Is fridge water and tap water the same?

Author: Easter Wisozk  |  Last update: Friday, July 18, 2025

In cases where there is no filter or softener installed in your fridge, the water coming from your dispenser is essentially tap water. It may be colder and slightly more aerated, but it remains untreated. You should check your refrigerator manual to see if there is a filter or softener installed.

Is the water from my fridge safe to drink?

In general, drinking cold water from the fridge is safe for most people, and personal preference plays a significant role in whether to drink it cold or at room temperature. If you enjoy cold water and it doesn't cause any adverse effects for you, there's no significant reason to avoid it.

Does putting tap water in the fridge purify it?

Method 1 - The simplest natural way to purify water at home is to fill a jug with water and put it in the fridge for 24 hours, or at least overnight. Chlorine breaks down and dissipates naturally over time, so when you pour yourself a glass of water the following day it will have no chlorine taste or odour.

Is the water from my fridge clean?

Any water in a container put into a fridge, or into an ice maker or plumbed through a water chiller will contain whatever contaminants were included when it went in. It is definitely not ``distilled''.

Is filtered water from the refrigerator as good as bottled water?

Generally, no--unless your filter is somehow malfunctioning or contaminated. Bottled water is one of the most environmentally damaging and biggest rip-offs that there is.

Is fridge water better than bottled water?

What is the healthiest water to drink?

Alkaline water may be one of the healthiest waters to consume. The pH level of regular drinking water is a neutral 7. Alkaline water has a pH level of 8 to 9.5. It contains properties that may even protect your body from free radicals, which are often linked to inflammation and many chronic diseases.

Is refrigerator water better than normal water?

Most refrigerators use carbon filters, just like water pitchers. These are great for filtering chlorine, but they let other potential toxins, bacteria, and heavy metals pass through. If you're worried about contaminants besides chlorine, your fridge filter probably can't help you.

Is tap water the same as refrigerator water?

In general, water that comes from your refrigerator is tap water. This does not necessarily mean that it is dangerous, but you must take a look at what else is in your tap water. You may have contaminants that you need to remove, which might mean you need to rely on a filtration system.

How long is refrigerated water good for?

If needed, open water bottles should be stored in the fridge to slow bacterial growth. According to the shelf-life gurus at Still Tasty, a continuously refrigerated bottle of water can maintain quality for four to six days after opening.

Is drinking refrigerated water safe?

Chilled water can be beneficial in specific scenarios, such as cooling down the body during exercise. However, it might cause digestive issues, exacerbate migraines, and affect respiratory health by increasing mucus production. It's best to consume chilled water in moderation and based on personal tolerance.

How long can you keep bottled tap water in the fridge?

Tap water that's been treated with chlorine to disinfect it can be stored in the fridge for around 24 hours and still be safe to drink, according to Water UK - the organisation representing water and wastewater service providers. It's best stored in a sealed glass bottle to prevent any contamination.

Do fridge water filters remove toxins?

Fridge water filters may not be effective for removing all chemicals or toxins, including chromium, cadmium, arsenic, and selenium, as well as asbestos, bacteria, and pharmaceuticals.

Does leaving water in the fridge purify it?

A small residual amount of chlorine is usually present when it reaches your tap to ensure that the quality of drinking water is maintained through the pipe network. You should find that by keeping a jug of tap water covered in the fridge, any taste of chlorine will disappear.

Can mold grow in water filters?

One of the most recurring problems with water filters across all brands is the growth of mold and the constant combat of that. Most mold is harmless but having mold in your drinking water could present serious hazards to your health. And of course, if you're using a water filter, your aim is to prevent that.

Can I drink tap water?

In the United States, 9 out of 10 people get their tap water from a public water system. The utilities that provide this water are required to meet safe water standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Utilities treat water to remove harmful germs and chemicals and meet safety standards.

Is it safe to drink water out of the fridge?

The risks associated with drinking water filtered by a refrigerator, include exposure to microorganisms such as coliform and salmonella, which affect your health and the quality of water.

How long does it take for bacteria to grow in water?

Bacterial growth occurs in noncarbonated natural mineral waters a few days after filling and storage at room temperature, a phenomenon known for more than 40 years.

Can you drink distilled water?

Distilled water is safe to drink. But you'll probably find it flat or bland. That's because it's stripped of important minerals like calcium, sodium, and magnesium that give tap water its familiar flavor. What's left is just hydrogen and oxygen and nothing else.

What are the disadvantages of refrigerator water?

The Hidden Dangers of Refrigerator Water Filters
  • Potential Exposure to Mold, Fungus, and Bacteria. ...
  • Substandard Filtration. ...
  • Convenience Issues. ...
  • Limited Filter Lifespan (More Expenses and Possibly Increased Exposure to Contaminants)

Is fridge water really filtered?

A refrigerator filter reduces contaminants in the water that flows from your faucet through your refrigerator dispenser and ice maker. The water filter, located inside your refrigerator, usually uses a coconut shell activated carbon filter to trap and absorb contaminants and pollutants in your tap water.

Should you drink refrigerated water?

Warm and cold water affects your body differently, but neither of them causes harm. Therefore, whether you drink your water cold or at room temperature is a matter of personal preference. Some people do not like how water tastes when it is at room temperature, so cooling makes it more palatable.

Why is fridge water so good?

While fridge water filters cannot remove all contaminants (heavy metals, for instance, require a reverse osmosis filter), they play a crucial role in improving water taste by filtering out many common impurities.

How often should you change fridge water?

Refrigerator water filters are one of the best, most cost-effective ways to ensure your family is drinking clean, fresh-tasting water, but they need to be changed every six months. After six months, three things can start happening: Your filter becomes easily susceptible to becoming saturated with contaminants.

Previous article
What soda can help improve the growth of plants?
Next article
What happens if you leave stain remover on clothes?