Distilled water is often celebrated for its exceptional purity. It is free from the minerals, contaminants, and microorganisms found in many other water sources. But this purity raises a common question: is drinking distilled water safe in the long run? Many people wonder if a liquid stripped of everything, including beneficial minerals, is a healthy choice for daily hydration.
This comprehensive guide explores the science behind distilled water. We will cover its benefits, potential risks, and many practical uses. We will also provide expert guidance on its safety for drinking and other applications, helping you make an informed decision for your health and home.
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a type of purified water that has gone through a rigorous process called distillation. This process involves boiling water to create steam. As the water turns to vapor, it leaves behind almost all dissolved solids, including minerals like calcium and magnesium, heavy metals like lead, and many other impurities. The pure steam is then cooled and condensed back into liquid form.
The result is extremely pure water. This high level of purity makes it essential for sensitive applications where mineral deposits or contaminants could cause damage or interfere with results, such as in medical equipment, laboratory experiments, and certain household appliances. For this reason, distilled water is used in many scientific and industrial settings.
How Is Distilled Water Made? The Distillation Process Explained
The method for making distilled water is straightforward and effective, mimicking the Earth's natural water cycle of evaporation and precipitation. Have you ever wondered how it works?
Here is a simple, step-by-step look at the process:
Heating:
A water source, such as tap water, is heated in a boiler or large pot until it reaches its boiling point. As the boiling water turns into steam, it separates from non-volatile substances like salts, minerals, and other solid contaminants.
Vapor Collection:
The pure water vapor (steam) is collected and channeled away from the original container, leaving the impurities behind.
Condensation:
The steam travels through a cooling system, often a set of coils or a cooled chamber. As the vapor cools, it condenses back into liquid water droplets.
Collection and Storage:
The pure liquid droplets are collected in a sterile container. To maintain its purity, distilled water should be stored in clean containers, preferably made of glass, to prevent it from absorbing chemicals that can leach from plastic or metal.
Distilled Water vs. Other Types
Understanding the differences between water types is the first step. The purification method is what truly separates one from another.
Distilled water is purified through distillation, a process that involves boiling the water and then condensing the steam to remove nearly all minerals and impurities. Because it’s free of dissolved solids, it’s commonly used in medical equipment like CPAP machines, laboratory tests, car batteries, and steam-based appliances. Some people also drink it, although its taste is often described as flat or neutral due to the lack of minerals.
Tap water is treated by municipalities using chemical disinfection and filtration, though the exact process and quality vary by location. It typically contains trace minerals and is used for general purposes like drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Its taste can vary widely depending on local treatment and source.
Spring water comes from natural underground sources and is filtered naturally through layers of rock and soil. It retains its mineral content and is often favored for drinking and cooking. Many describe its taste as crisp or fresh due to its natural mineral profile.
Reverse osmosis (RO) water is filtered through a semi-permeable membrane that removes most dissolved solids, including fluoride and heavy metals. RO water filters produce very low-mineral water and are often used for drinking, in aquariums, or in appliances that require mineral-free water. The taste is typically clean or neutral.
Alkaline water is either ionized or infused with added minerals like calcium or magnesium. It's marketed for potential health benefits such as pH balance or improved hydration. The taste can be slightly bitter or metallic, depending on the minerals added.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the most common options.
| Water Type | Purification Method | Mineral Content | Main Uses | Taste |
| Distilled | Distillation (boiling and condensation) | None | Medical devices (CPAP), lab tests, car batteries, appliances, drinking | Flat or clean |
| Tap | Chemical treatment, filtration | Varies by location | General drinking, cooking, cleaning | Varies |
| Spring | Natural filtration through rock/soil | Naturally occurring | Drinking, cooking | Often described as fresh |
| Reverse Osmosis | Forced through a semi-permeable membrane With RO water system | Very Low | Drinking, aquariums, specialized appliances | Neutral or clean |
| Alkaline | Ionization or added mineral powders | Added minerals | Drinking (marketed for health) | Slightly bitter or metallic |
Each water type has its advantages depending on your goals—whether it's taste, health, equipment care, or purity.
Is Distilled Water Safe to Drink? Unpacking the Health Effects
Is drinking distilled water bad for you? Is it OK to drink distilled water regularly? These are common concerns among people exploring different hydration options. The simple answer is that distilled water is safe and generally safe to drink as long as it complements a balanced diet. Health organizations agree that consuming distilled water as part of a balanced diet will not cause harm.
However, its unique properties create some considerations for your health.
Evidence and Expert Opinions
- Purity for Safety: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), because the distillation process removes bacteria, viruses, lead, and other harmful contaminants, it offers a great solution in areas where public drinking water supplies are unsafe or of unknown water quality. For anyone with a compromised immune system, it provides peace of mind.
- Mineral Deficiency Concerns: The primary drawback is that this water lacks minerals. Distilled water has no minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are important for your body. If your diet is already low in these essential nutrients, relying solely on drinking distilled water could contribute to an electrolyte imbalance or other deficiencies over time.
