Understanding the Purification Processes
To determine what's better to drink, distilled or purified water, it's essential to first understand how each is made. While both processes remove contaminants, they do so differently and with different results regarding mineral content.
How is Distilled Water Made?
Distillation is a process that mimics the natural water cycle. Water is boiled to create steam, which then leaves behind impurities, including minerals, bacteria, and other contaminants with high boiling points. The steam is then captured, cooled, and condensed back into a liquid state, resulting in a product that is nearly 100% pure H₂O.
How is Purified Water Made?
Purified water is a broad term for water treated to remove contaminants, with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level of less than 10 parts per million (ppm). The purification process can involve one or a combination of methods, such as reverse osmosis, deionization, and carbon filtration. Unlike distillation, some purification methods, like reverse osmosis, may still retain trace amounts of certain minerals, or these minerals may be added back after treatment.
The Key Differences: Mineral Content and Taste
The most significant difference between purified and distilled water for drinking purposes is the presence of minerals, which directly impacts the taste and potential health benefits.
Distilled Water
- Mineral-Free: The distillation process removes virtually all dissolved minerals, including beneficial ones like calcium and magnesium.
- Flat Taste: Due to the complete absence of minerals, distilled water has a flat, bland taste that some people find unappealing for daily consumption.
- Health Considerations: While safe to drink, prolonged or exclusive consumption of distilled water has raised some concerns about mineral leaching from the body and the potential for a balanced diet to be necessary to compensate for lost minerals.
Purified Water
- Retains Minerals: Depending on the purification method, some essential minerals may be retained or added back into the water, giving it a more pleasant, natural taste.
- Better Taste: Many people prefer the taste of purified water over distilled water, making it easier to stay hydrated.
- Healthier for Daily Use: Because purified water often contains trace minerals, it's generally considered a better choice for regular, long-term drinking.
A Comparison Table: Distilled vs. Purified Water
| Feature | Distilled Water | Purified Water |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Boiling water, collecting and condensing steam. | Filtered via multiple methods (e.g., reverse osmosis, carbon filtration). |
| Mineral Content | Virtually zero dissolved minerals. | Often retains trace minerals or has them added back. |
| Taste | Flat or bland due to lack of minerals. | Typically a cleaner, more refreshing taste. |
| TDS Level | Extremely low (often <2 ppm). | Very low (<10 ppm), but higher than distilled. |
| Best for Drinking | Safe, but not recommended for long-term use without dietary mineral intake. | Generally preferred for daily hydration due to mineral content. |
| Best for Appliances | Ideal for CPAP machines, steam irons, and humidifiers to prevent mineral buildup. | Safe for many appliances, but may cause scale in high-heat devices if minerals are present. |
| Cost | Can be more expensive due to energy-intensive distillation process. | Varies based on purification method, but generally more affordable. |
Making the Best Choice for You
The right choice between distilled and purified water ultimately depends on your specific needs. Here are some scenarios to consider:
When to choose Purified Water:
- Daily Drinking: For regular hydration, purified water is the superior choice for most people because it tastes better and can contain some essential minerals.
- Cooking: Using purified water can improve the flavor of food and beverages by removing chlorine and other unpleasant tastes found in tap water.
- Improving Tap Water: If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water but want to retain minerals, a home purification system is a great option.
When to choose Distilled Water:
- Medical Devices: Distilled water is required for CPAP machines and other medical equipment to prevent mineral deposits from causing damage.
- Small Appliances: Use distilled water in steam irons and humidifiers to prevent limescale buildup and extend the appliance's lifespan.
- Sensitive Systems: It is necessary for laboratory experiments, certain industrial applications, and lead-acid batteries where the absence of minerals is critical.
Conclusion
Both distilled and purified water are excellent choices for ensuring safe, contaminant-free hydration. For daily drinking and cooking, purified water is generally the better option as it often retains beneficial minerals and has a more palatable taste. On the other hand, distilled water's ultra-pure, mineral-free nature makes it the clear winner for sensitive appliances and specific medical or industrial uses. By considering your personal health goals and the intended application, you can confidently decide what's better to drink, distilled or purified water, for your household.
Learn more about different water treatments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
