We do NOT recommend using hot water from any tap for either direct consumption or food or beverage preparation. This is because hot water can dissolve contaminants more quickly than cold water and hot water systems (tanks, boilers, pipes, etc.)
Most of the tap water in Australia meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines set by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), which ensure that tap water is safe and free from harmful contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals.
Drinking water is treated to make it safe, but bacteria can still be present at very low levels. Bacteria can become a problem if it's allowed to multiply to levels that cause illness. Bacteria can multiply in your home's water system, including: the hot water system.
If you accidentally drink tap water, don't panic – the chances of becoming ill are slim. If you do get sick, the symptoms are similar to food poisoning: nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and possibly a mild fever.
After leaving our reservoirs, water is purified at our water treatment plants so it is safe to drink. Most of our water needs very little treatment, but water from open catchments is fully treated to meet strict water quality guidelines.
The water you use every day is water you can trust – and we can prove it. We rigorously test and monitor the water we source as it makes its way to you from rivers, lakes and dams to our reservoirs and filtration plants, all the way to your tap. The result is some of the best drinking water in the world.
Most domestic storage hot water heaters in Australia are installed to store water at or above temperatures of 65°C. Under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500.4, heated water must be stored at a minimum temperature of 60°C, to inhibit the growth of Legionella bacteria.
There is generally no need to filter tap water that has already been treated – it should be safe to drink. However, if filters are used to improve taste, it is important to maintain and replace them regularly otherwise they will become ineffective.
While tap water is safe for most Americans, millions of residents are still exposed to contaminants from their faucets every year, NatGeo reports. While tap water is safe for most Americans, millions of residents are still exposed to contaminants from their faucets every year, according to National Geographic.
Whilst on the subject of which taps are safe to drink from, it's worth mentioning that it's never a good idea to drink from the hot water tap. The hot water is often stored in tanks that can be heated and cooled many times and could lead to the growth of bacteria such as legionella.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pasteurization. Pasteurization injects steam or hot water into the well to keep the well water temperature at 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) for 30 minutes. Pasteurization can be effective, but expensive.
Can I drink warm water directly from the hot tap? You should avoid using hot water for drinking or cooking because it often comes from a storage tank within the home and is not as fresh as water directly from the mains.
That sounds scary, but it's actually very good for you. It means that hot water helps to expand your blood vessels and improve your circulation, whereas cold water may cause them to contract. This improved flow, even temporarily, can help our muscles and vital organs relax, reducing stress and potential pain.
Boiling water can only remove solids and bacteria, meaning it will not remove harmful substances such as chlorine and lead from tap water. Furthermore, boiling tap water with lead actually concentrates this contaminant making it more dangerous than if left alone.
Chlorine is a chemical that is commonly added to public water systems to help kill bacteria and microorganisms. However, high levels of chlorine can wreak havoc on your skin. Chlorine dehydrates your skin and can cause inflammation and irritation. In some people, it can also exacerbate eczema and other skin conditions.
Often county health departments will help you test for bacteria or nitrates. If not, you can have your water tested by a state certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.
Conclusion about tap water in Australia
It is rather 'safe to drink'. If you think the water in your supply tastes bad, then buy an especially built water purifier. You can buy a Tapp 2 water filter if you really have to buy one, and never use bottled water if you have other options available.
Across Australia each city and state is different. Sydney's water is considered 'soft' with a hardness level of about 50mg/L while in Hobart, it is barely above 10 mg/L. Brisbane and Adelaide have some of the hardest water where it reaches nearly 100 mg/L.
The levels of chlorine in the drinking water are non-toxic, so you may not need a filter. However, consumption over time may have health consequences.
In Australia, plumbing regulations and laws state a maximum temperature of 50 degrees for each shower, basin or bath outlet to the home. This temperature is hot enough to mix with cold water for a comfortable warm shower, but not hot enough to cause a serious or even fatal injury.
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting.
We won! Melbourne officially has Australia's best tasting tap water | Melbourne Water.