Can Automotive Urea Tanks Be Used to Store Drinking Water?
2 Answers
Automotive urea tanks can technically hold water for drinking, but it is not recommended. These tanks are made of non-toxic, odorless high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a highly stable plastic material resistant to strong acids and alkalis. Although the material itself is non-toxic, prolonged storage may lead to contamination. It is advisable to use them for storing non-potable water rather than drinking water. Below is more information about automotive urea: 1. Automotive urea is an essential additive in SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems, primarily used in diesel vehicles to reduce exhaust emissions and protect the environment. 2. When purchasing automotive urea, it is crucial to select the right product. Automotive urea typically consists of a 32.5% high-purity urea solution, not ordinary agricultural urea diluted with water. Agricultural urea contains higher levels of impurities and heavy metals, which can damage the catalytic converter substrate, leading to costly repairs. 3. The urea pump contains a urea filter designed to remove particles or crystals from the urea solution, preventing damage to the injection valve.
As someone who has worked in an auto repair shop for many years, I want to share my personal experience. The AdBlue (automotive urea) container must never be used to hold drinking water because the residual urea chemicals can leach into the water and cause poisoning. We've seen cases where people tried this, resulting in headaches, nausea, and even more severe problems—it's extremely dangerous. AdBlue containers are specifically designed for storing toxic solutions, and their materials are not food-grade. For instance, the plastic may leach harmful metals. Even after thorough cleaning, microscopic corrosion pores or chemical residues may remain on the inner walls, making it impossible to meet drinking water safety standards. I recommend using standard water bottles or food-grade containers, like clean water jugs bought from supermarkets—they're both safe and convenient. Don't risk your health to save money; health should always come first. When washing cars or performing repairs in daily life, also be careful not to misuse such industrial containers for food or beverages to ensure your family's safety.