- A Matter of Taste: Minerals give water its characteristic taste. Without them, distilled water is often described as "flat" or "bland." This taste profile might cause some people to drink less water, which could lead to mild dehydration if they don't make a conscious effort to stay hydrated.
- Container Leaching: Because distilled water is "empty," it's more chemically aggressive and can absorb substances from its container. For instance, it can leach small amounts of plastic chemicals or metals from improper storage containers. This is why glass storage is recommended for anyone planning to drink distilled water regularly.
Debunking a Common Myth
Myth: "Drinking distilled water leaches minerals directly from your body."
Fact: This is a persistent but false claim. While the water lacks minerals, it does not actively pull them from your bones or teeth. Your body's mineral and electrolyte levels are tightly regulated by your kidneys and hormones based on your dietary intake, not the type of water you drink. A healthy, balanced diet provides far more minerals than any water source.
The Main Benefits of Drinking Distilled Water
While not a "miracle" drink, distilled water offers several distinct advantages in specific situations.
- Exceptional Purity: It removes nearly 100% of bacteria, viruses, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), and dissolved solids. This makes it one of the purest forms of water you can consume.
- Ideal for Compromised Immune Systems: For individuals undergoing chemotherapy, those with autoimmune diseases, or infants living where tap water is unsafe, distilled water eliminates the risk of waterborne pathogens.
- No Added Chemicals: Unlike municipal water treatment systems, distillation adds no chlorine or other chemicals. This is beneficial for people on sodium-restricted diets or those sensitive to chemical additives.
- Reduces Risk of Waterborne Illnesses: In places with poor sanitation or contaminated water supplies, distilled drinking water is a reliable way to avoid diseases caused by microorganisms.
Potential Risks and Drawbacks of Distilled Water
Why distilled water is not suitable for drinking? While water is generally safe, there are some factors to consider before making it your exclusive choice.
- Lacks Beneficial Minerals: This is the most significant drawback. Minerals found in water, like calcium and magnesium, support heart health, bone density, and nerve function. If your diet does not provide enough of these, you may increase your risk for nutrient deficiencies.
- Unsatisfying Taste: The flat taste may lead to reduced water intake for some people, which is a risk factor for dehydration.
- Higher Leaching Potential: As mentioned, its purity means it can more easily absorb trace amounts of substances from its container. Always use high-quality glass or BPA-free plastic for storage.
- Not a "Better" Hydrator: For most healthy people with access to safe tap water, there is no significant hydrating advantage to choosing distilled water. Regular tap or filtered water provides adequate hydration along with trace minerals.
Major Uses of Distilled Water (Beyond Drinking)
The purity of distilled water makes it incredibly useful in a wide range of applications where mineral buildup or contaminants are a problem. What is distilled water used for? Here are some of its most common uses:
Medical and Laboratory Settings:
It's used for sterilizing medical instruments, in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, for nasal irrigation, and to prepare solutions where purity is essential. Using distilled water in a humidifier or CPAP device prevents mineral deposits that can damage the machine and harbor bacteria.
Household Appliances:
To prevent mineral scaling, it's perfect for steam irons, clothing steamers, and humidifiers. In addition, if you use an aroma diffuser in your home, it’s wise to use distilled or very low‑mineral water to avoid residue and keep the device functioning optimally.
Automotive Care:
It's used in lead-acid batteries and car cooling systems because it doesn't contain minerals that can corrode metal parts or interfere with electrical charges.
Cooking and Food Preparation:
Some people use distilled water for cooking or in infant formula, especially if their local water quality is poor.
Special Diets:
It is an excellent choice for individuals on very low-sodium or mineral-restricted diets as prescribed by a doctor.
How to Make Distilled Water at Home: A DIY Guide
Making your own distilled water at home is simple and requires only a few common kitchen items. It’s a great way to get pure water for your appliances or for drinking in a pinch.
What You'll Need:
- A large stainless steel pot with a lid
- A smaller, heat-safe glass bowl that can float inside the large pot
- Ice cubes
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fill the large pot about halfway with tap water.
- Place the glass bowl inside the pot. It should float on the water's surface without touching the bottom.
- Turn the pot's lid upside down and place it on top of the pot. This inverted lid will help direct the condensation to its center.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. As the water simmers, steam will rise, leaving impurities behind.
- Place ice cubes on top of the inverted lid. The cold surface will cause the hot steam inside to condense into pure water droplets.
- The droplets will run down the center of the inverted lid and drip into the floating glass bowl. This collected liquid is your distilled water.
- Once you have collected a sufficient amount of water, turn off the heat and carefully remove the hot pot and bowl.
- Let the distilled water cool completely before pouring it into a clean glass container for storage.
How to Choose the Best Distilled Water
If you prefer to buy your distilled water, you might wonder what to look for at the store. Since there are no brand names to rely on, focus on these quality markers:
- Purity Verification: Look for labels that state the water is "distilled through steam distillation" or has been purified to meet specific standards.
