What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a type of purified water created through distillation. This process involves boiling water and then collecting the steam, which is then condensed back into liquid form. This method effectively separates the water molecules from contaminants such as minerals, salts, and dissolved solids, which are left behind. The result is chemically pure water, which often has a total dissolved solids (TDS) reading close to zero.
Because distillation removes all minerals, distilled water has a flat or bland taste compared to tap or mineral water. Due to its high purity, distilled water is often used in industrial, laboratory, and medical settings, or in small household appliances where mineral buildup is undesirable. Although safe to drink in moderation, it is not recommended as a primary hydration source for long periods, due to its lack of minerals.
What is Structured Water?
Structured water, also referred to as EZ (exclusion zone) water or hexagonal water, is a concept suggesting that water can exist in a fourth, more organized phase beyond solid, liquid, and gas. According to proponents, structured water features a unique hexagonal, crystalline molecular arrangement, similar to ice, but in liquid form. This arrangement is thought to form naturally in pristine water sources like mountain springs or glacier melt, and can be influenced by energy sources such as sunlight, infrared light, and movement (vortexing).
Unlike distilled water, structured water is believed to retain vital minerals and have a higher energy state. This energized state is thought to offer improved hydration at a cellular level, better nutrient absorption, and improved detoxification. The scientific community has a divided opinion on the validity of these claims, and the term is not yet scientifically standardized. However, this area of research continues to evolve.
Distilled vs. Structured Water: A Comparison
| Feature | Distilled Water | Structured Water (EZ Water) |
|---|---|---|
| Purification Method | Boiling and re-condensation to remove nearly all impurities. | Natural (vortexing, sunlight) or artificial (vortex devices, magnets, infrared light) processes that reorganize molecular bonds. |
| Mineral Content | Almost completely devoid of minerals and electrolytes. | Retains beneficial, naturally occurring minerals. |
| Molecular Structure | Random, disorganized clusters of standard H₂O molecules. | Theorized to have an organized, hexagonal, crystalline arrangement of H₃O₂. |
| Energy State | De-energized by the heat-intensive distillation process. | Believed to be highly energetic and capable of holding an electrical charge. |
| Cellular Hydration | Standard hydration effectiveness. | Proponents claim it offers more efficient cellular absorption. |
| Taste | Flat and bland due to the absence of minerals. | Often described as softer, smoother, and lighter due to its structure. |
| Primary Use | Laboratories, medical equipment, and appliances to avoid mineral buildup. | Health-conscious individuals seeking enhanced hydration and energy. |
Creating Structured Water: Methods and Claims
Several methods are claimed to replicate the natural processes that create structured water:
- Vortexing: Recreating the spiraling movement of water through devices or manual agitation is said to break down water clusters to form smaller, more energetic ones.
- Magnets: Passing water through magnetic fields is another method claimed to alter the molecular organization and impart energy.
- Infrared Light: Exposure to infrared light, a component of natural sunlight, is believed to be a key energizing factor for creating exclusion zone water.
- Storing in Gemstone Bottles: Some believe that storing water with certain crystals, like quartz, can transfer energy and structure to the water.
- Natural Sources: Drinking from fresh, pristine mountain springs is considered the most direct way to consume naturally structured water.
The Scientific Debate on Structured Water
The scientific community is divided on structured water. Researchers like Dr. Gerald Pollack at the University of Washington have published studies on the concept of exclusion zone (EZ) water, providing a scientific basis for the fourth phase of water. This research explores how light and energy can affect the molecular structure of water, particularly near hydrophilic surfaces. This research fuels the claims made by companies marketing structured water devices.
However, many scientists remain skeptical, citing a lack of strong, independent, peer-reviewed studies validating the health benefits claimed by proponents. Critics note that the molecular structure of liquid water is constantly changing, making a static "hexagonal" structure improbable under normal conditions. Concerns also exist over the lack of a standardized definition for structured water and a reliable way to test for its presence commercially. As a result, the effectiveness of home structuring devices and the magnitude of the claimed benefits are subjects of ongoing debate.
Conclusion: Is Distilled Water Structured Water? The Verdict
The answer to the question, "Is distilled water structured water?" is no. The distillation process, which involves boiling water to strip it of minerals and impurities, also removes its natural energetic properties and reorganizes its molecules into a standard, disorganized H₂O state. Structured water, by contrast, is defined by its organized, hexagonal molecular geometry and retention of minerals, attributes that are lost during distillation. While the science behind structured water is developing and subject to debate, its fundamental characteristics are the opposite of distilled water. Ultimately, your water choice depends on your needs, whether it is the ultra-purity of distilled water for a specific application or the mineral-rich potential of structured water for personal hydration.
