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  • Okay to Use Tap Water for Neti Pot?
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Ask An Expert

Okay to Use Tap Water for Neti Pot?

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

Question:

I was alarmed by an article about deaths related to using tap water in a neti pot. I have been using only tap water. Should I change to filtered, bottled or distilled water?

Answer:

I have always recommended using distilled, bottled, or filtered water for nasal rinses, using a neti pot.

An alternative could be boiling tap water for at least five minutes, and then letting it cool. Municipal tap water should also be safer than well water.

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