Boiled, Filtered, or Bottled? Doctor Weighs In on the Safest Water Choices This Monsoon

With the arrival of the monsoon season, concerns about drinking water quality surge making safe choices more important than ever. In a recent discussion with Lifestyle, Dr. Narander Singla, Lead Consultant in Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, shared insights on selecting the best water for daily consumption depending on environmental and personal factors.

“Access to clean drinking water plays a vital role in maintaining health, especially during seasons when contamination risks increase,” Dr. Singla emphasized. He encouraged individuals to assess water safety based on regional conditions, known pollutants, and their specific health and lifestyle requirements.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the three most common water options, as detailed by Dr. Singla:

Boiled Water
Pros:
Boiling remains one of the simplest and most accessible ways to kill harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It’s especially useful in emergency situations, rural locations, or during official boil-water advisories. No special tools are needed, making it ideal for short-term or travel use.

Cons:
While effective against biological contaminants, boiling doesn’t eliminate chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, or nitrates. Extended boiling may cause water to evaporate, which can actually concentrate existing pollutants.

Filtered Water
Pros:
Preferred for regular use in urban areas, filtered water offers a dependable source of hydration by removing various impurities while preserving vital minerals like calcium and magnesium. Advanced systems, such as activated carbon filters, enhance taste and eliminate chlorine and organic substances. Reverse osmosis (RO) filters go further, eliminating bacteria, viruses, metals, and salts. According to Dr. Singla, filtered water is best suited for anyone seeking a long-term and health-conscious solution.

Cons:
While highly effective, filtration systems may require ongoing maintenance and initial investment.

Bottled Water
Pros:
Bottled water serves as a convenient alternative when traveling or in places where reliable tap or filtered water isn’t available. It’s typically purified using methods like UV treatment, distillation, or reverse osmosis, and is regulated by the FDA to meet safety standards.

Cons:
The convenience comes with environmental drawbacks: single-use plastic contributes significantly to pollution. Additionally, poor-quality plastic bottles can allow harmful chemicals to leach into the water. For these reasons, Dr. Singla recommends bottled water for occasional rather than everyday use.

Key Takeaways:

• Tap water can be safe if it meets regulatory standards, but filtering adds an extra layer of protection.
• Filtered water is typically the best choice for daily use due to its combination of safety, taste, and mineral retention.
• Bottled water is fine for short-term use but not ideal as a permanent solution due to environmental and health concerns.

Note to Readers: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace advice from a qualified medical professional. Consult your doctor for personalized health recommendations.