Understanding Distillation and Bottled Water
Distillation is a purification process that involves boiling water and then collecting the condensed steam, leaving minerals, salts, and other contaminants behind. This results in highly pure water, but one that also lacks the beneficial electrolytes found in many other water sources. In the bottled water market, most brands are not distilled but rather purified through other methods like reverse osmosis or are simply natural spring water. It's a common misconception that all purified water is distilled, but this guide will clarify the distinctions and identify specific brands.
Brands That Offer Distilled Bottled Water
When looking for distilled water, you'll often find it in gallon jugs intended for household use, such as for irons or CPAP machines, rather than in standard single-serving bottles for drinking. However, some brands do offer distilled options, or use a form of distillation in their process.
- Smartwater: Glaceau Smartwater is a prominent brand that uses vapor distillation, a process inspired by the hydrologic cycle. However, it is important to note that they add electrolytes back to the water for taste, which technically makes it different from true, mineral-free distilled water.
- Store Brands: Many major retailers, including Walmart, offer their own store-brand distilled water, such as Great Value Distilled Water and Parent's Choice Distilled Water. These are typically sold in gallon sizes and are not intended as drinking water due to the lack of minerals.
- Local and Regional Bottlers: Smaller, regional bottled water companies often offer distilled water alongside their spring or purified water options. Examples found in search results include Idaho Ice and offerings from companies like Nantze Springs Inc. in Georgia.
Brands That Are Purified, Not Distilled
Some of the most popular bottled water brands are often mistakenly believed to be distilled, but they use a different purification process.
- Aquafina: Owned by PepsiCo, Aquafina is sourced from public water and is purified using a rigorous multi-step process, including reverse osmosis, but not distillation.
- Dasani: A Coca-Cola product, Dasani is also sourced from public water and purified through reverse osmosis before minerals are added back for flavor. This is a key difference from distillation, as the process does not involve boiling.
Common Uses of Distilled Water
Because it is stripped of minerals and impurities, distilled water has a range of practical applications where mineral buildup is undesirable.
- CPAP Machines: Many manufacturers recommend using distilled water in CPAP humidifiers to prevent mineral residue from accumulating in the machine.
- Steam Irons and Appliances: Using distilled water in steam irons prevents the buildup of mineral scale, which can clog vents and stain clothes.
- Automotive: Distilled water is used to top up car batteries and cooling systems to prevent corrosion.
- Laboratories and Medical Fields: The high purity of distilled water makes it essential for medical equipment cleaning and laboratory experiments where minerals could interfere with results.
- Aquariums and Plants: Used in aquariums, along with mineral supplements, and for watering plants that are sensitive to mineral salts.
Comparison of Distilled, Purified, and Spring Water
To help differentiate between common types of bottled water, here is a comparison table outlining their key characteristics.
| Feature | Distilled Water | Purified Water (e.g., Aquafina) | Spring Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Public water source, processed | Public water source, processed | Underground formation (aquifer) |
| Purification Method | Boiling and re-condensing steam | Multiple steps, including reverse osmosis | Collected from a natural spring |
| Mineral Content | Almost 100% removed | Low, with some minerals sometimes added back for taste | Contains naturally occurring minerals |
| Taste | Often described as bland or flat due to mineral removal | Clean, crisp, and consistent taste | Varies based on the source; can have a distinct mineral flavor |
| Best For | Specific applications like CPAP machines and irons | General drinking water | General drinking water, natural minerals |
Can you drink distilled water daily?
While drinking distilled water is generally safe, it lacks the beneficial minerals found in tap and spring water. For long-term hydration, a mineral-rich diet is important, as distilled water does not contribute to mineral intake. Some people find the taste flat, so personal preference is also a factor. For more details on the safety of drinking distilled water, you can consult resources from reliable health information sites like Healthline.
Conclusion
In summary, while many people use the term 'distilled' broadly, very few bottled water brands are truly distilled. The most notable example is Smartwater, which is vapor-distilled before electrolytes are added back for flavor. Most other major bottled water brands like Aquafina and Dasani are purified using a reverse osmosis process. Understanding this difference is crucial for consumers, especially those who need mineral-free water for appliances or medical equipment. For everyday drinking, purified or spring water is a more common and often preferred choice due to its flavor profile and mineral content. Always check the label to determine the exact purification process used by a specific brand.
