Vapor distilled and purified water are both highly refined, but they are not created equal. Understanding the distinct processes behind each type of water is essential for determining which is the best choice for you, whether for drinking, cooking, or household appliances.
What Is Vapor Distilled Water?
Vapor distilled water is a form of purified water produced through distillation, a process that mimics the natural water cycle. Water is boiled into steam, leaving impurities behind, and the steam is then condensed back into very pure liquid water. This process removes almost all dissolved solids, resulting in water with virtually only hydrogen and oxygen molecules. Due to its extreme purity, vapor distilled water is commonly used in medical and laboratory settings. However, the removal of minerals gives it a flat taste that some find unappealing for drinking.
What Is Purified Water?
Purified water is water treated to remove contaminants, making it safe to drink. Unlike distillation, purification often uses multiple methods such as reverse osmosis, deionization, carbon filtration, and UV disinfection. Many purification processes, especially for bottled water, involve adding back beneficial electrolytes and minerals for better taste and hydration, a key difference from vapor distilled water.
Vapor Distilled Water vs. Purified Water: A Comparison Table
| Feature | Vapor Distilled Water | Purified Water |
|---|---|---|
| Purification Method | Boiling and condensation (distillation) | Combination of methods like reverse osmosis, deionization, and carbon filtration |
| Purity Level | Extremely high; removes virtually all dissolved solids (TDS < 2 ppm) | Very high; removes 99%+ of contaminants, but retains some minerals (TDS < 10 ppm) |
| Mineral Content | Virtually zero; all minerals are removed | Contains essential minerals and electrolytes, either naturally occurring or added back for taste |
| Taste | Often described as flat, neutral, or bland due to lack of minerals | Clean, crisp, and refreshing due to balanced mineral content |
| Ideal Uses | Medical equipment (CPAP machines), laboratories, steam irons, baby formula | Daily drinking, cooking, hydration for active individuals |
| Potential Health Impact | May require supplementing dietary minerals if consumed exclusively long-term | Provides a source of beneficial minerals and superior hydration |
Health and Hydration Implications
For daily consumption, purified water is generally preferred because it contains beneficial minerals important for bodily functions and hydration. While water isn't the main source of these nutrients, their complete absence in distilled water can be a consideration if your diet is insufficient. Concerns about distilled water leaching minerals from the body are largely unfounded, but its lack of taste might lead to drinking less water overall. Purified water, with its mineral content, often provides a more complete hydration profile. Additionally, distillation is typically more energy-intensive than methods like reverse osmosis, which can be a factor for environmentally conscious consumers.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
Choosing between vapor distilled and purified water depends on its intended use. Vapor distilled water is ideal for specific applications like medical devices where preventing mineral buildup is critical. For general drinking and health, purified water with its retained or added minerals is often the preferred and more beneficial option. The decision boils down to prioritizing either extreme purity for technical uses or mineral-rich hydration for daily consumption.
Conclusion
The choice between vapor distilled water and purified water depends on your needs. Vapor distilled water is best for applications requiring absolute purity and no mineral buildup. For everyday drinking, purified water, often with added electrolytes, offers a better taste and hydration due to essential minerals. Both are safer than many tap water sources, allowing you to choose based on your lifestyle.
Which is better, vapor distilled water or purified water?
- Best for Appliances: Vapor distilled water is best for medical equipment, irons, and humidifiers, as its lack of minerals prevents corrosive buildup.
- Best for Drinking: Purified water is generally better for daily drinking because it retains or adds back essential minerals for a more appealing taste and balanced hydration.
- Highest Purity: Vapor distilled water undergoes a more intense process, resulting in an exceptionally high level of purity, although some volatile organic compounds can persist.
- More Efficient Process: Reverse osmosis, a common purification method, is more energy-efficient and less costly to produce than vapor distillation.
- Mineral Content: Distilled water has virtually no minerals, whereas purified water contains trace minerals that are beneficial for health.
- Taste Preference: Many people prefer the crisp taste of purified water over the flat taste of distilled water.
- Health Considerations: For long-term exclusive consumption, purified water is generally recommended over distilled water to ensure a sufficient intake of minerals.
