Recent events have understandably raised alarm bells about the quality and safety of water in the UK.

From people across Devon being advised to boil their tap water as there have been cases of diarrhoea and vomiting, to hundreds of households in Surrey now being told not to drink their tap water as tests by Thames Water indicate a possible deterioration in quality in some areas.

But in general, a doctor reminds us that tap water is safe to drink in the UK. Here he tells you everything you need to know, including whether bottled or tap water is better and what effect it might have on our health.

Is bottled or tap water better for us?

“In my experience, the decision between bottled and tap water is often a matter of personal preference rather than clear health benefits,” says Dr Lawrence Cunningham, medical expert at UK Care Guide and retired general practitioner.

“Tap water in the UK is subject to rigorous testing and regulation to ensure its safety and cleanliness. However, some people prefer bottled water due to taste or convenience. In my observation, bottled water can sometimes have a different mineral composition, which may be preferable depending on personal health needs or taste preferences.

“On the other hand, tap water is not only more ecologically sustainable, but also more economical.”

Is it ever necessary to boil tap water in the UK?

“Having read various health recommendations over the years, boiling tap water in the UK is generally unnecessary unless specifically advised by health authorities,” says Dr Cunningham, also a health expert at FinancialEducation, a mental health and financial wellbeing company.

“Such warnings are usually issued temporarily when contamination is suspected or after repairs to infrastructure or pipes that could compromise water safety. In most cases, tap water straight from the faucet is perfectly safe to drink.

“However, in rare cases of contamination, such as the one that may have recently involved Thames Water, boiling water can be an effective method to ensure safety.”

Or indeed abstain from drinking altogether if the guidelines say so. “It is always best to follow local advice and guidelines issued in such incidents.”

Are both bottled and tap water safe?

“In general, both bottled and tap water in the UK are safe to drink,”

“In my experience, incidents involving contaminated tap water are very rare and are usually resolved quickly. The strict standards that apply to both bottled and tap water make it safe for consumption under normal circumstances.

“Given recent incidents such as that involving Thames Water, these are the exception rather than the rule and often require an immediate response to ensure public safety.”

Which one would you recommend people to drink?

“As a doctor, I tend to recommend tap water, primarily because of its environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness,” says Dr. Cunningham.

“The tap water in most parts of the UK is completely safe, clean and contains important minerals that are beneficial to health.

“However, bottled water may be a suitable alternative for people in areas with water quality problems or for people who have special health concerns that could be affected by the mineral content of the water.”

What are the effects of water in plastic bottles?

“The health and environmental impacts of plastic bottles are a major concern,” warns Dr. Cunningham. Some studies suggest that certain chemicals in plastic bottles may be harmful to our health, but more research is needed.

“I always recommend using reusable water bottles and filtering tap water if taste or slight quality concerns are the reasons for avoiding tap water. This approach reduces plastic waste and ensures that water consumption remains as safe and healthy as possible,” he adds.

Is our overall diet more important?

“In my experience, a balanced diet is far more important for maintaining health than the choice between bottled and tap water,” the doctor emphasizes.

“Water is essential for life, but the overall quality of what we consume on a daily basis plays an even greater role in our health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins and grains should be a top priority.”

As mentioned above, always follow the guidelines if there are isolated incidents regarding the quality or safety of tap water.

After speaking to South West Water about the situation in Brixham in Devon, it is noted that the company continuously monitors its sewage treatment plant for cryptosporidium (a waterborne disease caused by a specific type of parasite). Such incidents are fortunately very rare in relation to drinking water in the region and the UK as a whole.

A Water UK spokesperson told us: “Every day, water companies in the UK supply more than 28 million homes and businesses with the highest quality drinking water in the world, as independently verified. Almost four million tests are carried out each year, with well over 99.9% of samples passing the rigorous government tests, meaning problems are extremely rare.”

A Thames Water spokesperson told Yahoo UK: “We have been carrying out extensive testing in the Beckenham area since last week where customers have reported issues, including on their properties, in the reservoirs and at the water treatment plants that serve the area. This includes testing in 16 homes, all of which came back negative, and almost 2,000 tests across London this month, all of which came back negative.”

“Following a previous fuel leak at the village petrol station, we have been regularly collecting and analyzing drinking water samples in Bramley.

“On Thursday 30 May, we issued a precautionary advice not to drink the water after receiving test results that day indicating a possible deterioration in quality in some areas as a result of the fuel leak. We would like to reassure our customers that the village’s water supply was safe to drink up to that point, as confirmed by our rigorous water testing, which was also subject to regular reviews in conjunction with the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) during this time.

“Customers can find out about their water supply on our website by entering their postcode. If anyone has any concerns about their tap water, please feel free to contact us.”

Warning: Thames Water issues urgent ‘drinking ban’ warning to hundreds of Surrey households