Unlike water, it can't really run cold (5)
I believe the answer is:
blood
'unlike water' is the definition.
'blood' can be an answer for 'water' (thesaurus). I am not certain of the 'unlike' bit.
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for blood that I've seen before include "It's said to be thicker than water" , "vital liquid" , "Kinship; temperament" , "Fluid in veins" , "Male siblings -- sworn friends" .)