Is It Good To Drink Water From Clay Pot?
The Rich History of Drinking from Clay Pots
For thousands of years, clay pots have been an essential tool for storing and transporting water. In fact, the earliest known pottery vessels date back over 20,000 years to ancient China. Since then, cultures around the world have relied on these humble clay containers to hold their most precious resource – water.
But clay pots aren’t just historical artifacts. Many people today still prefer to drink water stored in clay vessels. Advocates claim it has a number of health and environmental benefits compared to using plastic or glass. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of clay water pots, their proposed benefits and risks, and help you decide if it’s a good option for storing and drinking water in your home.
What Are Clay Pots?
Clay pots are a type of cookware and serving ware made from clay. The clay is shaped and fired at high temperatures to produce a durable, porous final product (Source: How to Identify Best Clay cookware, clay cooking pot benefits …). Clay pots have been used for thousands of years and remain popular today in cooking and decor.
Clay pots are typically made from natural clay deposits that contain minerals like calcium, manganese, and magnesium. The clay is shaped while wet, dried, and then fired at high heat, which hardens the clay through vitrification. Firing temperatures can exceed 2,000°F (1,100°C). The finished clay pot has tiny pores throughout, making it breathable but watertight (Source: What are clay pots used for in your home).
Clay pot styles include bulb pans, tagines, bean pots, casseroles, mugs, vases, and more. They can be glazed or unglazed, adding color or maintaining a terra cotta look. Clay pots bring natural beauty and rustic charm to any kitchen or household.
Benefits of Drinking From Clay Pots
There are several health benefits associated with drinking water stored in clay pots. Two of the main benefits are that clay pots help cool water through evaporation and filter out impurities.
Clay is porous and water seeps through the tiny pores, leading to evaporation. This evaporation has a cooling effect, so water stored in clay pots is often cooler than water stored in plastic or glass containers. In hot climates, drinking cool water from clay pots can be refreshing and hydrating 1.
The pores in clay also act as natural filters. As water passes through, some impurities get left behind in the clay. Studies have found clay pots reduce contaminants like fluoride, metals, and microbes. Drinking purified water can be beneficial for health 2.
Potential Drawbacks
While clay pots have many benefits, they also come with some potential drawbacks to consider. One is that clay pots require more cleaning and maintenance compared to other materials like plastic or metal [1]. The porous nature of clay means flavors and smells can permeate the material over time. To prevent this, clay pots need to be scrubbed regularly using baking soda, lemon juice, or other natural cleaners to fully remove odors and stains.
Another drawback is that clay pots are fragile and can crack or break easily, especially when dropped [2]. The material is porous and brittle, so it does not withstand impact well. Cracks and chips can form from normal use over time too. This fragility requires more care when handling, washing, and storing clay cookware.
How Clay Pots Cool Water
Clay pots are able to cool water through the natural process of evaporation. The terra-cotta material is porous, meaning it has tiny pores across the surface. When filled with water, some of the liquid slowly seeps through these pores and evaporates into the air. As the water transitions from liquid to gas, it requires heat energy for the change of state. This evaporation process draws heat from the water molecules left behind in the pot, dropping the temperature.
Essentially, the clay pot acts like a basic evaporative cooler. The more surface area exposed to air, the greater the evaporation effect. This is why traditional designs often have a wide opening at the top. With ample airflow, the cooling impact can be quite significant, dropping the water temperature by several degrees (Source).
Clay Pots Remove Impurities
One of the key benefits of drinking water stored in clay pots is that the clay material acts as a natural filter, removing impurities from the water. Clay is negatively charged, meaning it attracts positively charged particles like metals, bacteria, and other contaminants (https://www.greenprophet.com/2018/10/how-clay-jugs-make-polluted-water-safe). As water passes through the tiny pores in the clay, these positively charged particles stick to the clay material, resulting in purified and mineral-rich drinking water.
