What is Distilled Water — And Is It Safe to Drink?

Have you ever stood in front of a vast array of bottled waters at the store, wondering, 'What exactly is distilled water?' If so, you're not alone — and you're in the right place to find out.

What is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is a type of purified water produced through distillation, a process where water is boiled into steam, and the steam is then cooled and condensed back into liquid form, leaving contaminants behind.

Is Distilled Water Safe to Drink?

Yes, distilled water is safe to drink. It is one of the purest forms of water available, so there are minimal health risks associated with it.

But the real question is: Should you be drinking distilled water?

Some people believe that distilled water has detoxifying properties that other types of purified water lack, although there isn't much evidence to support this claim. Additionally, while distillation removes contaminants, it also strips away essential minerals like calcium and magnesium that are naturally found in tap water.

One potential downside of drinking only distilled water is that it may deplete minerals from your body to help maintain balance, which could be particularly concerning for your teeth.

If your diet is already rich in minerals, this may not be a big concern. However, if your diet lacks a variety of healthy foods, you might want to consider choosing a different type of drinking water.

Distilled vs. Purified vs. Spring Water

So, what's the difference between distilled and purified water? And what exactly is spring water? Let's break it down for you:

• Purified water has been filtered or processed to remove any naturally or unnaturally occurring contaminants or impurities — so distilled water is a type of purified water.
• Distilled water, as we know, is water that has been purified through distillation. In this process, water is turned to steam and then back into a liquid. Because it is pure H2O, distilled water has a noticeably flat and dull taste.
• Spring water comes from an underground source and has risen to the surface. This type of water goes through multiple stages of filtration, but retains the naturally occurring minerals that affect quality and taste.

Is Bottled Water Distilled?

There are various types of bottled water, and they can be processed through a range of purification or filtration techniques (hint: a filtered water bottle counts as well).

The main difference between distilled water and popular bottled water brands (like Aquafina or Dasani) is that the latter is specifically bottled for drinking. On the other hand, distilled water sold in stores is typically intended for other uses — more on that in a moment.

Most popular bottled water brands use spring water, as it is known for its great taste and natural mineral content.

While some brands do use distilled water, they usually reintroduce certain minerals before bottling it.

How to Make Distilled Water

You can technically distill water at home without any special equipment, but let's be honest — it's often more hassle than it's worth. Plus, there's the risk of accidentally drinking contaminated water. If you're a regular consumer of distilled water or prefer making it yourself rather than buying it, you can invest in a machine to simplify the process.

Distilled Water Uses

Distilled water is the top choice when purity is your main concern. For example, distilled water might be necessary for:

• Medical procedures, such as dialysis. Have a nasal-cleansing NetiPot? Distilled water is a must.
• Appliances that might become clogged by mineral build-up, like irons or humidifiers.
• Watering plants. Some studies suggest that seeds watered with distilled water grow faster and healthier.
• Home aquariums. Just make sure your fish food contains necessary minerals necessary for your pet's health.

Does Distilled Water Expire?

Distilled water can last indefinitely. However, if you intend to drink it, it's a good idea to replace it after about five years. If you're using it for other purposes, though, its shelf life isn't an issue, no matter how long it's been stored.

Where to Buy Distilled Water

You can easily find inexpensive distilled water in most grocery stores, typically located in the bottled water section.