Is tap water safe to drink?

Jul 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

Tap water that has been strictly treated to meet drinking standards and boiled to kill microorganisms and remove certain harmful substances is safe to drink, meets daily hydration needs, and poses no harm to health. However, contamination may occur during tap water transportation due to pipe damage, or if the water source is affected by industrial wastewater or domestic waste.

Generally speaking, whether tap water is drinkable depends on its quality. It can be consumed if it meets drinking standards and has been boiled, but it should not be consumed if it is contaminated or untreated. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Tap water that has been strictly treated to meet drinking standards and boiled to kill microorganisms and remove certain harmful substances is drinkable. It meets daily drinking requirements and will not harm the body.

Tap water may become contaminated due to pipe damage during transportation, or be affected by industrial wastewater or domestic waste, leading to water quality exceeding safety limits. Consuming such untreated water directly may lead to ingestion of pathogens or toxins, causing gastrointestinal discomfort or even illness, and therefore should not be consumed.

Before drinking tap water, ensure the water quality is safe. It is recommended to boil it before consumption. If the water appears abnormal, such as having an unusual odor or appearing cloudy, stop drinking it immediately and contact relevant authorities for testing.

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