Is it better to drink alkaline water or distilled water?

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, long-term consumption of demineralized water, like distilled water, can be harmful to human health. This raises a critical question for health-conscious consumers: when choosing between alkaline water or distilled water, which is the better option for daily hydration?

Quick Summary

This article examines the fundamental differences between alkaline and distilled water, including their mineral content, pH levels, and health implications. A detailed comparison helps determine which type of water is more suitable for regular consumption and which is best for specific applications, weighing the potential benefits against the risks.

Key Points

Mineral Content is Key: Alkaline water retains and often adds beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, while the distillation process removes them entirely.
Not for Long-Term Drinking: Distilled water is unsafe for long-term daily consumption due to its lack of essential minerals, which can lead to health issues.
Alkaline for Hydration: Alkaline water is generally better for regular drinking because its mineral content supports healthy hydration and electrolyte balance.
Purpose-Specific Uses: Distilled water is superior for industrial, laboratory, and medical applications where mineral-free water prevents damage and interference.
Consult a Professional: Claims about alkaline water's effects on the body's pH are debated, and those with health issues should consult a doctor before making a change.
Risk of Deficiency vs. Imbalance: Prolonged distilled water use risks mineral deficiencies, while excessive alkaline water can lead to mineral imbalances or alkalosis.

Understanding the Differences: Alkaline vs. Distilled Water

Water is essential for life, but not all water is created equal. The two options, alkaline water and distilled water, represent fundamentally different approaches to water processing and offer distinct properties. The choice between them depends heavily on your health goals and intended use.

What is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is created through a process of boiling and condensing water vapor, which effectively purifies it. This method removes nearly 99.9% of all dissolved minerals and contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and bacteria. While this results in incredibly pure H₂O, it also strips out beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are important electrolytes.

Pros of Distilled Water:

Highest purity, free of almost all contaminants.
Useful for specific applications like medical equipment (CPAP machines), laboratory tests, and automotive use where mineral buildup is undesirable.
Safe for short-term detox purposes.

Cons of Distilled Water:

Lack of essential minerals can lead to mineral deficiencies over the long term.
Can have a flat, unappealing taste due to the absence of minerals.
Studies have shown long-term consumption can lead to mineral excretion and health issues.

What is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water has a pH level above 7, typically between 8 and 9. It is made by filtering or adding alkaline minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, to regular water. This process increases the water's pH and, unlike distillation, enhances the water's mineral content.

Pros of Alkaline Water:

Contains beneficial minerals and electrolytes.
May help enhance hydration and balance the body's pH.
Some anecdotal evidence suggests benefits for conditions like acid reflux.

Cons of Alkaline Water:

Excessive consumption might lead to metabolic alkalosis, disrupting the body's natural pH.
Can interfere with normal digestive processes by neutralizing stomach acid.
Many health claims are not yet scientifically proven, and some may be exaggerated.

Alkaline Water vs. Distilled Water: A Comparison Table


Feature	Alkaline Water	Distilled Water
Purification Method	Filtration, often with added minerals or ionization.	Boiling, creating steam that is then condensed.
pH Level	Typically 8–9 (alkaline).	Close to 7 (neutral), but can become slightly acidic by absorbing carbon dioxide.
Mineral Content	Enriched with minerals like calcium and magnesium.	Stripped of virtually all minerals.
Taste	Generally described as smoother or more pleasant due to minerals.	Often described as flat or bland.
Best for Drinking	Recommended for daily hydration due to mineral content.	Not recommended for long-term consumption due to lack of minerals.
Best for Non-Drinking	Not typically used for appliances where mineral buildup is an issue.	Ideal for small appliances (humidifiers, irons), labs, and medical devices.
Long-Term Health Risks	Potential for mineral imbalances or alkalosis with excessive intake.	Risk of mineral deficiencies and electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use.

The Verdict: Which Water Is Right for You?

For general, long-term drinking and hydration, alkaline water is generally considered a better and safer choice than distilled water, primarily because it retains or adds essential minerals. The complete lack of minerals in distilled water poses a risk of nutrient depletion over time, which can lead to adverse health effects.

However, distilled water has its place. It is the superior choice for applications where mineral-free water is a necessity, such as in CPAP machines, laboratory work, or ironing, to prevent scale buildup. For a specific, short-term detox advised by a healthcare professional, distilled water may also be used.

Practical Considerations

Making an informed choice requires looking beyond marketing claims and understanding the science. The body has natural mechanisms for maintaining its pH, so the benefits of alkaline water on internal pH balance are debated among experts. The key advantage lies in its mineral content. If you have concerns about your mineral intake from other dietary sources, alkaline water can be a convenient supplement.

In contrast, those who rely on distilled water for drinking should be mindful of their mineral intake from other foods and supplements. For most people, consuming water with a healthy mineral balance is the most straightforward way to stay properly hydrated without risking deficiencies.

Conclusion

When facing the question, is it better to drink alkaline water or distilled water, the consensus for regular consumption favors alkaline water. Distilled water, while exceptionally pure, lacks the vital minerals the human body needs for long-term health. The right choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, but for daily drinking, opt for a water source that provides a healthy balance of minerals and electrolytes. As always, for specific medical conditions, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making changes to your diet or water consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, drinking distilled water every day is not recommended for long-term health. The distillation process removes all beneficial minerals, which can lead to mineral deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances over time.

The human body is very good at regulating its own pH levels through internal mechanisms. While alkaline water can temporarily affect stomach acidity, its long-term impact on overall body pH is largely unsubstantiated and debated by the scientific community.

Distillation is highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals and bacteria. However, it may not remove certain volatile organic compounds or pesticides. Proper filtration methods are also essential for high-quality water.

Distilled water tastes flat because the distillation process removes all dissolved minerals and solids that contribute to water's flavor. These minerals, like calcium and magnesium, give water its characteristic taste.

The primary benefit of alkaline water is that it contains essential minerals and electrolytes, such as calcium and magnesium, that are good for hydration and overall health. This mineral content is important for people whose diet may be lacking in these nutrients.

Distilled water is best used for specific non-drinking applications where pure, mineral-free water is required, such as in CPAP machines, humidifiers, steam irons, and laboratory or automotive equipment.

Yes, you can make alkaline water at home by adding minerals or using an alkaline water filter, which increases the pH. However, the quality may vary, and it's important to ensure your source water is already filtered for contaminants.