Water is the foundation of all life on our planet. It's hard to imagine that it could be harmful to health in any way. Yet, so many rumors surround distilled water that it's worth taking a closer look. We explain the difference between so-called "distilled water" from hardware stores and genuine steam-distilled water, as it occurs naturally... and answer questions about its everyday use.
Drinking distilled water – dangerous or healthy?
What exactly is distilled water?
First of all, you should be aware of the difference between steam-distilled water and the so-called "distilled water" from the hardware store. Steam-distilled water is created when pure H2O in its liquid form is evaporated or vaporized, and the water vapor is then condensed. This process is called distillation and is an important chemical method for separating and purifying volatile substances.
Because heavy metals such as lead, copper, and zinc have a higher boiling point than water, they do not enter the steam and remain in the heated kettle or pot. The result of such steam distillation is sterile and contains no minerals.
Such water has always been a basic building block of human nutrition, as rainwater is ultimately nothing more than steam/vapor distilled water. Whether collected as meltwater or rainwater in cisterns or formed in dewdrops, it is the primary source of liquid for all living things.
However, you can't usually buy this kind of water! The "distilled water" from hardware stores is produced differently and is not suitable for human consumption - as the packaging states. It is usually water that has been almost completely desalinated/demineralized using various technical processes, i.e. freed of all dissolved substances. Since this form of distilled water is produced for use in batteries, irons, refrigerators, etc., hygienic quality is not a criterion. It may also contain traces of neutral chemical residues from the processes. It is unfortunate that this liquid can be called "distilled water" because - with regard to drinking - it has nothing to do with steam-distilled water.
Is drinking distilled water safe?
You don't have to worry about your cells bursting if you drink distilled water. These and other misconceptions take scientific findings out of context and exaggerate them. It is true that distilled water can deplete your body of electrolytes in very small amounts. However, before this process becomes harmful to your health, you would have to drink many times the recommended amount of water. Furthermore, you are constantly absorbing nutrients through food, and your stomach is rarely completely empty. Therefore, the distillate usually mixes immediately with stomach contents and, in its extremely pure form, does not come into direct contact with "cells."
Does distilled water taste good?
So now you know that drinking steam distilled water is safe, but what about the taste?
If you're used to high-quality drinking water from glass bottles or good drinking water from your tap, you'll probably notice immediately that distilled water has less of a taste of its own. This is no surprise, since the taste of water is largely determined by its constituents, such as minerals, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc. – all of which are removed during steam distillation.
Distilled water in comparison
We're so used to drinking water every day that we rarely think about its exact properties. When we're confronted with terms like "reverse osmosis water," "filtered water," or "distilled water," it raises questions. So what exactly is the difference between the different types of water?
Tap water: Probably the most widely available type of water, it comes directly from your home faucet. It is treated in waterworks, and its chemical and biological composition is subject to legally prescribed requirements. The quality of your drinking water is ensured by the Drinking Water Ordinance, which was derived from the Federal Infectious Diseases Act in 1975. However, the water may be very hard, and because hard water is less corrosive to metals—and thus protects the mains—utilities have little reason to reduce the hardness.
What many people don't realize is that while water suppliers are responsible for the quality of your water, this responsibility ends where your house connection begins. From then on, the homeowner—either you or your landlord—is responsible for the quality of your drinking water. It's therefore entirely possible that your drinking water may absorb contaminants as it travels through your home's pipes. Common causes include old water pipes (e.g., lead) or new copper pipes.
Filtered water: You can also easily obtain filtered water from your own tap. However, you must first install a suitable filter device on your tap or directly at your house connection. The most popular filter systems include reverse osmosis filters and activated carbon filters.
Both devices use different filtration processes, but they pursue a similar goal: to remove any residual contaminants such as chemicals, pesticides, or metals from your water. A high-quality filtration system can also eliminate any unpleasant odor or taste in your water.
Reverse osmosis filters also remove most dissolved substances (salts/minerals). The result is low-mineralization drinking water of the highest purity.
In addition to these two processes, there are several more. Some focus on hygienic quality, i.e., the removal of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.), while others only eliminate obvious impurities such as taste, odor, and chlorine.
Distilled water: What's the difference between steam-distilled water and ultrapure filtered water, such as from reverse osmosis? Essentially, nothing—it's just the process that's different. There are even many devices worldwide that allow you to steam distill your water for purification. In Germany, such devices are restricted by tax law due to the possibility of also distilling alcohol, making them more difficult to obtain for private individuals.
