Is Alkaline Water Considered Distilled? A Detailed Comparison

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to scientific research, the moment freshly distilled water is exposed to air, it begins to absorb carbon dioxide, causing its perfectly neutral pH of 7 to drop to an acidic 5.8. This is just one of many key factors that clearly distinguishes it from alkaline water. The purification methods, mineral content, and resulting properties are entirely different for each type of water.

Quick Summary

Alkaline and distilled water are not the same; they differ significantly in their creation and composition. Distillation purifies water by removing all minerals, resulting in a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Alkaline water is either naturally occurring or produced by adding alkaline minerals, giving it a higher pH and increased mineral content.

Key Points

Not the same: Alkaline water and distilled water are fundamentally different and are produced using distinct methods.
Distillation removes minerals: The distillation process involves boiling and condensation, which strips water of all minerals and impurities, resulting in pure H₂O.
Alkaline water adds minerals: Alkaline water achieves its higher pH (8-9) by adding or naturally containing alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Opposite pH levels: Distilled water becomes slightly acidic (around pH 5.8) after contact with air, while alkaline water has a higher-than-neutral pH.
Different uses: Distilled water is best for appliances and medical use, whereas alkaline water is marketed for drinking and hydration.
Taste difference: The absence of minerals gives distilled water a flat taste, while alkaline water can taste smoother due to its mineral content.

Understanding the Differences: Is Alkaline Water Considered Distilled?

There is a common misconception that purified waters, such as alkaline and distilled water, are interchangeable. However, they are processed using completely different methods and result in products with opposite chemical properties. The primary difference lies in their mineral content and pH balance, which directly relates to how they are created.

The Production of Distilled Water

Distilled water is created through a process of boiling and condensation. Water is heated to its boiling point, turning it into steam. This steam is then captured and cooled, condensing back into a liquid form in a separate, clean container. The crucial part of this process is that any impurities, including minerals and other solids, are left behind in the original boiling chamber because they do not evaporate.

The Characteristics of Distilled Water

Pure H₂O: The result is nearly 100% pure H₂O, stripped of all minerals, salts, and contaminants.
Neutral to Acidic pH: While pure H₂O has a neutral pH of 7, distilled water quickly absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, forming carbonic acid and slightly lowering its pH to around 5.8.
Flat Taste: The lack of dissolved minerals gives distilled water a characteristically flat or bland taste.

The Production of Alkaline Water

Alkaline water can be produced in two primary ways: naturally or artificially. Naturally alkaline water flows over rocks and picks up alkaline minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which increase its pH level. Artificially produced alkaline water is made by adding alkaline minerals or through a process called electrolysis, which uses an ionizer to separate acidic and alkaline components.

The Characteristics of Alkaline Water

High pH: Alkaline water has a pH higher than 7, typically between 8 and 9.
Contains Minerals: Unlike distilled water, alkaline water contains a healthy mineral content, which is the source of its higher pH.
Enhanced Flavor: The presence of minerals can give alkaline water a smoother and more palatable taste than distilled water.

Comparing Distilled and Alkaline Water


Feature	Distilled Water	Alkaline Water
Production	Boiling and condensation process.	Natural mineral absorption or artificial electrolysis/mineral addition.
Mineral Content	Almost zero, all minerals are removed.	Higher mineral content, includes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
pH Level	Starts at 7, but becomes slightly acidic (around 5.8) when exposed to air.	Higher than 7, typically between 8 and 9.
Taste	Often described as flat or bland due to lack of minerals.	Can have a smoother, more pleasant taste.
Best For	Non-drinking uses: appliances, medical equipment, car batteries, science labs.	Drinking, especially for those seeking potential health benefits like neutralization of acidity.

The Purpose and Uses of Each Water

The intended use of each water type is as distinct as its chemical makeup. Choosing the correct one is important for safety and effectiveness.

Uses for Distilled Water:

Household appliances, such as irons, to prevent mineral buildup.
Automotive cooling systems.
Sterilization of medical and laboratory equipment.
Home aquariums, where specific mineral control is required.
As a temporary detoxification method, as it draws minerals from the body.

Uses for Alkaline Water:

Daily drinking water for hydration.
As a potential aid for people with acid reflux, as it may help neutralize stomach acid.
For enhancing hydration during exercise.

Can Distilled Water Be Made Alkaline?

Yes, it is possible to make distilled water alkaline, but the process negates the original purpose of distillation. After distilling, alkaline minerals or pH buffers would need to be added back to raise the pH. This process is uncommon, as it involves removing all minerals and then re-adding specific ones, which is not the standard way to produce alkaline water.

Conclusion

In summary, it is incorrect to consider alkaline water distilled. These two water types represent opposite ends of the water purification and composition spectrum. Distilled water is stripped of all minerals, resulting in pure H₂O with a slightly acidic pH, making it ideal for non-consumption uses. Alkaline water, conversely, contains added or naturally occurring alkaline minerals, resulting in a higher pH, and is primarily intended for drinking. Consumers should understand the clear distinctions to choose the right water for their specific needs, whether for hydration or other purposes. For a deeper dive into the distillation process, you can explore the Distilled water Wikipedia page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Distilled water starts with a neutral pH of 7 but quickly becomes slightly acidic, often around 5.8, after absorbing carbon dioxide from the air.

The main difference is mineral content and pH level. Distilled water is stripped of all minerals, while alkaline water has added or naturally occurring alkaline minerals, resulting in a higher pH.

Yes, distilled water is safe for human consumption in the short term. However, it lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, so it is not a recommended long-term source of hydration.

The main point of alkaline water, according to proponents, is its potential to neutralize acid in the body, improve hydration, and provide beneficial minerals. However, some health professionals state more research is needed.

Yes, you can add alkaline minerals or use a pH buffer to raise the pH of distilled water. However, this is counterproductive as it defeats the purpose of distilling it in the first place.

Alkaline water often has a smoother, more pleasant taste compared to the flat taste of distilled water. This is due to the presence of dissolved alkaline minerals.

For daily hydration, alkaline water is generally preferred due to its mineral content. Distilled water is better for non-consumption uses like appliances or medical equipment. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.