Boiling tap water doesn't remove all contaminants

Professor Xavier Coumoul, a toxicologist and biochemist from the University of Paris Cité and Inserm, explains that boiling tap water does not eliminate all potential contaminants. Some pollutants remain even after heating, especially in non-potable water sources.

PFAS are resistant to boiling

PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are particularly resistant to degradation. These synthetic compounds are found in groundwater and other sources, and they require extremely high temperatures—around 800 to 900 degrees—to break down, according to Coumoul.

PFAS can disrupt hormone function

PFAS are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with hormone receptors and can lead to health issues such as early puberty in children, increased cancer risk, diabetes, and obesity. These chemicals are of particular concern due to their persistence in the environment.

Other contaminants are also present

Tap water may also contain other pollutants, such as pesticides and plasticizers, which are under surveillance. While boiling can remove odors and chlorine, it does not eliminate these types of contaminants.

Boiling removes bacteria but not chemicals

Boiling tap water can kill bacteria, but this is a separate issue from removing chemical contaminants. For potable tap water, boiling offers little benefit in terms of removing harmful substances.

Regulation ensures tap water safety

Tap water is highly regulated, and any pollutants found in it are present in such minimal amounts that consuming millions of liters would be necessary to pose a health risk. For those concerned, an interactive government map lists all pollutants and their concentration levels.