What Exactly is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a type of purified water created by heating water to its boiling point to create steam. The steam is then captured and cooled, condensing back into a liquid form. This process is highly effective at removing impurities, contaminants, and dissolved solids, but it also strips the water of virtually all minerals, including beneficial ones like calcium and magnesium. Because it is devoid of these substances, distilled water has a characteristically flat, bland, or neutral taste. This process makes distilled water ideal for specific applications where mineral deposits could cause damage, such as in humidifiers, irons, and medical equipment.
The Health Implications of Drinking Demineralized Water
While safe for occasional consumption, the long-term, sole reliance on distilled water for hydration presents several health considerations. Since your body loses minerals through sweat and urination, relying on mineral-free water for replenishment can be problematic.
Potential Health Risks of Distilled Water
- Mineral Deficiency: The most significant risk is the potential for mineral deficiency. The minerals found in tap and bottled waters, while not the main source, do contribute to your daily intake. Prolonged use of distilled water, especially if your diet is already low in mineral-rich foods, could exacerbate deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Some studies have linked low mineral water with potential cardiovascular issues, though more research is needed.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: A mineral-free state can disrupt the body's delicate electrolyte balance. Electrolytes are crucial for nerve function, muscle contractions, and hydration regulation. An imbalance can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, and weakness.
- Poor Hydration in Certain Situations: While distilled water hydrates, it may be less effective in replacing lost electrolytes after intense physical activity involving heavy sweating or during periods of severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. In these cases, electrolyte-rich beverages are a better choice.
- Taste and Reduced Intake: The flat taste of distilled water is unappealing to many people. This can sometimes lead to reduced overall water consumption, which is counterproductive to proper hydration.
- Potential for Leaching from Containers: Due to its lack of dissolved solids, distilled water is naturally more “aggressive” and can pull minerals and other substances from any container it comes in contact with, including some plastics. This can potentially introduce trace chemicals from the storage container into the water.
Benefits and Ideal Uses for Distilled Water
Despite the risks of long-term consumption, distilled water is valuable for its purity in specific situations:
- Purity in Medical Devices: It is the recommended water for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to prevent mineral buildup and ensure clean steam.
- Use in Appliances: Distilled water is ideal for steam irons, humidifiers, and car batteries, as it prevents damaging limescale buildup caused by minerals.
- Certain Medical Procedures: In some clinical settings, such as for sterilizing equipment or rinsing wounds, its sterile purity is a significant advantage.
- Short-Term Emergency Use: In areas with compromised water quality, drinking distilled water can be a safer, albeit temporary, alternative to contaminated tap water.
A Comparison of Water Types
To make an informed decision, it's helpful to compare distilled water with other common types.
| Feature | Distilled Water | Spring Water | Filtered/Purified Water (e.g., RO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Content | Virtually none. All minerals are removed through distillation. | Contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium, which contribute to taste and health. | Mineral content varies. Some processes, like reverse osmosis, remove most minerals, while others, like carbon filtration, retain them. Some brands add minerals back. |
| Source | Created through a purification process from various sources (tap, well water). | Originates from a natural underground source and is bottled at the source. | Sourced from tap or groundwater, then purified using methods like reverse osmosis, UV, or carbon filters. |
| Taste | Flat and bland due to the absence of dissolved minerals and gases. | Often described as crisp and clean, with a distinct flavor from its natural mineral profile. | Generally has a clean taste, though it can be flat depending on the specific filtration method and if minerals are added back. |
| Long-Term Safety | Safe in the short term but not recommended for long-term sole use without mineral replacement from a balanced diet. | Safe for long-term consumption and offers beneficial minerals. | Generally safe for long-term consumption, depending on the purification method. Mineral-rich filtered water is a preferred option for many. |
Making Your Decision
So, can you drink distilled gallon water? The short answer is yes, but with a significant caveat. While it is safe for occasional consumption, it is not recommended as your sole source of drinking water over the long term. If you choose to drink it regularly, you must ensure you are receiving all essential minerals from a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other foods. For most healthy individuals, the amount of minerals from water is supplemental, but for those with specific health concerns, relying solely on demineralized water may pose a risk. The World Health Organization has noted potential adverse effects related to the lack of minerals and electrolytes in demineralized water, particularly on metabolic functions and electrolyte balance. For everyday hydration, most experts would recommend tap, spring, or remineralized filtered water as a better choice, which balances safety with nutritional content.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs, location, and diet. If you live in an area with compromised water quality or have a specific medical or household application, distilled water is an excellent option for its purity. For general, long-term drinking and optimal health, however, a mineral-containing water source is the more balanced choice. Before making a permanent switch, it's wise to consider your overall mineral intake and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing health conditions.
Conclusion
Drinking distilled gallon water is safe for short-term and specific uses but is not ideal for long-term daily consumption due to its lack of essential minerals. The distillation process removes all contaminants but also strips away important electrolytes like calcium and magnesium. This can lead to potential mineral deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances over time, especially if a person's diet is already lacking. For most people, a balanced diet can compensate for the missing minerals, but other water types like spring or filtered water offer a better balance of purity and beneficial minerals for regular, everyday hydration. Understanding these risks and benefits is key to making an informed decision about your water source.
Healthline: Can You Drink Distilled Water? Side Effects, Uses, and More
