All water contains traces, small or large, of minerals, bacteria, pesticides, and other contaminants. The extent to which this occurs depends on whether the water came from a natural spring, an artesian well, or a regular tap.
This is where distillation comes into place. Distilled water is steam from boiling water that is eventually cooled and transformed into liquid. In this process, distillation removes impurities from the water. It is claimed that distillation can remove up to 99.9% of the minerals dissolved in water.
Therefore, many people choose distilled water as their primary drinking water because they believe it is the purest.
For a very long time, communities have depended on municipal water as their primary source of drinking water. However, these water supplies are contaminated with harmful agents and unknown sediments, resulting in water turbidity.
People used to boil water until these sediments were filtered out. This is how distillation became a well-known process for cleaning water.
In retrospect, distillation is one process for water purification. However, despite its numerous benefits, several negative claims have been made regarding its overall impact on human health.
Now, we can't help but wonder whether distilled water is safe to drink or as favorable for you as other sorts of water. The appropriate response depends on several factors.
This article will discuss distilled water, including its brief history, the processes involved, its various applications, the types of distillation units, and methods for maintaining it.
Furthermore, we will discuss factors to consider when buying your distillation unit. Finally, let's ask the million-dollar question: Is distilled water safe to drink?
To answer that question, let's enumerate the different effects and benefits that distilled water can provide for our body and differentiate it from other water processes, such as purification and filtration, to give a valid point of comparison.
What is Distilled Water?
Distillation has been used since World War I. Though ancient philosophers had long discovered it, distillation wasn't used as much before as it is today. When World War I began, the military had to find a way to keep its men hydrated during the war.
Since nobody can drink water directly from the sea, they found a way to provide clean water. They used seawater as the main source, which was then distilled. Since then, water distillation has become popular.
Distilled water can be found in stores and labs. Here's a clarification of what purified water is and how it's made.
Distilled water is any water that has been purified through the process of distillation. There are numerous distillations, yet all rely on isolating parts of a mixture based on their different boiling points.
Generally, water is heated to its boiling point. The water is purified by boiling it and gathering steam. Chemicals found in the water that boil at low temperatures are gathered and disposed of.
Likewise, any substances remaining after the water evaporates are disposed of. The water collected in this way is much cleaner than the first liquid. The distillation process removes most polluting contaminants, making it a reasonable method for water treatment.
Brief History of Water Distillation
Distilled water is boiled in a container and then condensed back into a liquid state. Then, it is poured into a separate container. Impurities in the original water that have not been boiled will remain in the raw water.
Drinking water has been produced from seawater through distillation since at least the 2nd century AD. Alexander of Aphrodisias first introduced and described this process. Aristotle's Meteorologica referred to it as the distillation of water.
Meanwhile, Captain Israel wrote in his journal about how he improvised water distillation in 1797.
In World War II, distilling seawater to produce fresh water was expensive and time-consuming. After the war, Dr. R. V. Kleinschmidt created a compression still to convert seawater into freshwater.
This equipment became a standard among the trailer mounts and Allied ships used by the armies during the war. This method was used in portable water units and ships during the latter half of the century.
Today, modern ships boil seawater using flash-type evaporators. They heat the water to 70-90 degrees Celsius and evaporate it under vacuum. Then, they collect the water via condensation before storing it.
The Process of Water Distillation
The distilling machine can bring the tap water to a boil. After that, it can eliminate viruses and bacteria. The unit will create steam that rises and leaves the impurities behind. The steam will pass through the condensing coils until it cools down and returns to a liquid state.
The produced distilled water will now be stored in a container. Indeed, the distillation process can produce pure water without any chemical treatment. The water produced is free of salts and minerals. As such, you may experience a flat taste due to the removal of minerals.
The distillation process can remove up to 99.9% of dissolved minerals in the water. However, semi-volatile and volatile compounds might not be eliminated through distillation.
Whenever the boiling point of the said materials is close to that of water, it can be difficult to separate them via distillation. If contaminants remain in the water, they must be removed before the water is distilled.
If not removed, they can be carried in the steam to the condensed water and contaminate the purified water.
Applications
In biological and chemical laboratories, deionized water is preferred over distilled water. However, distilled water is still used, especially if the alternatives are not pure. If the laboratory requires high-purity water, it uses double-distilled water.
If the water is non-purified, it can cause chemical reactions in the experiment. Furthermore, it can leave mineral deposits in the water. However, distillation can remove impurities in the water and other liquids.
For example, tap water ions can reduce the lifespan of lead-acid batteries in vehicles, such as trucks and cars. These ions are not accepted in vehicle cooling systems because they can erode internal engine parts.
