Can You Drink Distilled Water?

Distilled water is a type of purified water. Water is boiled to filter out minerals and contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. The vapor is then condensed back into liquid. Distilled water is safe to drink daily, but it lacks the minerals present in water. It also has a flatter, more bland taste.

Because of its pure composition, distilled water can be used for certain household or medical uses that require germ-free water.

Distilled water does not offer any added health benefits, but it is not harmful to consume. You can drink it on a daily basis, as you would drink other types of water.

What Is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is a type of purified water that has been boiled into a vapor and then condensed back into a liquid. It has a flatter and more bland taste than tap water because it is free of the minerals and microbes that tap water contains.

Distilled Water vs. Filtered Water

Which type of water is the purest? Here is a chart comparing different types of water.

There are many different types of water filters on the market, which vary in terms of the types of chemicals they filter out.

Is Distilled Water Safe To Drink?

Distilled water is safe to drink every day and can be consumed over the long term. There are no negative side effects associated with it. However, it lacks the essential minerals found in tap water, such as calcium, copper, sodium, and magnesium.

It's important to drink distilled water as part of a balanced diet that contains mineral-rich whole foods like fruits and vegetables.

Is Distilled Water Better For You?

Water is essential for nearly every process in your body. Hydration offers many benefits, including help with digestion, joint lubrication, regulation of body temperature, regulation of mood, and many other important physical and mental functions.

Like other water, distilled water does not contain any calories or sugar. It's a healthy substitute for drinks higher in calories and sugar, such as sodas and fruit drinks.

Distilling water is also highly effective in removing the following contaminants:

• Bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella and Shigella
• Viruses like hepatitis A (a virus that affects the liver) and norovirus (the most common cause of stomach viruses)
• Chemical contaminants like arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, nitrate, and sulfate
• Protozoa, including microscopic parasites like Cryptosporidium (Crypto) and Giardia that cause diarrhea

Risks of Drinking Distilled Water

There are no side effects or risks associated with drinking bottled distilled water. In rare cases, illnesses can be traced back to the bottled water manufacturer or distributor. However, manufacturers and distributors are required to maintain certain standards, including properly treating water before bottling and during shipping and storage.

If you do become sick from drinking bottled distilled water, contact your local public health department.

Uses of Distilled Water

You can also use distilled water for a variety of household and health purposes, including:

• Portable humidifiers
• Neti pots and nasal rinses
• Irons and steam-powered hair tools
  
• Water heaters
  
• Fish aquariums
• Watering plants
• Cleaning showerheads
• Some types of respiratory devices, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine (a device that delivers a flow of pressurized air into your nose or mouth to keep your airway open while you sleep)
  

Tips for Drinking Distilled Water

You can pour distilled water into a glass or water bottle and drink it as you would any other type of water. Distilled water is readily available at many grocery stores and drug stores across the United States.

Daily water recommendations vary based on factors like age, physical activity level, weather, and health status. General guidelines are 91-125 fluid ounces (oz) per day from foods and liquids. Food provides about 20% of your water needs. You can find a calculator on the U.S. Department of Agriculture website to help you estimate more personal recommendations.

Always store bottled water in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can leach contaminants like heavy metals into the water. Once opened, close the lid tightly to prevent possible contamination.

You can purchase a home water distiller if you want to make distilled water yourself. These home distillers come with supplies and instructions to help you make distilled water in a safe and sanitary manner.

A Quick Review

Distilled water is safe to drink daily, just as you would drink other tap and bottled water. It's purified water, free of minerals and potentially harmful contaminants.

Distilled water lacks the essential minerals in tap water, including calcium, copper, magnesium, and sodium. Therefore, it's important to consume it as part of a balanced diet containing mineral-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.

Distilled water can be used for a variety of household and health uses. You can purchase it at most grocery stores or make it at home. Store distilled water in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.