I never use tap water for my hams and the reason behind it is the chlorine and fluoride in tap (treated) water. The first issue is chlorine. Hamsters are apparently very sensitive to chlorine. That's why we should never use chlorine bleach to disinfect cages etc. Since chlorine is used to kill germs in tap water, I think that spring water is a better choice.
The other issue is fluoride. There is research that seems to show that fluoride likely contributes to kidney damage in people and other health issues. I choose not to drink tap water and since Syrian hamsters are all ready suseptible to kidney failure, I think that it is wise to avoid giving it to them.
Hamstermama
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