- Packaging Material: Prioritize water sold in glass bottles or BPA-free plastic jugs to minimize the risk of chemical leaching.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Some companies offer larger, refillable jugs or use recycled materials, reducing the environmental footprint.
- Purpose: Ensure the water is labeled as "distilled" and not simply "purified," as other water purification methods like reverse osmosis leave trace minerals behind.
The Environmental and Economic Impact of Pure Water
While beneficial, producing distilled water has environmental and economic costs.
- Energy Consumption: The distillation process is energy-intensive because it requires boiling large quantities of water. This gives it a higher carbon footprint compared to municipal water filtration.
- Plastic Waste: Most commercially available distilled water is sold in single-use plastic jugs, contributing to plastic pollution.
- Cost: Buying bottled water of any kind is significantly more expensive than using tap water. Making it at home can save money but uses household energy.
Interactive Calculator Idea: If you want to compare the annual cost of buying bottled distilled water versus making it at home, try searching online for terms like “distilled water cost calculator” or “bottled water vs homemade distilled water cost calculator.” These interactive tools typically ask for your local utility rates and retail prices to help you make an informed financial decision.
Understanding Regulatory Standards and Testing
In the United States, bottled water, including distilled, is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA requires it to be at least as safe as the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for public drinking water.
This means distilled water sold in stores is safe to drink. You can also test your home water with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter. Distilled water should have a TDS reading very close to 0 parts per million (PPM), while tap water can range from 50 to 400 PPM or more.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Distilled Water
Distilled water is a safe, versatile, and highly pure water choice. Its lack of minerals makes it perfect for medical devices, lab work, and sensitive household appliances where preventing mineral buildup is critical.
When it comes to drinking, it is ok to drink distilled water, especially if your regular water source is contaminated or if you have specific health needs. The most important consideration is to maintain a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods to supply the essential minerals that this form of water lacks. For most people with access to safe, clean tap water, there is no compelling health reason to switch exclusively to distilled water for daily hydration.
FAQs
1. Can humans drink distilled water?
Drinking distilled water is not hazardous to human health. Distilled water contains no minerals, chemicals or contaminants and is the purest form of hydration suitable for use in hospitals and under specific water conditions. Distilled water does not contain minerals that are necessary to keep the body healthy, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. Most people can supplement these minerals through food intake, and drinking distilled water over a long period of time makes it even more important to consume additional minerals. While the bland taste of distilled water may not be to everyone's liking, it is still a safe and clean option when used properly.
2. Is distilled water good for your kidneys?
Drinking distilled water in people with healthy kidneys is not harmful and does not significantly affect kidney function. The kidneys are able to filter all kinds of water and can handle it with or without minerals in the water. But for people who are at risk of certain kidney diseases, in particular those who are likely to develop calcium-based kidney stones such as calcium oxalate, the doctor may recommend drinking distilled water under certain circumstances. The absence of calcium and other dissolved minerals in distilled water reduces the body's mineral burden, which in turn reduces the likelihood of stone formation. However, this practice must be done under a doctor's supervision. If you don't adjust your diet and rely solely on not drinking mineral-containing water to reduce your mineral intake, your body may become unbalanced over time.
3. What is a substitute for distilled water?
Good alternatives to distilled water depend on exactly where it is used. Appliances such as CPAP machines or irons require water with fewer minerals to avoid scaling. This is where deionized water or reverse osmosis water is particularly suitable. Both types of water are filtered to remove most minerals and impurities, making them safe to use in these appliances. But if you use it for drinking, you have to choose alternatives that are more about safety and taste, not just about how many minerals. Filtered tap water, spring water, and pure bottled water are all healthy choices. They provide the minerals your body needs and are usually readily available and easy to use.
4. Will distilled water "leach minerals" from my body?
Many people think that drinking distilled water will “pull out” the minerals in the body, which is actually a common misunderstanding, and there is no scientific evidence to prove this. The human body has a complex set of physiological mechanisms to maintain mineral balance, mainly by the kidneys, intestines and hormones to regulate. Drinking mineral-free distilled water does not cause the body to lose minerals, much less draw minerals out of bones or tissues. In fact, the minerals your body needs come mainly from your daily diet, and your kidneys keep your mineral levels stable by precisely controlling which minerals are retained and which are excreted. So it's safe to drink distilled water without worrying about depleting your body's mineral reserves.
5. Does distillation remove all chemicals and microplastics?
Distillation is a very effective method of purifying water, removing quite a few contaminants from the water, like minerals, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and most microplastics. It works by boiling the water and then letting the steam condense into water, which separates out the impurities - since these generally don't evaporate at the temperatures at which the water boils. However, some volatile organic compounds are a bit special in that they have a boiling point close to, if not lower than, that of water, and will sometimes evaporate along with the steam and end up in the distilled water. The good news is that today's distillation systems often incorporate additional filters or carbon traps to minimize the amount of these compounds, so this type of contamination is rare.