Understanding Distilled Water and Walmart's Product
Distilled water is created by boiling water into steam and then condensing the steam back into a sterile liquid state. This process effectively removes a wide range of impurities, contaminants, and chemicals. Walmart's Great Value distilled water, produced via steam distillation, adheres to these standards, ensuring a high level of purity. For specific water quality data, Walmart provides quality reports on its corporate website.
Is Walmart Distilled Water Safe for General Consumption?
From a safety standpoint, Walmart's distilled water is free from the contaminants and microorganisms typically found in untreated water sources. This makes it a safe option for drinking. However, the primary consideration for regular consumption is the complete absence of minerals. Unlike tap or spring water, which contain beneficial electrolytes like calcium and magnesium, distilled water is essentially 'empty'. While drinking it occasionally is harmless, relying on it as a sole source of hydration long-term can pose potential health risks related to mineral deficiencies.
Potential Health Risks and Considerations
The main risks associated with frequent consumption of distilled water are linked to its lack of minerals and its 'aggressive' nature.
- Mineral Deficiency: Distilled water contains no minerals, so it cannot replenish the electrolytes lost through sweating and urination. Over time, this could contribute to a mineral deficiency, particularly if your diet is not rich in these nutrients. The WHO has linked low-mineral water to potential electrolyte imbalances and adverse health effects, although more research is needed on long-term human consumption.
- Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: The absence of minerals can cause an increase in urine output, which can contribute to an electrolyte imbalance. For athletes or individuals sweating heavily, relying solely on distilled water could be counterproductive for hydration.
- Taste: Many people find the taste of distilled water to be flat or bland due to the lack of dissolved minerals that contribute to flavor. This can sometimes lead to reduced water intake.
Is Walmart Distilled Water Safe to Drink?: A Comparison
| Feature | Walmart Distilled Water | Tap Water (Municipal) | Purified Water (e.g., Reverse Osmosis) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | Extremely high; contaminants, bacteria, and minerals are removed. | Generally safe but may contain trace minerals, additives (like chlorine), and potential contaminants. | High; removes many contaminants but may retain some minerals, depending on the process. |
| Mineral Content | Essentially none; beneficial minerals are removed during distillation. | Contains varying levels of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. | Varies; some purified water is remineralized for taste and health benefits. |
| Taste | Often described as flat or bland due to the lack of minerals. | Taste varies greatly depending on the source and treatment. | Typically clean-tasting, especially if remineralized. |
| Best for Drinking? | No (as a primary source); safe for occasional use or specific health needs. | Yes (in most developed countries); provides minerals and is regulated for safety. | Yes (good balance of purity and minerals); often preferred for its taste. |
| Specialty Uses | Excellent for CPAP machines, irons, car batteries, and specific laboratory applications. | General cooking and household use. | Drinking, cooking, and coffee machines. |
Other Uses for Walmart Distilled Water
Given its purity and lack of minerals, distilled water has several ideal applications where mineral buildup is undesirable.
- Small Appliances: Using distilled water in steam irons, humidifiers, and vaporizers prevents the mineral scale that can clog and damage internal components over time.
- CPAP Machines: Many manufacturers recommend using distilled water in CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines to prevent mineral buildup and ensure the device functions correctly.
- Aquariums and Watering Plants: Some types of plants or aquatic life require mineral-free water to thrive. Distilled water allows you to control the exact mineral balance in the water.
- Automotive Cooling Systems: Distilled water is recommended for use in car cooling systems and batteries to prevent corrosion caused by mineral deposits found in tap water.
Conclusion: Safe, but with a Catch
In summary, Walmart distilled water is safe to drink, being free of harmful contaminants due to the distillation process. The decision to drink it regularly depends on your overall health and dietary habits. For short-term use, or if your local tap water quality is questionable, it can be a safer alternative for hydration. However, for a long-term hydration strategy, relying solely on distilled water is not recommended by health experts, as it can contribute to mineral deficiencies. A balanced diet is crucial for those who choose to drink it regularly. For most individuals, regular tap water (if deemed safe) or purified water with minerals is a healthier and more palatable choice for daily consumption. If you have specific health concerns, it is always wise to consult a healthcare professional.
What is the difference between Walmart's Great Value distilled and purified water?
Walmart sells both distilled and purified water under its Great Value brand. Distilled water is produced by boiling water into steam and then recondensing it, which removes almost all minerals and impurities. Purified water is typically treated through a different process, such as reverse osmosis, which removes contaminants but may retain some minerals.
What are the risks of drinking only distilled water regularly?
Regular consumption of only distilled water can lead to mineral deficiencies, particularly in electrolytes like calcium and magnesium, which are stripped out during the distillation process. This can result in a negative mineral balance in the body, although a balanced diet can often compensate.
Does drinking distilled water leach minerals from my body?
While distilled water won't dramatically 'leach' minerals from your bones and teeth, its lack of minerals means it won't replenish those lost through normal bodily functions like sweating. Some sources claim that the mineral-free water can pull minerals from the body to establish equilibrium, but this effect is minimal and often overstated.
Is Walmart's distilled water okay to use in a CPAP machine?
Yes, Walmart's distilled water is recommended for use in CPAP machines. Its purity prevents the mineral buildup that can clog and damage the equipment, ensuring proper operation and longevity.
Why does distilled water taste flat or bland?
The flat taste of distilled water is a direct result of the distillation process, which removes all minerals and dissolved solids. These minerals are what give tap and other bottled waters their distinctive flavor.
Is distilled water safe for infants and baby formula?
Most healthcare professionals agree that distilled water is safe for preparing baby formula, especially to avoid excess fluoride. However, distilled water is not sterile, so it still needs to be boiled if used for infants under four months old. You should always consult a pediatrician for the best advice.
How is Walmart's distilled water regulated?
Walmart's bottled water, including its Great Value brand, is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, Walmart's suppliers test their products regularly to comply with state and federal regulations, with quality reports available on the corporate website.
Keypoints
- Safe for Short-Term Consumption: Walmart distilled water is safe to drink due to the distillation process, which removes impurities.
- Lacks Minerals: The primary drawback for long-term drinking is the absence of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Potential for Mineral Deficiency: Relying solely on distilled water for hydration can lead to a mineral imbalance over time if not offset by a balanced diet.
- Best for Specialized Uses: Its purity makes it ideal for applications like CPAP machines, irons, and car batteries to prevent mineral buildup.
- Taste is Flat: The lack of dissolved solids gives distilled water a characteristically bland or flat taste.
