Warm Tap Water Health Risks — What You Need to Know
- Filtered Water Systems
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Most people don’t think twice about filling a glass from the hot tap, but research shows there are real warm tap water health risks you should be aware of. While both warm and cold tap water can carry contaminants, warm water significantly increases the risk of exposure to bacteria and heavy metals such as lead and copper.
Ignoring these risks can have serious long-term consequences for your health — especially for children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Why Warm Tap Water Health Risks Are Greater Than Cold
One of the biggest warm tap water health risks is bacterial growth. Warm water creates an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to multiply, particularly in hot water tanks or pipes where water sits for extended periods.
Another key concern is heavy metal leaching. Warm water is more likely to dissolve metals from plumbing, meaning contaminants such as lead or copper can enter your drinking water. This is particularly common in older homes — especially those built before the 1980s, when plumbing standards were less strict.
The Dangers of Lead in Drinking Water
Lead is a toxic heavy metal with no safe level of exposure. Even small amounts can be harmful. In children and infants, lead can:
Impair brain development and cognitive function
Cause hearing and speech problems
Delay growth and development
Damage the nervous system
In adults, long-term exposure can increase blood pressure, cause kidney damage, and raise the risk of certain cancers. The Australian Government advises taking every possible step to minimise lead exposure in your environment — including in your drinking water.
Government Recommendations for Reducing Lead Exposure
The Australian Government and health experts, such as Professor Anas Ghadouani from the University of Western Australia, recommend:
Only using cold tap water for drinking and cooking
Flushing cold taps for at least 30 seconds each morning to clear stagnant water from the pipes
Avoiding the use of warm or hot tap water for direct consumption
While these steps can help, they do not completely eliminate the risk of heavy metals or bacteria in your water.
The Most Effective Solution — Advanced Water Filtration
If you want peace of mind and the ability to drink warm water safely, installing an advanced water filtration system is the most reliable solution. At Filtered Water Systems, we recommend a two-step approach:
1. Aragon Plus Filter — Heavy Metal & Bacteria Removal
The Aragon Plus filter is an advanced multi-stage water filter capable of removing over 99% of heavy metals (including lead and copper), as well as harmful bacteria, viruses, and even some pesticides. It works by combining mechanical filtration, ion exchange, and adsorption technology to trap contaminants at a microscopic level.
This filter is perfect for households that want whole-house protection, as it can be installed in a Big Blue system to ensure every tap in your home delivers safer water.
2. Reverse Osmosis — Ultimate Purification
For maximum protection, pairing the Aragon Plus with a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system offers the highest level of filtration available for home use. RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes 99.9% of dissolved solids, including lead, arsenic, fluoride, and other harmful contaminants.
At Filtered Water Systems, our RO systems — such as the Aquala P500 Tankless RO — provide mineral-rich, ultra-purified water with no storage tank required, saving space in your kitchen while delivering fast water flow.
Why Filtration Beats Flushing
Flushing your taps every morning is an inconvenience, and it still doesn’t guarantee that bacteria or metals won’t reappear later in the day. With the right filtration setup, you can enjoy warm or cold water at any time without worrying about contamination.
Protect Your Household from Warm Tap Water Health Risks
Drinking warm tap water might seem harmless, but the risks are real. Heavy metals like lead, bacteria, and other contaminants can all find their way into your glass — especially if your plumbing is older or your hot water system isn’t regularly maintained.
Investing in a high-quality water filtration system not only safeguards your health but also gives you the confidence to enjoy water the way you like it — whether that’s warm, cold, or straight from the tap.
💧 Get protected today with an Aragon Plus filter and Reverse Osmosis system from Filtered Water Systems — and enjoy cleaner, safer, better-tasting water every day.
For more information contact us: At Filtered Water Systems or give us a call +61 478 800 996
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