Moreover, it can deplete the anti-corrosion or antifreeze additives.
Various Types of Distilling Units
Today, there are various types of distillers. Round or small units distill less than one quart of water per hour, while larger units can distill one-half gallon of drinking water per hour.
Since the distillation units can only produce a small amount of water, they are typically installed near kitchen faucets. They are not installed to treat all the water sources inside the house.
Before installing a distillation system, ensure that the unit you are purchasing has been tested and certified by a third-party organization.
Meanwhile, you must note that the distillers can be filled with water manually or through a connection. Permanently installed units have a drain opening that can eradicate the contaminated water. The faucets can facilitate the draining of the countertop water units.
You can store the distilled water in storage containers. In some models, glass jars are connected to the unit. On the other hand, some units have a metal tank wherein the condensed steam can drip. Finally, you can also store the distilled water in a plastic bottle.
The containers you choose must be able to hold one to fifteen gallons of water. In general, all types of containers are suitable for storing distilled water. However, ensure it is suitable and ask the manufacturer for instructions on how to maintain it.
Some of the automatic features of the distillation unit include timers and reset switches. With this, automatic operation is possible. You can opt to have these features when you use distilled water continuously.
Maintenance
No matter how high-tech your equipment is, it will not perform at its best unless you maintain it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Keep a logbook to note your maintenance and repairs.
The boiling chamber in the distillation unit can accumulate minerals over the years. As such, it must be cleaned regularly. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the minerals accumulated and the amount of water used.
In some units, mineral buildup can be dissolved using pure water. In other cases, acid cleaners must be diluted in heated water to dissolve the buildup.
In summary, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations.
Other Things to Consider
You must ensure that the system you installed operates according to the manufacturer's instructions and retest the treated and raw water after installation. You can ask a certified laboratory to test to ensure everything works properly and removes contaminants.
Continue testing the raw and treated water quality annually to determine if any contaminants remain in the raw water. With frequent testing, you can determine the effectiveness of your system. Additionally, you can determine if replacing certain parts is necessary using this method.
Questions to Consider Before Buying a Unit
Before purchasing a water distilling unit, ensure that you have your water tested at a state-certified laboratory. With this, you can identify the contaminants present in the water. Moreover, this will help you determine if distillation is the most suitable treatment method at home.
Can You Drink Distilled Water?
Commonly, the answer to this question is yes, and you can drink distilled water. When drinking water is purified using distillation, the next batch of water will be cleaner and purer than the previous one.
The water is then safe to drink. The disadvantage of drinking this water is that a greater part of the essential minerals in the water would no longer exist.
Minerals are unstable, so they are freed when the water boils off. Distilled water may be viewed as lesser than mineral or spring water whenever these minerals are wanted (e.g., calcium, magnesium, press).
If the source water contains traces of harmful toxic organic compounds or heavy metals, you might need to drink distilled water instead of the source water.
Distilled water found at a supermarket is typically produced using tap water, making it safe to drink. Still, distilled water from other sources may not be safe.
For instance, if non-potable water from an industrial source is distilled, the distilled water may contain enough pollutants to be hazardous to human consumption.
Another way contaminated equipment can pollute distilled water is by acquiring contaminants from dish sets or tubing during the distillation process, allowing undesirable chemicals to enter the water.
This isn't the case for commercial drinking water distillation, yet it could apply to home distillation. Additionally, unwanted chemicals may be present in the container used to collect the water. Plastic monomers or glass filters are used in the production of bottled water.
Furthermore, water distillation dates back to the time of Aristotle.
It has been used to desalinate ocean water since 200 AD, as laid out by Alexander of Aphrodisias. When drinking water, it is recommended to distill the water twice (double distilled) to ensure high purity.
A few scientists are concerned that the water's lack of essential minerals and particles found in drinking water may cause medical issues.
Effects of Drinking Distilled Water on the Body
You would believe drinking water that meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements would be healthy and safe, yet it's one of your most significant health risks.
Indeed, "safe" water may contain "adequate" levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, and radioactive particles, as well as an insignificant amount of other toxic substances. To outline this point:
The industry and agriculture utilize over 75,000 chemical compounds, with thousands more added annually, including numerous unregulated ones.
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80% of these chemicals have never been tested for an extended period, despite their known toxic properties.
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It is estimated that 20 billion tons of chemicals, radioactive waste, and toxins are introduced into the water every year, and it is believed that a significant portion of these hazardous substances ultimately end up in our water supply.
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In the United States, the EPA has assessed and set measures for more than 700 chemicals in drinking water supplies.
Understanding other water sources or processes before considering the different side effects of drinking distilled water develops a wider knowledge of the subject, which is useful when comparing them.
