Sometimes you wake up thirsty in the middle of the night. And in this sleepy state, the kitchen can seem like it's miles away. The next place where you can quickly find water is, of course, the bathroom. Drinking water from the tap at the sink in the private or family bathroom may therefore make sense. But is it?
In this Q&A blog, let's explore the safety aspect of drinking water straight from your bathroom faucet. Go to specific sections by clicking the links below, or read the full article by scrolling down the page:
- Is it safe to drink water from the bathroom faucet at home?
- Is it safe to drink water from the bathroom faucet in hotels?
- Is there a country where it is safe to drink water from bathroom faucets?
- In which countries is it safe to drink tap water?
Did you know that bathrooms can be sources of all kinds of germs? For more information, see our helpful guide atGerms in the bathroom: everything you need to know.
1. Is it safe to drink water from the bathroom faucet at home?
If you've ever drunk water from a bathroom faucet at home, you may have noticed that your bathroom water tastes slightly different than kitchen water and is often slightly warmer in temperature. But is it really a bad idea to drink the water you use to brush your teeth every day? Let's look at some facts:
1. According to research byBrunel University, London, Every time you enjoy a glass of tap water that keeps you alive, you could accidentally drink a very small dose of other people's medications.
The reason for this is that current medicines are stable and long-lasting. Although the dose of this cocktail is reliably constant in tap water, a significant amount of these prescription drugs that people excrete end up in the sewage system.
Finally, some of these medicines, albeit in very small doses, return unchanged to households via the waste water filter system. This problem is not just limited to tap water. In Israel, scientists analyzed the urine of people who ate crops irrigated with treated wastewater. The results showed the presence of significant amounts of carbamazepine, an epilepsy drug.
2. According toSevern Dee Limited(formerly Dee Valley Water Limited) the water from your bathroom taps was usually stored in a tank in the attic. Therefore, unlike your kitchen water, this water is not fresh from the tap. And that water may have been in your home's plumbing system for a while. This water may contain small amounts of dust and dirt from your home's holding tank.
2. Is it safe to drink water from the bathroom faucet in hotels?
The main problem with tap water in hotel bathrooms is that older buildings often have lead pipes in the bathroom which can render the water potable.
Even if the hotel is newly built, the plumbing system may have copper tubing connected with lead solder. While tap water doesn't have time to pick up lead from the pipes, water that has been stored in a tank, as is often the case in hotels, has bathroom tap water and possibly any hot water faucet in the bathroom that water has likely been in for a while Hotel sanitary system. Most likely thisstanding water in pipes has picked up small amounts of lead.
Next, lead isn't the only problem. TOTanks stored in a neglected area can potentially be scavenged by small critters such as bugs and birds. It's not a pleasant thought. But it's a potential source of contamination and something you have no control over in a hotel. You should be careful, especially if the tap water smells funny or looks suspicious.
3. Is there a country where it is safe to drink water from bathroom faucets?
Drinking water straight from bathroom faucets poses a health risk. Despite advances in sanitation around the world, there are more than 180 countries whereTap water is considered unsafe for tourists.
In these countries, it would be doubly unsafe to drink water from bathroom faucets. If you get it wrong, you could be faced with an array of harmful and potentially deadly infections. However, the local population will have higher immunity to common water supply pathogens than tourists making a short visit. One factor to be aware of is that while locals are not affected by contaminated drinking water, this may not be the case for tourists.
4. In which countries is it safe to drink tap water?
The main countries related tobetter tap water qualitycontain:
- Swiss
- Norway
- Luxemburg
- France
- Austria
- Italy
- Great Britain
- Sweden
- Deutschland
- New Zealand
The tap water in these countries is undoubtedly one of the cleanest and safest in the world.
in summary
The tap water in the bathroom is perfectly fine for brushing teeth and washing. As long as the water is not swallowed, lead poisoning is unlikely.
Just be very careful with young children: remind them to spit up when brushing their teeth. And if you're likely to be thirsty during the night, take a glass or bottle of water from the kitchen faucet to bed with you.
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FAQs
Is your bathroom tap water safe to drink? ›
' The answer is no. Unless you have tested the water quality yourself, and you have fitted a water filter system to your bathroom tap you can never be sure whether the water from the bathroom tap is safe for you to drink.
Is the bathroom tap water safe to drink? ›Your bathroom tap water is perfectly fine to brush your teeth and to wash up. As long as you're not swallowing the water, you're unlikely to get lead poisoning. Just be extra aware of small children – when they are brushing their teeth, remind them to spit.
Is tap water good enough to drink? ›The water that comes out of your faucet is filtered, disinfected and often contains added fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Safety standards are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and enforced by the town, city or state where you live. So, in general, tap water is good, cheap and safe to drink.
How do I know if my tap water is safe to drink? ›Often county health departments will help you test for bacteria or nitrates. If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.
