Can you drink distilled water? Yes, but it’s complex. A whole home filter system is the best choice if you want safe and healthy drinking water. A whole house water purifier drastically reduced contaminants, bad odor, unpleasant taste, and off-putting color.
Understanding the different types of purified water—distilled water is just one—is essential for your health and safety.
Defining and Understanding What Distilled Water Is
Distilled water is purified water that has gone through a distillation process. Distillation removes impurities and contaminants. First, water is boiled to produce steam. The steam is then condensed back into liquid form to remove impurities; it differs from water filtering.
Key characteristics of distilled water include its neutrality (pH 7), making it neither acidic nor alkaline. It is also free from minerals; this can be advantageous for appliances and equipment sensitive to mineral buildup. However, this doesn’t automatically make distilled water the best choice for drinking.
Compared to other types of water, distilled water is purer and lacks the minerals and impurities in tap, spring, or filtered water. Tap water sometimes contains fluoride, chlorine, and other minerals or chemicals. Spring water can have minerals and impurities depending on its source, while filtered water may retain some contaminants. Be wary of companies claiming their filters or filtration products completely remove all bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants. There is no definitive source that promises 100% removal of contaminants.
At H2O Distributors, we make promises we can keep. We offer a range of water filtering and purification products that provide clean, great-tasting water. The products we sell are crafted to the highest level of safety and quality from top industry brands. Our knowledgeable water filtration experts are here to assist you if you have any concerns or questions about drinking distilled water or any other water-related topic.
Can You Drink Distilled Water? Is a Whole Home Filter Better?
Yes, distilled water is safe to drink, but it’s not recommended. Distilled water is essentially pure water without any minerals. Some individuals prefer water that contains minerals for health benefits. A whole-home water filter or a soft water conditioner is the better choice for drinking and bathing water.
Potential Risks of Drinking Distilled Water
Some argue that the lack of minerals in distilled water could lead to mineral deficiencies over time. However, this concern is generally unfounded as the human body primarily obtains minerals from food, not water. Conversely, drinking distilled water can benefit individuals with certain health conditions or specific diets requiring strict control over mineral intake.
Scientific evidence and expert opinions on drinking distilled water vary. Some studies show that it can reduce the intake of potentially harmful substances found in tap or bottled water. However, more research is needed to understand distilled water’s long-term effects and benefits thoroughly.
Common Uses for Distilled Water
Distillation eliminates contaminants such as heavy metals, minerals, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, resulting in pure, clean water devoid of taste, odor, and impurities. This makes distilled water ideal for specific applications that require high purity.
Industrial and Commercial Applications of Distilled Water:
In industrial and commercial settings, distilled water is commonly used in laboratories, medical facilities, and manufacturing plants. Distilled water is ideal for applications that require high levels of purity, such as:
- Pharmaceutical production
- Electronics manufacturing
- Automotive cooling systems
- Steam irons and humidifiers
- Printing and photography
Household Uses and Benefits of Distilled Water:
At home, distilled water offers several benefits and applications:
- Making alcohol: Distilled water is completely void of impurities, making it the ideal choice for making certain alcohols, such as whiskey, but filtered water makes excellent beer.
- Appliances and cleaning: Distilled water is used in appliances such as steam cleaners, coffee makers, and irons to help prevent the build-up of mineral deposits and extend their lifespan.
- Medical equipment and humidifiers: Distilled water is often recommended in medical devices, such as CPAP machines and humidifiers, to avoid mineral build-up and ensure optimal performance.
Specific Products that Require Distilled Water for Functioning:
- Lead-acid batteries: Distilled water is used to ensure optimal electrolyte levels and prolong battery life.
- Steam irons: Distilled water helps prevent mineral deposits, which can cause clogging and affect ironing performance.
- Automotive cooling systems: Many vehicles require distilled water for their cooling systems to prevent mineral deposits that can lead to engine damage and overheating.
Distilled Water vs. Other Purification Like a Whole Home Filter
Distilled water results from boiling water and putting the steam back into liquid form. This process effectively removes impurities, including minerals, chemicals, and contaminants, resulting in almost entirely pure water.
Other Types of Purified Water:
- Reverse osmosis filters out impurities using a semipermeable membrane.
- Carbon water filter relies on activated carbon to absorb contaminants.
- UV sterilization kills bacteria and other microorganisms with ultraviolet light.
When choosing the best type of purified water for drinking ultimately depends on personal preference and specific needs. Distilled water is known for its purity and lack of minerals, which some people prefer. However, it’s important to note that minerals naturally found in water have health benefits.
For individuals with certain medical conditions or who rely on completely pure water for medical purposes, such as in medical devices or laboratory settings, distilled water is often recommended due to its high purity level. However, a whole home filter, reverse osmosis filter, UV sterilization, or carbon water filter can be more suitable and much less expensive for general everyday hydration.
Choosing the Right Whole Home Filter for Your Needs
At H2O Distributors, we offer a wide range of whole home water filtration systems and products that can help you find the right solution for your specific needs. With our expertise and quality products, you can make an informed decision about the water you drink.
Contact H2O Distributors today to get started on the right water filtering system for your home or business.
