systems are available based on your unique water needs—from whole house water filter systems to benchtop, reverse osmosis, undersink and UV water filters.

There are many types of filtration solutions to suit different households, so you can choose one based on the specific contaminants you wish to address.

When it comes to the debate of whether boiled water is the same as filtered water, the overwhelming conclusion is that filtered water is the superior option.

Boiling water is helpful during emergencies when biological contamination is the main concern, but it does nothing to remove the chemical and heavy metals present in most tap water systems.

Moreover, events such as algal blooms in Brisbane or the storms in Melbourne can compromise water supplies before authorities issue public warnings. Having a filtration system already in place offers constant protection.

Ultimately, filtered water not only supports better health but also provides peace of mind that you and your family are drinking the purest water possible.

At My Water Filter, we offer a wide range of water filtration solutions to help you create the best water you can in all areas of your home, including the shower!

If you're in an emergency situation and boiling the water is critical, we recommend checking out the CDC's guide to making water safe during an emergency.

If you want the purest, safest water at every tap in your home, consider installing a whole house water filter. This ensures that all water—whether for drinking, showering or cooking—is free from harmful contaminants.

If you prefer to start with drinking water only, options like undersink and benchtop water filters or even a reverse osmosis water filter, provide excellent solutions for improving kitchen water quality.

If you're wondering which filtration solution is right for your home, continue reading in our Learning Centre or feel free to contact us. We’re here to help tailor a solution based on your specific needs.