Water is actually a good conductor of heat compared to many other substances. It has a relatively high thermal conductivity, which means it can transfer heat efficiently. However, compared to metals like copper or aluminum, water has a lower thermal conductivity. This is because water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which restrict the movement of heat energy. Additionally, water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it requires a large amount of energy to raise its temperature. This property allows water to absorb and retain heat, making it an effective coolant in many applications.