What is "Evaporated Water" in a Drinking Context?
When people ask if they can drink evaporated water, they are not referring to consuming water vapor or steam directly. The high temperature of steam makes it dangerous to ingest. Instead, they are referring to the product of distillation, which is essentially condensed water vapor. The process mimics the natural water cycle, where water evaporates from the earth's surface, condenses into clouds, and falls as rain. In a controlled setting, distillation involves heating water to its boiling point to create steam, then collecting and cooling that steam so it condenses back into a liquid form. During this phase transition, heavy elements, contaminants, and dissolved minerals are left behind. The resulting liquid is highly purified and referred to as distilled water.
Distillation Process Explained
- A heat source is applied to a large pot of water.
- As the water heats and boils, it turns into steam (water vapor).
- The steam rises, leaving behind impurities like heavy metals, bacteria, and minerals.
- The steam is collected on a cool surface, like an inverted lid with ice on it.
- The steam condenses back into liquid water droplets.
- These pure water droplets are then collected in a separate, clean container.
Is Distilled (Evaporated) Water Safe to Drink?
For short-term consumption, distilled water is perfectly safe. It is one of the purest forms of water available, as the distillation process removes nearly all contaminants. However, its long-term safety is a point of debate among health professionals, primarily due to its lack of minerals.
The Purification Aspect: Pros
Distillation is a highly effective method for water purification, as it removes a wide range of harmful substances.
- Pathogens: The boiling process kills nearly all bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
- Heavy Metals: Lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals have higher boiling points than water and are left behind.
- Minerals and Salts: Salts and minerals, which can be present in varying concentrations in tap and mineral water, are also removed.
- Certain Chemicals: Many chemicals, like chlorine, are removed during the process. However, some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with lower boiling points than water can potentially vaporize with the steam and re-contaminate the water. Home distillers often include an activated carbon filter to address this.
The Mineral Deficiency Aspect: Cons
The main drawback of drinking distilled water is the complete absence of beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: While a balanced diet provides most of our mineral intake, relying solely on mineral-free water could potentially contribute to an electrolyte imbalance over time, especially for athletes or those with poor diets.
- Flat Taste: The lack of minerals gives distilled water a distinctively flat or bland taste that some people find unappealing. This can lead to drinking less water, which poses its own hydration risks.
- Leaching from Containers: Due to its high purity, distilled water is more chemically aggressive and can leach substances from its container if stored improperly, particularly from certain plastics. Glass or high-quality, BPA-free plastic is recommended.
- The Leaching Myth: A common misconception is that distilled water leaches minerals from the body's bones and teeth. This is false. Your body's mineral balance is maintained by the kidneys and hormones, with minerals primarily sourced from food.
Distilled Water vs. Other Common Water Types
To help decide if distilled water is right for you, here is a comparison with other common water options:
| Feature | Distilled Water | Tap Water | Purified Water | Mineral Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purification Method | Boiling into steam, then condensing back into a liquid. | Chemical disinfection and filtration by municipalities. | Processed to remove chemicals and contaminants (e.g., reverse osmosis, filtration). | Comes from a natural, protected underground source. |
| Mineral Content | Almost zero. All minerals are removed. | Contains varying levels of minerals depending on location. | Very low mineral content, often with some added back for taste. | High mineral content, which gives it a distinct taste. |
| Taste | Flat and bland due to the lack of minerals. | Varies widely based on mineral content and chlorine levels. | Clean and neutral taste, more pleasant than distilled. | Varies based on the mineral composition of the spring. |
| Best For | Use in appliances, medical equipment, and short-term drinking if tap water is compromised. | Drinking, cooking, and general household use in areas with safe tap water. | Everyday drinking water for people who want fewer contaminants than tap water. | Drinking for flavor and potentially for mineral intake, though not a primary source. |
How to Make Distilled Water at Home
Making your own distilled water is a simple process that requires standard kitchen equipment.
- Gather Materials: You'll need a large pot with a lid, a smaller heat-proof glass bowl, a glass collecting container, and ice.
- Set Up: Fill the large pot halfway with tap water. Place the smaller bowl inside, ensuring it floats and does not touch the bottom. If the bowl sinks, place a heat-safe trivet underneath.
- Boil: Bring the water in the large pot to a simmer or a low boil.
- Create Condensation: Invert the lid and place it on the large pot. Place ice cubes on top of the inverted lid. The steam will rise, hit the cold lid, and condense.
- Collect: The condensed water droplets will drip from the center of the lid into the smaller bowl. Continue until you have collected the desired amount.
- Store: Carefully remove the bowl and pour the distilled water into a clean, sterilized glass container for storage.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Drinking Evaporated Water
Drinking water that has been evaporated and then condensed (distilled) is generally safe, as it is a highly purified form of water. It is free from bacteria, heavy metals, and many chemical contaminants, making it an excellent choice for short-term hydration or for individuals with specific health concerns, such as a compromised immune system. However, it lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, and relying solely on it for long-term hydration requires a very balanced diet to avoid potential deficiencies. For most healthy individuals with access to safe municipal tap water, there is no significant health advantage to choosing distilled water for everyday consumption. While it will not "leach" minerals from your body as the old myth suggests, it also won't provide the small contribution of minerals that mineral-rich water sources offer. When using distilled water, it is crucial to store it in a clean, non-reactive container, such as glass, to prevent leaching of chemicals. For more information on the safety of distilled water, consult reliable health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) or Medical News Today.