Is bathroom tap water safe to drink NYC? ›Chlorine is a very effective disinfectant, and is not considered hazardous or harmful in the amounts used to treat the water supply. New York City water meets all federal and state standards and is safe to drink. Chlorine odors may be more noticeable when the weather is warmer.
Is bathroom tap water the same as shower water? ›In pretty much all of the US, the same water runs in your shower, sink, toilet, and kitchen. In a few places, toilets may be plumbed with gray water; that is, water than has been through one of the other systems first. Usually, places that do this make it pretty clear.
Why does bathroom water taste different? ›People particularly sensitive to the low levels of chlorine used in the water treatment process may sometimes notice a peculiar taste or smell.
Is it better to drink bottled water or tap? ›Overall, both tap and bottled water are considered good ways to hydrate. However, tap water is generally a better option, as it's just as safe as bottled water but costs considerably less and has a much lower environmental impact. Plus, with a reusable water bottle, tap water can be just as convenient as bottled.
Should I drink tap water or filtered water? ›The truth is that most contaminants found in tap water are unhealthy and can be very dangerous. Even pure water from the tap can contain such things as lead, pesticides, bacteria, and chlorine. In fact, drinking tap water puts you at risk for lead poisoning every day. Filtered water on the other hand is safer.
What is the healthiest water to drink? ›Mineral, structured, and pure spring water are some of the healthiest water you can drink because they're clean and contain all the essential minerals your body needs. Filtered water removes contaminants but might also remove essential minerals.
Can I drink water from the sink? ›
In most parts of the United States and Canada, it's safe to drink tap water from public water systems. Tap water that's been properly filtered is equally safe as bottled water and provides you with essential minerals you may not get from bottled water.
How do I make sure my tap water is clean? ›- Boiling. If water is cloudy, allow to settle, then skim the clean water above the sediment. ...
- Disinfect by using: Unscented household chlorine bleach or iodine (useful against most, but not all, harmful viruses or bacteria. ...
- Filtering.
The bottom line. Tap water can be stored safely for up to 6 months. Certain chemicals found in plastic can leach into bottled water over time, which could potentially damage your health. Thus, it's probably best to avoid commercially bottled water that's far past its expiration date.
Is bathroom tap water the same as kitchen tap water? ›Yes, unless you're in a public space and there's a sign telling you not to do so, bathroom tap water is safe to drink as this comes from the same supply as your kitchen sink.
Is bathroom sink water the same as kitchen sink water? ›All water coming into your house comes from the same single source, so unless you have two separate storage tanks for your kitchen taps and bathroom taps (highly unlikely) then the water will be identical.
Is bathroom sink water considered tap water? ›The water from the sink in the bathroom is the same water that comes from the tap in the kitchen. So if you drink from the kitchen tap, the bathroom faucet is safe as well.
Is there a difference between sink and bathroom water? ›It is exactly the same water that comes out of the tap in the kitchen. If you can drink the water from the kitchen tap, then the water from the bathroom tap is just as safe.
Is toilet water cleaner than tap water? ›So, while the water in your toilet may not be fit for drinking, it's not as dirty as you think. The water in your toilet bowl is cleaner than in your sink. This is because the water in your toilet bowl is constantly being flushed, which means that any dirt or bacteria is quickly removed.
Why is bathroom tap water colder? ›In the bathroom, the water is often very cold because the person getting a drink first uses the water closet (toilet) and flushes. This starts the flow of cold water. Then they wash their hands, which continues to flow the cold water. By the time they take a drink, the water is nice and cold.
Why does my bathroom tap water smell? ›A smell of sewage, when you turn on your taps, is often the result of a build-up of bacteria in your plumbing system. When organic matter such as food, waste, hair or soap accumulates in your drains, bacteria grow and produce a gas that smells like rotten eggs.
Why does bathroom tap water taste sweet? ›
Tap water naturally contains minerals, such as calcium or iron, that can produce a sweet taste when found in larger quantities or when consumed by those with more sensitive palates. Your plumbing can affect the way your water tastes. Flushing your pipes can help to clear your water of sweet tastes and odors.
Should you filter tap water? ›The levels of chlorine in the drinking water are non-toxic, so you may not need a filter. However, consumption over time may have health consequences.
Is bottled water always safe to drink than tap water? ›Evidence Against the Health Claim
Although bottled water is considerably more expensive than tap water, it is not necessarily safer. In fact, all drinking water—both bottled and tap—may contain small amounts of contaminants.
All in all, water in plastic bottles should be safe to drink, and no less so than water in metal bottles or any other type of container. If they have contaminants in them, they are likely to be found at tiny concentrations.
What is the downside of tap water? ›Cons: Tap water can also pick up pesticides which have been washed into streams and rivers. Chlorine is added to tap water to help disinfect it, but it can react with fallen leaves to form a toxic byproduct. Even your own pipes can contaminate tap water with lead.
Should you filter bottled water? ›Yes. Bottled water is filtered before it is bottled and sold. Filtered water removes chlorine and other chemicals that can create a bad smell and taste. You can enjoy the same taste of bottled water at home with your filtration system.
