Evaporated water, which refers to water that has undergone distillation, is a highly purified form of water. It is free from virtually all contaminants, making it safe for consumption. However, this extreme purity removes not only harmful substances but also beneficial minerals. This presents a challenge for long-term, exclusive use as a primary drinking source, meaning it is not generally recommended as the sole source of hydration indefinitely.
Understanding the Distillation Process
Distillation is a purification technique that mimics the natural hydrologic cycle of evaporation and condensation to separate water from impurities. The process begins by heating the source water to its boiling point, converting the liquid into steam. This phase change physically separates the water molecules from most other substances present in the original liquid.
As the pure steam rises, nearly all dissolved solids, mineral salts, and non-volatile contaminants are left behind in the boiling chamber because their boiling points are significantly higher than that of water. The steam is then channeled into a separate cooling area where it condenses back into its liquid state. This collected liquid is the resulting evaporated or distilled water, which is almost entirely free of dissolved matter.
What Contaminants Are Removed
The physical separation achieved by distillation makes it highly effective at removing a broad range of impurities. Inorganic contaminants, such as heavy metals like lead and mercury, are reliably left behind, along with mineral salts, nitrates, and fluoride. Furthermore, the high heat involved in the boiling stage effectively eliminates biological contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts, resulting in a sterile product.
Distillation can remove up to 99.5% of total dissolved solids, representing significant purification. However, a limitation exists regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals with boiling points at or below that of water. Certain pesticides or solvents like benzene can vaporize along with the water and may re-contaminate the collected liquid if the distiller does not include a venting mechanism or a subsequent carbon filtration stage.
Long-Term Health Considerations
The purity of evaporated water, while beneficial for removing toxins, also means a near-total absence of naturally occurring minerals, which is the primary concern for long-term consumption. The distillation process removes essential electrolytes like calcium and magnesium, which the body relies on for numerous physiological functions. Consuming water without these minerals means the body must obtain 100% of its mineral intake from food and other beverages.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has studied the health risks associated with drinking demineralized water. One concern is that demineralized water may have a flat taste that is unappealing, potentially leading to reduced hydration. Furthermore, the lack of minerals may affect metabolic function and could increase urine output, leading to a loss of electrolytes from the body’s existing reserves.
While the body is efficient at regulating its mineral balance, relying exclusively on demineralized water over many years without a mineral-rich diet could contribute to a negative balance of calcium and magnesium. The risk is low for individuals who maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other mineral sources. However, the WHO suggests that the long-term, exclusive use of demineralized water is not ideal unless it is remineralized to ensure a complete nutritional profile.
Appropriate Uses for Evaporated Water
The absence of dissolved solids makes evaporated water the preferred choice for many non-consumption applications where mineral buildup is undesirable. Medical devices like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines require distilled water for their humidifiers to prevent mineral scale accumulation, which can damage the equipment. Similarly, steam irons and humidifiers benefit from its purity, as the lack of minerals prevents white scale from forming on heating elements and misting nozzles.
In laboratory settings and manufacturing, distilled water is required for preparing solutions, sterilizing equipment, and conducting sensitive tests where trace contaminants could interfere with results. Automotive uses, such as topping up lead-acid batteries and cooling systems, also favor distilled water because mineral deposits would otherwise cause corrosion or scale that shortens component lifespan. The use of this water in these specific contexts leverages its purity for operational efficiency and equipment longevity.