Does Hard Water Boil at a Higher Temperature?

How Minerals Affect Water Boiling Point

Hard water boils at a slightly higher temperature than ordinary water.
Hard water boils at a slightly higher temperature than ordinary water. Dave Rudkin / Getty Images
by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Updated March 06, 2017

Question: Does Hard Water Boil at a Higher Temperature?

Answer: Yes, hard water boils at a higher temperature than ordinary water. The difference in temperature usually is a degree or two. Hard water contains dissolved minerals, which causes boiling point elevation. Adding salt to water produces a similar effect.