Whereas a solar water heater puts hot water at your disposal, it is crucial to know the appropriate ways of using it. For example, can we drink water from a solar water heater?
You won’t want to drink the water if it is unfit for consumption for obvious reasons. The importance of consuming safe water is indisputable, and taking contaminated water does more harm than good.
So, what’s the fate of water from the solar water heater regarding drinking? Which are the various ways one can use water from this source?
Here is a discussion that answers these vital questions extensively. It leaves no stone unturned regarding how safe and healthy water from this heater is.
So, what about getting started the right way to put the matter to rest? Read on!
Is it Safe to Drink Hot Water from a Solar Water Heater?
It is advisable to avoid drinking the hot water coming from your solar water heater. This rule applies to water heated by all other energy sources.
That’s an answer most people usually don’t expect, and one can understand where they are coming from. The water that usually enters the solar water heater and its other counterparts is usually clean, hence why people wonder why it becomes unhealthy when leaving the heater.
For the record, the water isn’t usually the problem in this case. On the contrary, the issue has everything to do with its storage tank.
Since its material is usually metal, it will produce contaminated residues due to corrosion. Bacterial may also accumulate over time, thus making it unfit for consumption.
The use of lead in internal plumbing is also a common practice in most homes. The dire consequences of lead are well known, including how it compromises water quality.
To make matters worse, lead is one of the contaminants you can’t eliminate by boiling water. Besides, hot water dissolves these contaminants faster than cold water.
The bottom line is that you can’t be sure that the water coming from the solar water heater is fit for drinking. So, consider getting drinking water from other alternatives for safety reasons.
Why is Water from Solar Water Heater Unsafe for Drinking?
Since we agree that the water entering is clean and safe for drinking, let’s discuss further what changes during the heating process. As mentioned earlier, the source of the problem is the heating system.
For instance, piping is a major concern. It usually harbors various toxic and poisonous substances.
Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, manganese, and cadmium are notable contaminants. Whereas manganese has a share of benefits, huge amounts are counterproductive.
Since these contaminants dissolve in water easily, especially when it is hot, it is important not to drink water from such sources. Otherwise, it will endanger your health which isn’t fair at all.
For example, people who consume mercury and lead for a long time struggle with synthesizing protein. It is a cause of many serious diseases, including Alzheimer’s and hypertension.
If you are pregnant, the condition is enough to affect your fetus adversely, including malformation. Another concern may be your body growth reducing to unhealthy levels among other severe conditions and diseases.
Is Solar Water Heater Good for Your Health?
The sun is associated with skin problems, damaging one’s DNA and causing cancer, among other concerns. If that’s the case, what does the direct exposure of your solar panels to sunlight mean?
Doesn’t the water that solar water heater expose your body to these related problems? That’s a good concern since your health should always be a priority.
It is hard to trust something tough enough to deplete the ozone layer. The threat that sun rays pose to one’s health could make anyone question the safety of the water that sunlight heats.
Whereas the sun produces UV rays responsible for all the ordeals related to this energy source, it also has other properties. One is infrared radiation, which is responsible for heating the water.
So, it is wrong to assume that heating water using a solar water heater isn’t good for your health. You can use the water these heaters produce, including showering, without worrying about damaging your skin.
The water is safe and doesn’t compromise your health if you wash your clothes, clean utensils, and bathe. So, never hesitate to use it for such purposes.
Nevertheless, as mentioned above, it is not good for your health if you drink water coming directly from the heater. It may contain enough contaminants to compromise your health.
Can we Use water from a Solar Water Heater for Cooking?
It is no secret that a solar water heater is an effective way of ensuring that your home has a hot water supply. It heats the water using the sun’s thermal energy.
The heater’s water has several uses that any homeowner should use. For instance, the temperature is perfect for personal hygiene, washing dishes and cleaning clothes, just to mention a few.
Nevertheless, it turns out that cooking isn’t one of the uses. So, avoid using water from the solar water heater directly for cooking.
It may contain contaminants that pose a danger to your health. The same reasons that make the water unsuitable for drinking also make it inappropriate for cooking.
The functioning of enzymes in your body is compromised upon cooking food using water from a solar water heater. It is no secret that enzymes play a significant role in our bodies, and failure to function well marks the beginning of trouble.
Equally important, its temperatures aren’t ideal for cooking and may need further heating.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Water Heaters
A solar water heater has two sides, good and bad. Check them out!
What are the Benefits of Solar Water Heaters?
Solar water heaters are good because of the following;
- It produces minimal noise during operations
- It is also non-intrusive
- A solar water heater attracts a renewable heat incentive
- It is easy to maintain
- It is ideal for heating water efficiently without compromising the environment
What are the Drawbacks of Solar Water Heaters
Despite being good, here’s the bad side
- It is advisable not to drink water from a solar water heater due to contaminants
- The same applies to cooling with such water