Understanding different processes can help you select the most suitable one for you and your loved ones. Consider this when securing the health of you and your loved ones.
Distillation vs. rainwater vs. purification vs. filtration
Distillation purifies water through evaporation and condensation, just like clouds produce rainwater. But unlike rainwater, distilled water isn't beneficial at all.
Rainwater, also known as naturally soft water, is rich in natural minerals essential to the body. It is not recommended for drinking, but rather for other uses, such as watering gardens, washing cars, or other household purposes. On the other hand, distilled water is clean water that quenches your thirst and keeps you hydrated.
The process of distillation is not that hard to understand. As water evaporates and turns into a gas, usually through heating, it creates moisture and condenses into clean water. Though clean and drinkable, it isn't beneficial to the body.
As seawater evaporates during the distillation process, the naturally occurring minerals in seawater remain. This comes from the water source, as evaporation and condensation occur, producing clean water.
Unlike filtration and purification, sediments are filtered out and removed from the water. Afterward, it is purified using different methods, depending on the protocol of the public water facilities.
Distilled water helps keep you hydrated, but what happens to your body when you drink it? Due to the demineralization during evaporation, distilled water increases urine output when consumed.
Furthermore, it eliminates essential electrolytes, such as potassium, which is critical for muscle function.
Essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and fluoride are naturally present in water. These minerals can aid the body in performing daily tasks and can be preserved in drinking water through proper water purification techniques.
Benefits of Drinking Distilled Water
That being stated, people still drink distilled water for many reasons. One of the advantages of choosing distilled water is the following:
It Helps Prevent Water-Borne Diseases
Unclean water can harbor microorganisms and parasites, which can start their life cycle in your body when you consume it. The best way to prevent this is to drink distilled water.
Drinking contaminated water can also impact your immune system. Distilled water can help you avoid water-borne illnesses.
It is a Natural Purifying Method
The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, controls how water is carried and reused around the Earth. Distillation is a method for purification that is fundamentally similar to the water cycle.
This procedure heats the water first and converts it to steam, leaving undesirable minerals and chemicals behind. The steam is then converted back into a liquid form through condensation.
Contaminants are Safely Removed
Fluoride, a substance generally used as a swimming pool component, is utilized to process tap water. For the most part, municipalities use this technique to treat water before they are distributed to homes.
Thus, tap water can be harmful to your body when consumed. Distilled water, then again, contains no such chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, or radioactive contaminants.
Aids Prevention of Diseases Caused by Unclean Water
Nitrate contamination in tap water is a major cause of birth defects, such as missing limbs or cleft palates. Municipal water also typically contains Barium, which can exacerbate heart issues.
It has also been associated with hypertension. Another substance in drinking water – Copper – may trigger Alzheimer's disease. Indeed, even other nations expect water to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) standards, and some districts limit access to safe drinking water.
Distilled water is a good option when you can't drink tap water because it doesn't contain contaminants that can cause illnesses.
You Obtain Most of the Required Minerals from Food
It is right that the consistent share of minerals that your body needs originates from the food you eat. Although distilled water does not contain extra minerals that other common drinking waters do, it can be supplemented by various sources.
In this regard, you can avoid the harmful effects of contaminants in various types of water while maintaining a balanced diet and promoting good health.
Other Uses of Distilled Water
Industrial/Commercial
First, distilled water is commonly used in medical tools and procedures. Healthcare institutions are particularly concerned about the cleanliness of the water used for washing tools and performing various operations.
This is to prevent contamination and infections that may further harm the patient. For example, kidney dialysis machines use distilled water to filter waste from the blood.
In connection with the first one, distilled water is also used in performing various lab tests. Because water quality can affect the accuracy of a lab experiment, professionals use ultra-pure water to guarantee the results.
The next thing would be the creation and production of cosmetic procedures. Rest assured that the one used in your moisturizer, deodorant, shampoo, or lotion is, more often than not, distilled water.
Lastly, the manufacturing of automobiles also uses distilled water. Due to the lack of minerals in distilled water, it won't have the capacity to corrode metal engine parts or interfere with batteries.
Household
Distilled water is commonly used and mixed with infant formula at home to avoid the risks of infection and disease.
Another one is the Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Distilled water is poured into the water chamber of the CPAP humidifier, which is primarily used for treating sleep apnea.
The manufacturers of CPAP machines recommend using distilled water to prolong the life of the humidifier, saving you money in the long run.
In another example, distilled water is used with a neti pot to clear sinuses or lessen their symptoms. Likewise, distilled water is used in your clothes iron to eliminate scale buildup.
Dangers of Drinking Distilled Water
Despite some claims that distilled water is healthy, drinking it has a few disadvantages. Here are a few things to consider before switching to distilled water.