Studies have shown that storing water in clay pots can significantly reduce contaminants like fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals that are commonly found in tap water. The filtration properties of clay even allow it to remove dangerous bacteria like E. coli from contaminated water sources (https://sustainablog.org/articles/diy-clay-water-filtration-system/). This makes clay pots ideal for naturally purifying water, especially in areas that lack modern filtration systems.
However, it’s important to note that clay pot filtration does not completely sterilize water. Boiling or adequately disinfecting water is still recommended before drinking, particularly if gathering water from untreated natural sources. But overall, the negatively charged clay provides a simple, effective way to remove many impurities from water through this ancient filtration process.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Clay pots should be cleaned regularly to remove any debris or buildup. It’s recommended to clean clay pots at least once a week if used daily. More frequent cleaning may be needed if using pots heavily for cooking.
To clean the clay pot, remove any food debris by hand initially. Then scrub the interior thoroughly using a soft sponge or brush and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the clay material over time. A mix of baking soda and water can help remove stains naturally. Scrub gently but firmly to lift dirt from the porous clay.[1]
After scrubbing, rinse the pot well with clean water to remove any residue. Allow the pot to air dry completely before using again. Leaving moisture inside can breed bacteria. Flip the pot upside down on a dish rack for proper drainage and quicker drying.
With regular cleaning and proper care, clay pots can last for years while providing natural filtration as you drink. But it’s essential to wash them thoroughly on a weekly basis when used for drinking water.
Alternatives to Clay
While clay pots have many benefits, there are some good alternatives to consider as well:
Glass
Glass pots and containers are an excellent non-porous alternative to terracotta clay. They allow you to easily see the roots and monitor water levels. Glass holds moisture well and doesn’t allow evaporation like clay. However, glass is heavy, slippery, and prone to breaking (https://www.finegardening.com/article/the-perfect-pot).
Copper
Copper plant pots have a beautiful, eye-catching finish. Copper is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, helping to keep plants healthy. The material is durable yet malleable enough to sculpt beautiful designs. However, copper is one of the more expensive pot materials and can develop patina or verdigris over time (https://gardeningwithoutplastic.com/2018/04/06/the-alternatives-2-clay-and-coir/).
Plastic
Plastic pots like polypropylene are extremely affordable, lightweight, and come in many colors. They retain moisture well. But plastic is not as environmentally friendly or natural looking as clay. Plastic can become brittle and degrade over time when exposed to weather or UV rays (https://www.finegardening.com/article/the-perfect-pot).
FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about drinking water from clay pots:
Is clay pot water safe to drink?
Yes, clay pots are generally considered safe for storing drinking water. The porous clay naturally filters the water and the antimicrobial properties prevent microorganisms from growing. However, it’s important to season and regularly clean the pot to keep it hygienic [1].
Does water change taste in clay pots?
Yes, clay pots can impart a mild earthy taste and minerals like calcium and magnesium into the water. The water may taste different at first but many people grow to enjoy the natural flavor [2].
Can you refrigerate water from clay pots?
It’s best not to refrigerate water stored in clay pots as this can cause the water to develop an unpleasant odor and taste. Cool clay pot water by adding ice or keeping it in a cool, shaded area instead [3].
How often should you clean clay water pots?
Clean clay pots every 2-3 days with mild soap and water. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the inside. This prevents buildup of minerals and organic matter. Always allow the pot to fully dry before refilling with water.
Conclusion
In summary, drinking water from clay pots has some notable benefits but also some potential drawbacks to consider. The porous nature of clay naturally cools and filters water, removing some impurities in the process. This can improve the taste and provide some health advantages. However, clay pots must be cleaned regularly to avoid bacterial growth. They are also fragile and heavy compared to modern containers. While clay pot water has ancient roots, today it remains a matter of personal preference. Those who enjoy the nostalgic taste and natural cooling may find clay pots rewarding. But there are also more convenient and modern options for storing and drinking water. Ultimately, clay pots can be a healthy option if used and cleaned properly. But they require some extra care and maintenance compared to alternatives.
