During these hot months, it is wise to stay well hydrated, but what if the water bottle in your car or bag has been warming up for a while in the hot sun? Is it still healthy to take a sip?

On summer days, we drink more than average. This makes sense because we lose a lot of water when we sweat. We need to make up for the lost water. Your body knows this. It is thirsty. So, while it is not a bad idea to keep water on hand, your drink is likely to get hot very quickly in these temperatures. But how healthy is heated water? We have investigated.

Expiration Dates of Water

As a rule, water has a very long shelf life. A new bottle stored in a refrigerator at 4°C will remain in good condition for years. However, it is essential to note that this only applies to unopened bottles. It is only when water is transported, stored, or heated that it is adversely affected.

Heated Water Bottles

Heating water bottles can have an impact. The heat promotes the growth of bacteria in the bottle, which can cause illness. Elderly people and those with weakened immune systems should be especially careful. Since the temperature inside the car ca  n rise considerably, it is best to keep hot water bottles on the left side of the car.

But can water bottles also be checked for bacteria? Yes, of course. You can recognize if bacteria are present in a water bottle by the aroma and taste it releases. Therefore, baby bottles should be rinsed well with water and detergent daily to prevent the growth of bacteria. Soap scum tastes bad and nourishes bacteria, so dry the bottle well.

Plastic, Glass, or Stainless Steel Bottles

Plastic bottles can be reused several times, but drinking endlessly from the same plastic bottle is not advisable. Tip: Buy plastic, glass, or stainless steel bottles. These bottles are easy to wash, can be put in the dishwasher, and have less environmental impact than small plastic bottles.

Legionella

Have you been on a vacation? When the water supply is not used for a while, the water in the pipes becomes stagnant, and the water temperature quickly rises to over 25 degrees Celsius. Stagnant water below 50°F increases the risk of Legionella outbreaks. This bacteria can spread rapidly in warm, stagnant water of 25-45 degrees. This is why turning on the faucet for one minute is so important. This also applies to showers, which should run for four minutes.

Close-in Water Heaters

Do you have a so-called close-in water heater in your kitchen, i.e., a device that heats tap water additionally and continuously? Again, be careful.

If the water heater’s temperature is kept at 50-60°C, there is no problem. Bacteria cannot survive. However, it is advisable not to drink the hot water from close-in boiler. Because in addition to the risk of bacteria, boilers release metals. Boiler vessels are made of copper. Heated water is stationary and constantly hot, which releases copper. In addition to giving it an unpleasant metallic taste, prolonged water use with too much copper content can be hazardous to health.

Why Should You Boil Water Before Drinking?

Tap water can be boiled to make it safe to drink. Bacteria and other contaminants in clumped water can be removed by simply boiling it for a few minutes. Contaminants such as lead, however, are not so easily filtered out.

Before reaching the treatment plant, water from rivers and reservoirs contains a variety of organisms, including bacteria and viruses. Even if the water looks clean, it is very likely to have dangerous microorganisms. Some types of bacteria are harmful when ingested and can cause digestive disorders with symptoms such as cramps and diarrhea.

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