5 Facts About Re-Boiled Water & Whether They’re Harmful To Our Body (Not The Same As Distilled Water)

Last Updated on 2023-01-17 , 5:11 pm

Re-boiled water is not distilled water. Even if you say that the water is from Singapore, re-boiled water from Singapore is not equal to the distilled water in Singapore.

“Drinking re-boiled water is bad for you. You shouldn’t do it.”

“You should never use re-boiled water to brew your coffee or tea.”

How many times have you heard these? And do you know the reasons behind such sayings? How much truth is there in those statements?

Given the hectic lifestyle in Singapore, and with our lazy legs that often refuse to walk a few metres to boil new water, it’s not uncommon for us to re-boil water…again and again and again. But would there be any consequences for re-boiling water?

Read on to find out the five things that you need to know about re-boiling your water.

Pure distilled de-ionized water (distilled water) can be re-boiled and consumed with no problems

Now, let’s get it over once and for all: normal water can be re-boiled a few thousand times (i don’ know what you’re thinking, but oh well) if you want to, as the hazard is very, very low. In fact, what’s even dirtier is your kettle or cup.

It is only in ordinary water that contains dissolved gases and minerals which cannot be re-boiled.

Your tea tastes better with freshly boiled water

If you are a ‘tea connoisseur’, you will probably be better off making your tea with freshly boiled rather than re-boiled water. Tea tastes better with water that has more oxygen content, and water that is boiled again has lesser oxygen content as it becomes poorly aerated due to dissolved oxygen molecules escaping in the form of steam.

So, technically, yes, you can use re-boiled water for your coffee or tea, but it won’t taste as good.

You run the risk of increasing the concentration of non-volatile impurities in your water if you re-boil it.

Tap water contains some amount of minerals and natural gases. By re-boiling your water, it might result in a higher concentration of compounds like arsenic, nitrates and fluoride which may prove hazardous to your health.

Wait, doesn’t the first point indicate that it’s okay to have re-boiled water? Here’s when you need to be critical: the risk is low but there’s still a risk. There’s no 100% in anything, my friend.

Even “healthy” minerals can be concentrated to a dangerous level.

Here’s when you should know what it means by “moderation”: Don’t think that you are safe if you used water you deemed clean such as drinking and mineral water. Excessive intake of calcium salt, a mineral normally found in drinking and mineral water can lead to kidney stones, hardening of arteries, arthritis and gallstones.

Everything is relatively safe if you understand the word “moderation”.

If you have the habit of re-boiling your water, it usually means that you have left the water to stand in your kettle or electric kettle for some time.

Now, back to the first point: re-boiled water might be relatively safe, but the container that contains it might not. If you’re using a kettle, this might result in the formation of rust, especially in electric kettles, which uses a metal coil inside the kettle to heat up the water.

So, for goodness’ sake, avoid re-boiling water if necessary. After all, you need that exercise!

Featured Image: OlegDoroshin / Shutterstock.com