What is the best water for kidneys? ›Pure, naturally-filtered water is the best thing you can drink for good kidney health. And installing a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and convenient bottled water cooler can be the best way to get it.
What is the best water to drink without chemicals? ›Without a doubt, spring water is the winner. It is considered the best water to drink, providing vital nutrients as it moves through the body. This is, of course, spring water that is bottled at the source and proven to be actual living spring water.
What is the cleanest bottled water? ›Essentia
Essentia claims to fit the bill, creating bottled water with an exceptionally high pH of 9.5, basically zero traces of acidity. The body itself is delicately smooth and extraordinarily clean. In fact, Essentia is 99.9% pure premium water, touting a balanced blend of minerals and electrolytes.
Tap water is the freshest drink you can quench your thirst with. It takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days to get it from the treatment plant to your home. Should I boil tap water before drinking it? Unless your water company issues a specific boil notice, it is not necessary to boil your tap water.
Is tap water fully clean? ›
Despite treatment, tap water isn't fully free of contaminants. There are a number of ways that contaminants can infiltrate drinking water, including: sewage leaks. natural chemical and mineral runoff.
Is it OK to drink bottled water left overnight? ›The water left overnight or for a long period of time in an open glass or container is home to numerous bacterias and is not safe for drinking. You never know how much dust, debris, and other small microscopic particles might have passed into that glass. Water left in a bottle for a long time is not safe to drink.
Can I drink 2 day old tap water? ›“If you have clean water in a clean glass, you're fine for a day or two,” he says, adding that almost all tap water in the U.S. contains chlorine additives that will kill small communities of microorganisms.
Is toilet water clean? ›The toilet tank (sometimes called a toilet cistern) sits above the toilet bowl and is what holds the water ready for you to flush. The water, as we stated above, is normal residential fresh water, so technically speaking, it's clean.
Is faucet water tap water the same? ›Tap water (also known as faucet water, running water, or municipal water) is water supplied through a tap, a water dispenser valve. In many countries, tap water usually has the quality of drinking water. Tap water is commonly used for drinking, cooking, washing, and toilet flushing.
Does sink and toilet water come from the same place? ›You see, every drain in your home is connected to a pipe that moves used water from your house to a sewer in the street; that's right, every toilet, shower, sink, washing machine, dishwasher, and anything else that uses water connects to one singular pipe.
What is the best water from kitchen sink called? ›Greywater: is the wastewater that comes from sinks, washing machines, bathtubs and showers. It contains lower levels of contamination, making it easier to treat and process.
Does the toilet and the kitchen sink use the same drain? ›The toilet has the largest drainpipe, so the sink drain, which is smaller in diameter, will empty into the toilet drain line.
What city has the cleanest tap water in America? ›Louisville, Kentucky. The water comes from the Ohio River and is filtered through sand and gravel.
Who has the worst water quality? ›Niger: 54% lack access to clean water
Niger, the largest country in West Africa, is among the worst for access to clean water — and among the world's poorest. Over 40% of Niger's population lives on less than $2.15 a day.
What place has the best tap water in the US? ›
| # | State | Number of Water Quality Violations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | 2 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 7 |
| 3 | Nebraska | 121 |
| 4 | Delaware | 131 |
Overall, both tap and bottled water are considered good ways to hydrate. However, tap water is generally a better option, as it's just as safe as bottled water but costs considerably less and has a much lower environmental impact. Plus, with a reusable water bottle, tap water can be just as convenient as bottled.
Can you drink bathroom tap water in Premier Inn? ›Promoted Stories. Premier Inns, like nearly all buildings in the UK, are supplied by the mains water supply. Because of this it is therefore safe to drink.
Which is the healthiest water to drink? ›What Is The Healthiest Water To Drink? When sourced and stored safely, spring water is typically the healthiest option. When spring water is tested, and minimally processed, it offers the rich mineral profile that our bodies desperately crave.
What is the best water to drink for your health? ›Mineral, structured, and pure spring water are some of the healthiest water you can drink because they're clean and contain all the essential minerals your body needs. Filtered water removes contaminants but might also remove essential minerals.
Why is the hotel tap water white? ›The trapped air dissolves in the water but when you run a tap, built-up pressure is released and air bubbles are formed, which give your water its white appearance. This is called aeration and does not make your drinking water unsafe. If your water does appear to run white, it should clear after a short while.
Should you drink out of hotel faucets? ›No matter how desperate you are for a cool drink of water in the middle of the night, do not resort to drinking from the bathroom tap. Hotel plumbing is a potential breeding ground for harmful microorganisms such E. Coli, as water in unoccupied hotel rooms can remain stagnant in pipes for days, weeks or even months.
Can you boil hotel bathroom water? ›If you mean in a hotel room, then generally speaking "yes" it's fine. If it wasn't safe the hotel wouldn't provide a kettle. Just make sure you allow the kettle to bring the water fully to the boil. 2.