Is Sink Water The Same As Tap Water?

We have lots of different sources of water around the home, from kitchen sinks to garden hoses. If you’ve been out in the yard all day, you might have even quenched your thirst with water straight from the garden hose. Although you might not have noticed any difference at the time, you might be wondering if sink water is the same as hose water.

Difference #1: Source and Treatment

Sink water and tap water come from different sources and undergo distinct treatment processes. Sink water is typically sourced from wells or boreholes on private properties, such as homes or businesses. It is often untreated and considered non-potable, meaning it is not safe for drinking or cooking without proper treatment.

On the other hand, tap water is sourced from municipal or public water supplies. It goes through a rigorous treatment process to ensure it meets the drinking water standards set by regulatory authorities. Tap water is treated to remove impurities, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and minerals, that may be present in the water supply. Common treatment methods include filtration, disinfection (e.g., chlorination), and sometimes even fluoridation to improve dental health.

One of the main advantages of tap water is that it is regulated by local authorities, which means it is subject to regular testing and monitoring to ensure its safety and quality. In contrast, sink water may not undergo any treatment or testing, and its quality can vary greatly depending on the location and conditions of the well or borehole.

Difference #2: Safety and Quality

Another significant difference between sink water and tap water is their safety and quality. As mentioned earlier, tap water is regulated and subject to strict standards to ensure its safety for drinking and cooking. The treatment processes applied to tap water are designed to remove or reduce contaminants that may pose health risks to humans.

On the other hand, sink water may contain various contaminants that can affect its safety and quality. For example, sink water from private wells or boreholes may contain bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals, pesticides, or other harmful substances. These contaminants can result from natural sources, such as underground rock formations or agricultural runoff, or human activities, such as septic systems or industrial pollution.

 

There are differences between sink water and hose water though, specifically with the pipes and fixtures. Water for the home will travel through pipes designed to avoid contaminants in the water, whereas a garden hose lacks any of these safeguards.

It’s important to note that sink water may not always be safe for drinking or cooking without proper treatment. If you rely on sink water for drinking or cooking, it’s crucial to have it tested regularly for contaminants

The risks of drinking hose water

Sink WaterWater that is used outside of the home, such as outdoor taps, will usually use metallic fittings such as lead or brass. This is great for durability, but it runs the risk of contaminating the water with trace amounts of lead or brass, which can contain poisons. It is often the case that this setup encourages standing water, which makes it more likely for toxins from metal to leach into the water.

There is no protective coating on the pipes used for outdoor water, either. Unlike water destined for the home, which uses coated pipes to avoid contamination, outdoor water does not have that luxury. That means the risk of getting sick from outside water is far greater than indoor water from the sink.

If you use residential grey water systems, then your indoor water supplies will be recycled then distributed for outdoor use. If that is the case, you will want to avoid drinking from the hose as it is likely to contain pathogens, parasites and germs that will make you sick.

Eco-Septic is a Sydney based manufacturer and specialises in commercial wastewater systems of various shapes and designs. We can provide fast and free quotes relevant to your commercial wastewater needs, all while keeping in mind individual needs.

Contact us today for a  quote at 1800 808 135 or visit us at www.ecoseptic.com.au to learn more about grey water for outdoor use.

We cover all Sydney suburbs as well as the regions of South Coast, Snowy Mountains, Southern Highlands, Riverina, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury, Laguna, North and Mid North Coast, Bateman’s Bay, Nowra, Mallacoota, Narooma, Balmoral, Cobargo, Glenn Ines, Avondale, Glenmore, Mogo, Tarago, Torrumbarry, Albury, Faulconbridge, Maraylya, Sherbrooke, Strathdickie, Little Hartley, Linden, cattail, Bowen Mountain, Murwillumbah, Kyogle, Bryon Bay, Lismore, Evan Heads, Yamba, Grafton and surrounding areas.