You’re not sure why. But every time you down a glass of water from your tap, you’re soon greeted by a gripping, burning pain in your chest. Could it just be something wrong with your stomach? Or is the water itself the problem? Let’s look at some common reasons why you might experience heartburn after drinking tap water.
High Mineral Content
Tap water often contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. While these are beneficial in small amounts, high concentrations can create “hard water.” Some people find that drinking hard water upsets their stomach’s pH balance, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn.
Presence of Chlorine
Municipal water treatment facilities add chlorine to disinfect the water supply and kill harmful bacteria. This process keeps our water safe, but the residual chlorine can irritate the sensitive lining of your esophagus and stomach. For certain individuals, this irritation is enough to trigger a bout of heartburn.
Iron in Well Water
If your water comes from a private well, there’s a chance it could contain high levels of dissolved minerals, including iron. High levels of iron can irritate the stomach lining and digestive tract, potentially increasing acid production or causing discomfort that manifests as heartburn.
You should consider an iron filter for your well water if you notice any unpleasant metallic tastes, see rust stains on your fixtures, or experience digestive issues after drinking it.
Temperature Extremes
Drinking water that’s either too hot or too cold can shock your esophagus. This sudden temperature change can cause the muscles in your lower esophagus to spasm, which allows stomach acid to splash back up. Try to drink water at room temperature and see if your symptoms subside.
Drinking Too Quickly
When you gulp down water, you also swallow excess air. This air can increase pressure inside your stomach. The extra pressure may force the lower esophageal sphincter—the valve that keeps stomach acid down—to open, which causes reflux. Sipping your water slowly may provide some relief.
Your Next Steps
Why does drinking water give you heartburn? There are a few potential reasons behind this phenomenon. The best first step is to have your water tested for contaminants. Then, install a filtration system to purify your water if the results come back with concerns. If you continue to get post-water heartburn after that, consider a visit to your doctor for advice.
