Is it safe to drink boiled water that has cooled overnight?

Boiling water to drink and letting it cool for several days is a common habit in many households. However, this habit is actually more harmful than we think.

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Boiling water for drinking is a safe method of disinfection for users. Drinking boiled water that has cooled is not harmful, but if boiled water is left to cool for too long, it can cause problems and affect health.

Should you drink boiled water that has cooled overnight?

When boiling, parasites in the water die, and their carcasses will remain in the water. It is safe to cool and drink the water within the day. However, if the water is left to cool and develop a slimy or foul smell, it should be discarded.

For water taken from rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, or normal drilling wells, there are organic compounds in their composition. Therefore, when boiling, these substances are decomposed and make the water more prone to spoilage compared to normal water. This water cannot be stored for long periods and may last only a few hours to half a day.

With treated and purified water as it is now, boiling will allow for longer storage and preservation, possibly up to 24 hours.

Many households often boil water to store in glass or plastic containers to drink day after day without knowing the extreme toxicity of this water.


Should you drink boiled water that has cooled overnight?

If you continue to pour old water into new water after boiling, you unintentionally increase the number of bacteria in the water rapidly, leading to the growth of mold. At this point, the water has become foul, and even organic matter is decomposed, inorganic matter settles down, creating conditions for bacteria to thrive. Consuming this type of water can be harmful to health, and the risk of infection is higher.

Therefore, boiled water that has cooled should only be consumed within the day and not left overnight for more than 8 – 10 hours, as it can cause bacteria in the water to proliferate, leading to gastrointestinal, digestive, and damage to various organs in the body.

Proper Storage of Boiled Water

Boiled water that has cooled should be kept in clean, dry, well-ventilated areas at room temperature of no higher than 21 degrees Celsius to minimize bacterial growth in the environment that may contaminate the water source.

Always boil water to a full boiling temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, with steam and continuous water flow, do not drink reheated or excessively aged boiled water.

The best way to ensure safety is to store boiled water in a sealed container with a dispensing tap each time water is taken out.

The best storage practice is to finish the water within 24 hours, avoiding the situation where boiled water that has cooled is re-contaminated. No need to use water that has been boiled for more than three days.

Absolutely do not use recycled plastic bottles to contain water, using plastic bottles to contain water is even more dangerous.

Do not leave boiled water that has cooled overnight, do not pour new water into old water and drink it day after day.

Regularly clean and flush water containers, water boilers, and boiling pots.

Source: VTC.vn

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is generally safe to drink boiled water that has cooled overnight, as long as it was stored in a clean and sealed container. Boiling water effectively kills most bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, making it safe for consumption.

Boiling water is a common practice to ensure its potability and safety for drinking. It is particularly important in areas where the water supply may be contaminated or of questionable quality. Boiling water kills microorganisms and reduces the risk of waterborne diseases.

Drinking cooled boiled water can offer some benefits. Firstly, it is a safe and economical way to ensure access to clean drinking water. Secondly, the process of boiling and cooling can help remove certain volatile organic compounds and improve the taste of the water.

If stored properly in a clean container with a tight lid, boiled water can remain safe to drink for a significant period of time. However, it is recommended to consume it within 24 hours to minimize any potential risk of bacterial growth or contamination.

It is generally not recommended to repeatedly reboil water. While the practice itself is not harmful, frequent reboiling can concentrate certain minerals and compounds in the water, potentially affecting its taste and appearance. It is better to boil only the amount of water needed for consumption.