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Water is essential for every living being on earth, and therefore, its purity is crucial. When it comes to choosing the best water for consumption, people often get confused between purified water and distilled water. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between purified and distilled water.
What is Purified Water?
Purified water is the water that has undergone multiple filtration processes to remove impurities and contaminants. The purification process removes chemicals, minerals, and other contaminants from the water, making it safe for drinking. There are various methods for water purification, such as:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO)
- Distillation
- Deionization
- Carbon filtration
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is one of the most common methods used for the purification of water. It involves pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities and contaminants. Reverse osmosis is capable of removing up to 99% of the total dissolved solids (TDS) present in the water, including bacteria, viruses, and other harmful contaminants.
Distillation
Distillation is another method for water purification that involves boiling the water and then condensing the steam to get pure water. This process gets rid of all the minerals, bacteria, and other impurities in the water. Distilled water has a neutral pH level and no taste or odor.
Deionization
Deionization involves removing all the charged particles in the water, such as minerals and salts. In this process, the water is passed through ion exchange resins that attract and bind the charged particles, leaving pure water behind.
What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water, as mentioned earlier, is the purest form of water that’s created by boiling water and then condensing the steam. The steam is then collected in a container, which is cooled to form distilled water. Distillation is considered to be the most effective method of water purification, and the resulting water is 99.9% pure.
Purified vs. Distilled Water: Which One is Better?
Both purified and distilled water are safe for drinking and are free from impurities and contaminants. The choice between these two types of water depends on individual preferences and requirements. Here are some differences between purified and distilled water:
| Purified Water | Distilled Water |
|---|---|
| Purification process is less expensive. | Distillation is a costly process. |
| It still contains some minerals and chemicals. | It’s completely free from minerals and chemicals. |
| It tastes better than distilled water. | It has no taste or odor due to the absence of minerals. |
| The water’s pH level may not be neutral. | Distilled water has a neutral pH level. |
| It’s available in both natural and artificial forms. | It’s only available in artificial form through the distillation process. |
Purified Water
Purified water is a good option for people who want to stay hydrated without experiencing any taste or odor from the water. It’s also a good option for people who want to avoid the aftertaste of minerals in their water. Purified water is available in both natural and artificial forms, making it a convenient option for everyone. However, keep in mind that the purification process may not remove all the minerals, and the pH level may not be neutral.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is a great option for people who want the purest form of water without any impurities or contaminants. It’s also a good option for people who have medical conditions that require them to avoid minerals or chemicals in their water. However, distilled water can be expensive, and the taste may not be as good as purified water. It’s also important to note that distilled water only comes in artificial form, which may not be convenient for everyone.
How to Choose Between Purified and Distilled Water
Choosing between purified and distilled water depends on several factors, such as your preferences, budget, and health conditions. Here are some things to consider:
- If you have a medical condition that requires you to avoid certain minerals or chemicals, distilled water may be the best option for you.
- If you prefer a better taste and don’t mind some minerals in your water, purified water may be a better option.
- If you’re on a tight budget, purified water may be a more affordable option compared to distilled water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about the difference between purified water and distilled water:
- Is purified water the same as distilled water?
- Can you drink distilled water?
- Is distilled water good for your health?
- Is purified water better than filtered water?
- Can you make purified water at home?
No, purified water is not the same as distilled water. Purified water undergoes a filtration process that removes impurities and contaminants, while distilled water is created through the distillation process and is completely free from all impurities and contaminants.
Yes, you can drink distilled water. It’s safe for consumption, and it’s the purest form of water available.
Distilled water is safe for consumption, but consuming only distilled water for prolonged periods may lead to a mineral deficiency in your body. Therefore, it’s recommended to drink a variety of water sources.
Purified water is cleaner than filtered water because it undergoes a more rigorous filtration process to remove impurities and contaminants. However, both purified and filtered water are safe for drinking and have their own benefits.
Yes, you can make purified water at home using a home water filtration system or by boiling and then cooling the water.
Conclusion
Both purified water and distilled water are safe for drinking and are free from impurities and contaminants. The choice between these two types of water depends on individual preferences and requirements. If you’re not sure which one to choose, consult with your healthcare provider, who can help you make an informed decision.
References
1. Water Purification. (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2021, from https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/water-purification.
2. Distilled Water vs. Purified Water: What’s the Difference? (n.d.). Retrieved July 29, 2021, from https://worldwaterreserve.com/water-basics/distilled-water-vs-purified-water/.
3. Zhang, H., & Kilgour, D. P. (2001). The effect of different water treatments on organic and inorganic impurities in tap water. Water research, 35(9), 2267-2273.