Distilled Water vs Tap Water: Which is the Healthier Choice?

Water, water, everywhere, but which is the best to drink? Is it the humble tap or the refined and pure distilled water? Let’s dive in and explore the pros and cons of both! In this blog post, I will discuss the differences between distilled water vs tap water, examining which is the healthier choice for drinking.

Distilled Water vs Tap Water: Pros and Cons

Healthy hydration is essential to life, so it’s important to understand the differences between various types of drinking water available.

Here’s an overview of distilled water vs tap water and their pros and cons:

The choice is personal, however, it is not recommended to drink distilled water for extended periods due to its lack of essential minerals.

Just remember the benefits of recycling and make sure to recycle any plastic bottle you may end up with if you decide to purchase bottled distilled water. Take care of the environment and bear in mind the 6 Rs of sustainability for a more sustainable lifestyle!

What is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is water that has been boiled and then condensed back into a liquid form. This process removes impurities and contaminants, leaving behind pure H2O.

This purity can be beneficial for certain populations, such as those with weakened immune systems who may be more susceptible to waterborne illnesses. However, because distilled water lacks essential minerals found in tap water, it may not be the best option for everyone.

Finally, note that distilled and purified water are different things, as well as purified water is not like spring water.

How to make distilled water at home?

The easiest way to make distilled water at home is by using a water distiller. I can suggest you the water distiller below as being the best value for money available right now:

Making distilled water at home DIY is very easy, just follow those simple steps:

1. Take a large pot and make it half full of tap water
2. Take a smaller ceramic bowl and make it float on the water inside the large pot
3. Place the lid of the large pot and place it upside down on the large pot with the handle going inside the smaller bowl
4. Switch on the fire and boil the water
5. The vapor will start to condensate on the lid and it will slowly slide down the handle inside the ceramic bowl
6. When finished, you will have distilled water inside the bowl
7. Collect and store the distilled water you just made at home!

Chemical Composition of Distilled Water

The purpose behind distilling water is to remove any dissolved salts, bacteria, minerals and other organic materials which can affect the quality of the liquid. When condensed back into liquid form after boiling, all these impurities are removed making the liquid purely H20 with no other components present.

What is Tap Water?

Tap water is sourced from municipal supplies or wells and goes through a treatment process to remove contaminants.

While tap water may contain impurities such as chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals, it also contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium that are important for our health.

Tap water is an on-grid supply, as opposed to off-grid water systems.

How to improve the taste of tap water?

If you’re not a fan of the taste of tap water, don’t worry, there are several ways to improve it. Try adding a slice of lemon or cucumber for a refreshing twist, or invest in a water filter to remove impurities and chemicals. A water filter is an eco-friendly and cost-effective option that not only improves the taste of tap water, but also helps reduce plastic waste from bottled water. Give it a try and taste the difference!

Chemical Composition Of Tap Water

The chemical composition of tap water will depend on the source from which it comes from. Generally speaking, municipal supplies like tap water come from either treated reservoirs or natural streams and rivers.

While regulations are usually in place to reduce exposure to contaminants like lead or mercury, it’s important to keep in mind that levels of pesticides or other chemicals may vary depending on country regulations.

Additionally, pH levels can also differ between different sources. In very rare cases, drinking tap water that has an extremely low pH level could lead to digestion issues if consumed regularly over a long period time.

Health Considerations

While both distilled water and tap water are generally safe to drink, there are potential health considerations to keep in mind.

For example, distilled water lacks essential minerals that are important for our health, such as calcium and magnesium. On the other hand, tap water may contain contaminants like lead or bacteria, which can pose health risks.

It’s important to consider your individual circumstances and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Which is the Healthier Choice?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to drink distilled water or tap water comes down to personal preference and individual circumstances. If you have weakened immune systems, you may benefit from the purity of distilled water.

However, if you are concerned about mineral deficiencies, tap water may be a better option. It’s also important to consider the environmental impact of bottled water, which is often used as a substitute for tap water. In general, tap water is readily available, inexpensive, and contains essential minerals.

FAQ

What are the advantages of using distilled instead of tap water?

Distilled water is preferred to tap water due to its lack of impurities. Tap water contains dissolved ions and trace minerals that can create unwanted side reactions when conducting chemical tests. Distilled water also lacks the taste-enhancing minerals found in tap water, leaving it with a flat flavor. For these reasons, distilled water is usually the preferred option for laboratory purposes.

Is it safe to consume distilled water?

Yes, it is generally safe to drink distilled water. While it may not contain the minerals that give tap water its familiar taste, it is free from impurities, making it an ideal choice for many purposes. Distilled water can be used for drinking and cooking, or even in aquariums for fish and other aquatic animals. In any case, it is always advisable to consult a doctor to make sure that a particular brand of distilled water is suitable for consumption.

Conclusion

When it comes to distilled water vs tap water, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people may prefer distilled water for its higher purity, while others may appreciate the convenience of having a fresh supply of tap water. Ultimately, the choice between these two types of water comes down to personal preferences and needs. For those looking for a purer drinking option, distilled water could be the healthier choice.

Regardless of which type of water is chosen, it’s important to remain mindful of how our daily consumption impacts the environment. By switching to distilled or tap water over other bottled options, we can help reduce plastic pollution and support healthier ecosystems in the long run. Regardless of your preference for distilled water versus tap water, both offer unique benefits that can benefit our bodies and environmental sustainability (if you avoid using bottled water).

You may also be interested in reading:

• Distilled Vs Spring Water (What’s The Difference & Which Is Better)
• Is Spring Water Good For You? (Spring, Mineral, Purified, Distilled & Tap COMPARED)
• 14 EXCITING Green Technology Examples (And How They Work)