Hand holding and filling glass with tap water at a sink
FOOD NEWS
Can You Safely Cook With Hot Tap Water?
BY LUNA REGINA
Hot tap water should never be used for cooking, drinking, or baby formula because it’s too effective at dissolving lead and may contain more of the dangerous metal than cold water.
Boiling can concentrate the lead even more. This lead comes from faucets, pipes, and other plumbing parts, as a lot of them are made of brass, which often has lead mixed in.
To heat your cooking water, start with cold water, which takes longer to dissolve heavy metals like lead and spends less time in your pipes.
For a faster method, use an electric kettle. These handy appliances bring cold water to a rolling boil in just minutes, making them much quicker than the stovetop.