Can you drink distilled water? Answer may surprise you
Is distilled water safe to drink? (Photo: Magnific)
Distilled water contains no minerals, which has led to plenty of myths about it. Some people believe it's the purest and healthiest type of water, while others think it's harmful to your health. Can you drink it regularly? Here's what you need to know, according to Health.
What is distilled water?
Distilled water is water that has been purified through the process of distillation. During this process, water is boiled into steam and then condensed back into liquid. Most dissolved substances remain behind in the original container.
Key characteristics of distilled water:
- Contains almost no minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, or sodium)
- Virtually free of salts, impurities, and most microorganisms
- Has very low electrical conductivity compared to regular water
It is commonly used in household appliances and medical settings, including humidifiers and steam irons, because it contains no microbes and does not cause limescale buildup.
Is it safe to drink?
Yes, distilled water is safe to drink, but there are some important considerations.
Occasional or short-term consumption is not harmful for a healthy person.
However, relying on distilled water as your only source of hydration over a long period is not recommended. It contains almost no minerals, although most of the calcium, magnesium, sodium, and other essential nutrients people need come from food rather than water.
It's also worth noting that distilled water is purer than tap or filtered water. Here's how they compare:
- Tap water: Filtered to remove sediment and treated with chemicals to make it safe to drink
- Filtered water: Processed to remove certain chemicals and improve taste
- Purified water: Treated through distillation or reverse osmosis to remove nearly all chemicals and microorganisms
Common uses
Distilled water is used whenever mineral-free water is needed. Common applications include:
- Steam irons – helps prevent limescale buildup
- Humidifiers – reduces the white mineral dust often produced by hard water
- Laboratories and medical facilities – for preparing solutions and cleaning equipment
- Household appliances – some coffee makers, steam cleaners, and other devices, if recommended by the manufacturer
If you buy distilled water from a store, always check the label before using it. If it says "not for drinking" or "for technical use only," it should only be used for its intended purpose.
Food-grade distilled water, on the other hand, is safe to drink. Even so, regular drinking water remains the better choice for everyday hydration.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