Demineralized, fully demineralized, or deionized water: This is water from which most of the mineral and salt ions (such as calcium, sodium, and magnesium) have been removed through the deionization process. This water is available at hardware stores as demineralized or distilled water and is not safe to drink. It differs from steam-distilled water in several respects: This type of chemically and technically produced water can contain neutral organic contaminants, especially bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Demineralized water is used for machinery and equipment to prevent solid residues such as limescale from leaving behind. It is NOT suitable for drinking – please follow the instructions on the packaging.
Softened water: With large ion exchangers installed at your home's inlet, you can soften hard tap water, making it more pleasant for your household appliances, fixtures, and your skin/hair. Hard water leaves limescale and boiler scale and increases soap and energy consumption. Water softeners exchange the hardness-causing calcium and magnesium for sodium ions. The result is soft water, albeit with a higher sodium content—which is especially important for people with high blood pressure. It is neither better nor worse for drinking by healthy people than untreated tap water.
You can use steam distilled water for this
There are many ways to use steam distilled water in the home and elsewhere. We'll introduce you to some applications where real distilled water demonstrates its benefits.
Distilled water for your plants
Of course, you can also use distilled water to water your flowers. Your plants will benefit from fewer pollutants. Some plants, such as orchids, even prefer particularly pure water. Unlike us humans, however, most potted plants get a large portion of their nutrients from water. Therefore, mix the distillate with some liquid fertilizer a few hours before watering.
Distilled water for your pets
Cats, dogs, and other pets, like humans, absorb electrolytes primarily through their food. Many outdoor cats even naturally consume distilled water by licking rainwater from plant leaves. Let your pet decide for itself by offering both types of water!
However, DO NOT give animals demineralized water from the hardware store!
Is distilled water suitable for coffee and tea?
When it comes to coffee , both too many and too few minerals in the water have a negative impact on the development of flavors. Since distilled water contains no minerals at all, the water doesn't absorb the flavors well, and nuances in the aroma are lost. Therefore, true baristas ensure a certain—but not excessive—mineralization level in their coffee.
When it comes to tea , however, ultrapure water consistently has a positive effect on flavor, color, and purity. Tea lovers should therefore explore alternatives. If steam-distilled water is unavailable, a reverse osmosis filter might be just the thing.
Where can I buy distilled water?
You can find the product labeled "distilled water" at any (mail-order) pharmacy or drugstore you trust. Please note, however, that this water is not intended for human consumption. Due to technical residues from the desalination process, you should not drink it. If you look for it, you will also find genuine steam-distilled water in specialized online stores, but we certainly don't recommend having drinking water sent to you through the mail...
Frequently Asked Questions
Does distilled water protect me from bacteria?
Yes and no. Boiling alone kills known pathogens and is therefore recommended for immunosuppressed individuals and babies. On the other hand, new germs can also emerge in the cooling water, and some of these, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can also multiply in distilled water. True sterility is practically impossible in the home environment.
Is rainwater distilled water?
Rainwater, meltwater, and dew can also be considered distilled water. It is of high purity and has always served as one of the primary sources of drinking water for a large portion of the population. Some commercially available table waters are bottled from glacial springs and contain even fewer minerals than reverse osmosis (Lauretana 13 µS, Plose 27 µS).
How long does distilled water last?
In theory, distilled water has an unlimited shelf life. Only when it becomes contaminated in any way does this negatively impact its shelf life. Unfortunately, in practice, distilled water often reacts with substances it comes into contact with. For example, it dissolves silicates from glass bottles and becomes contaminated over time. Therefore, always store water in tightly sealed containers specifically designed for distilled water.
Conclusion: Can I drink distilled water?
In principle, drinking steam-distilled water is safe. It is very clean water and has good detoxifying and dissolving properties. Only theoretically, and if consumed in large quantities, can electrolyte leaching occur. However, steam-distilled water is difficult to obtain commercially – the majority of products labeled "distilled water" are a technical fluid for steam irons and batteries – and are not suitable for drinking.
If you want to drink distilled water to reduce your intake of harmful substances, we recommend switching to filtered water. Reverse osmosis, in particular, produces water that is very close to steam distillate in purity.
