The temperature of tap water depends on a number of things. The tap that is being used could be hot or cold, and the temperature varies from area to area, and also at different times of the year.
• Cold tap water
The temperature of cold tap water in the United States is different in different states. The average temperature of tap water in northern states is 7.3 degrees Celsius, whilst in southern states such as Florida it is around 10 degrees Celsius. The temperature obviously varies depending on the temperature outside and at cooler times of the year the temperature of the water drops.
• Hot tap water
The average temperature of hot tap water depends on the temperature of the water heater. The recommended temperature for hot tap water is around 50 degrees Celsius, and it is recommended that in workplace situations the source of the water should be at least 60 degrees Celsius. This temperature kills any bacteria. Obviously, the temperature when it comes out of the tap cannot be this high as this could lead to scalding.
• Drinking water
Because of the various contaminants that can be present in tap water, some of the Western world has taken to using bottled water for drinking purposes, although recent studies have shown that some bottled waters also contain bacteria. Chlorine is used in tap water in the United States, using high enough levels to kill off certain bacteria, whilst still ensuring that the water is safe to consume. Tap water can appear to be cloudy at times, and this is simply because of the presence of air bubbles that are in the water. The cloudiness disappears quickly as the gas escapes from the water.
