Water purification processes aim to remove undesirable substances, providing cleaner and safer water for various uses. While both distilled and filtered water achieve this, they employ distinct methods and yield water with different properties. Understanding these differences is helpful for selecting the appropriate water type for specific needs.
Distilled Water Explained
Distilled water is produced by heating water to its boiling point, transforming it into steam. This process leaves behind most impurities, minerals, and contaminants that do not vaporize. The steam is then collected and cooled, condensing back into liquid water. This method effectively removes almost all dissolved solids, inorganic compounds, and non-volatile molecules, including minerals, salts, bacteria, and viruses. The resulting distilled water is nearly pure H2O.
Filtered Water Explained
Filtered water is produced by passing it through physical or chemical barriers that trap or remove impurities. Different filtration methods target specific contaminants like sediment, chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and some microorganisms. Common technologies include activated carbon filters, which absorb chemicals and improve taste, and mechanical filters that block particles. Advanced systems, such as reverse osmosis, use a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved inorganic solids and heavy metals. Unlike distillation, many filtration processes retain natural minerals, and the specific contaminants removed depend on the filter type.
Comparing Distilled and Filtered Water
The primary distinction between distilled and filtered water is their purity and mineral content. Distillation yields nearly pure H2O, devoid of minerals. Filtered water, while cleaner than tap water, often retains natural minerals depending on the filter type.
Distilled water has a flat taste due to the absence of minerals and dissolved gases. Filtered water, retaining these minerals, generally has a more familiar and refreshing taste.
Production methods also differ: distillation involves a phase change (liquid to gas and back), while filtration uses physical or chemical barriers. Distillation effectively removes a broad spectrum of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals. Filtered water’s effectiveness varies by filter type, but common systems reduce chlorine, sediment, and organic compounds. Distilled water is generally more expensive and energy-intensive to produce than filtered water.
Selecting the Right Water
The choice between distilled and filtered water depends on its intended use. Distilled water is recommended where mineral absence is necessary, such as in medical devices like CPAP machines, laboratory experiments, car batteries, and household appliances like irons and humidifiers to prevent mineral buildup. It is not recommended for regular drinking due to its lack of beneficial minerals.
Filtered water is suitable for everyday consumption, cooking, and general household use. It removes undesirable contaminants like chlorine and sediment, improving taste and odor. By retaining natural minerals, filtered water offers a more palatable drinking experience and can contribute to mineral intake. For daily hydration and culinary purposes, filtered water is often the preferred choice.