Sunday, January 13, 2008

Why does boiled water lose taste?

Naturally occurring water contains quite a few substances dissolved in it. For example, it contains gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, sulphates and carbonates of calcium and magnesium, and other elements such as iron depending on the nature of the soil. These constitutes impart not only taste but also hardness to the water. Due to boiling, the dissolved gases are released and hardness is removed. Insoluble carbonates and hydroxides are formed which get deposited on the surfaces and the bottom of the vessel as scales. Their separation from water deprives it of its taste.