It May Not Protect Your Teeth from Decay Despite Claims
Dentists have discovered that most children who drink bottled water are prone to tooth cavities. This is because distilled water does not contain fluoride, which is responsible for strengthening teeth.
However, other studies have shown that non-fluoridated water is not the primary cause of tooth decay, as consuming sugary foods is a more significant factor.
Still, fluoride in water can be a great factor in protecting the teeth. This is why most water supplies in the US fluoridate their water.
It Has Very Little Taste
Because distilled water has no vitamins or minerals, it has almost no taste. This can be due to the taste of its container, usually a plastic bottle. Minerals in ordinary drinking water typically help preserve the water's fresh taste.
Some distilled water sellers have begun presenting their products in glass containers for this reason.
Mineral Reduction of the Body
Our bodies store natural nutrients that ensure a strong and healthy body. However, drinking distilled water can deprive the body of those essential nutrients.
The common reason is that the water lacks any source of nutrients or minerals. In particular, distilled water electrolytes, such as potassium and other essential minerals, are crucial for your body's daily functions.
As a result, your body might be deprived of these micronutrients, leading to health complications such as fainting, migraines, and nutrient deficiency.
Various studies have proven that drinking water low in these nutrients may result in tiredness, muscle cramps, weakness, and even heart disease.
Furthermore, distilled water may not be the best hydrating option for you and your body. It does not aid in breaking down food or the digestion process.
It May Increase Body Acidity
Since distilled water contains no minerals, it readily assimilates various components.
Therefore, when it interacts with the air, it absorbs carbon monoxide. This raises the water's acidity, the opposite of drinking distilled water.
Acidic water isn't hazardous, yet Dr. Rona and others claim that water should be alkaline and that acidic water poses numerous health risks, including cancer and osteoporosis.
Electrolyte Deficiencies
Distilled water removes all minerals and nutrients through the distillation process. Therefore, your body is forced to give mineral and nutrient-free water electrolytes.
This will gradually decrease your electrolyte level, eventually leading to an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are essential for the body because they help eliminate waste and maintain proper bodily function.
To sum up, consistently drinking distilled water poses a risk to your health. It contains insufficient minerals and nutrients to protect your body against diseases.
Second, it can lead to certain health problems, such as bone deformities, digestive tract disorders, and even blood-related sickness.
This is due to the chemicals it contains, which are stored in plastic bottles for an extended period. Studies have shown that Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that is proven to be linked with cancer, neurological diseases, and some women-related conditions such as early puberty, infertility, premature labor, etc.
Lastly, when exposed to air, it attracts and traps carbon dioxide, significantly affecting the body's acidity.
Changing the pH Balance of Blood and Tissues
The distilled water's pH level is 7.0, and the blood's pH must remain between 7.35 and 7.45. If the level drops lower than that, acidosis may occur —an excessive acid condition in the blood or tissues.
Significant changes in pH, electrolyte, and mineral balance may lead to nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, fluid retention, muscle cramps, impaired heart rate, headaches, and other severe health conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) discovered that water demineralized through the same methods has the same health effects as distilled water (unless it is remineralized). These methods include desalination, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and deionization.
The Difference in the Water You Drink
Distillation is a simple and cost-effective method for obtaining clean water. However, distilled water is not beneficial to the body because it lacks the necessary electrolytes.
Since filtration is the only way to conserve these essential minerals in the water, it is the best option to use as a source of drinking water. Everyone knows that water is a necessity.
Thus, different types of water are treated differently from those produced and supplied in bottles. Drinking water distributed by pharmacies and stores is made to be alkaline, distilled, rich in minerals, and even tastes like spring water.
Aside from being inexpensive, the primary benefit of distilled water is that it doesn't use any additives during the purification process. Since some public water facilities use chemicals to purify water, others use ionization and oxidation to remove microscopic substances from the water.
With today's advancing technology, many portable water filters are available. These filters help purify drinking water in the comfort of your home.
However, some water filters purify water and remove essential elements, while others help conserve essential minerals in drinking water.
Things to Consider Before Drinking Distilled Water
When choosing drinking water, you may want to consider the following factors:
- taste preference
- cost point
- the quality of the local tap water
- quality of vitamins and minerals in the diet
- availability of other drinking water
Taking Advantage of Water
Now that you are aware of the benefits found in water, wouldn't you want to take advantage of that? All this time, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and fluoride have been just lurking there, waiting to be consumed.
How does distilled water provide these beneficial elements? How can water be filtered without using chemicals or other tricky methods?
There are many water filters available in stores. You should purchase the one that provides the quality drinking water you've sought.
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