Distilled water and purified water are two types of water that are often used interchangeably. However, there are significant differences between the two that are important to understand.
Distilled water is a type of purified water that has gone through a rigorous filtration process to remove all contaminants, including minerals and impurities. The distillation process involves boiling water and then collecting the steam that is produced, which is then condensed back into water. This process removes all minerals, bacteria, and other contaminants from the water, leaving it essentially pure.
Purified water, on the other hand, is any type of water that has been treated or filtered to remove impurities. This can include reverse osmosis, deionization, or other filtration methods. While purified water may not be as pure as distilled water, it is still free from most contaminants and is safe to drink. The main difference between the two is the level of purity, with distilled water being the purest form of water available.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is a type of purified water that has gone through the process of distillation to remove impurities. This process involves boiling water and collecting the steam, which is then condensed back into a liquid form. The impurities are left behind in the boiling chamber, resulting in water that is free of minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants.
Definition
Distilled water is defined as water that has been purified through the process of distillation. This process involves boiling water and collecting the steam, which is then condensed back into a liquid form. The impurities are left behind in the boiling chamber, resulting in water that is free of minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants.
Production Process
The production process for distilled water involves several steps:
- Boiling water to create steam
- Collecting the steam and condensing it back into a liquid form
- Filtering the liquid to remove any remaining impurities
The result is water that is free of minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
Uses
Distilled water is commonly used in medical and laboratory settings due to its purity. It is also used in automotive cooling systems and steam irons, as well as in some household appliances such as humidifiers and air conditioners. However, it is important to note that distilled water should not be used for drinking on a regular basis, as it lacks essential minerals that are important for human health.
Purified Water
Definition
Purified water is a type of water that has undergone a filtration process to remove impurities and contaminants. According to Healthline, purified water can come from any source, including tap water, and is treated to remove chemicals, bacteria, and other harmful substances. The process of purification removes impurities such as minerals, salts, and other organic compounds.
Production Process
The production process of purified water involves several stages. The first stage is pre-treatment, which involves removing large particles and debris from the water. The second stage is filtration, which removes smaller particles such as bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
The third stage is reverse osmosis, which removes dissolved salts and minerals from the water. The final stage is ultraviolet (UV) treatment, which kills any remaining bacteria and viruses in the water.
Types of Purification Methods
There are several methods used to purify water. According to Water Defense, the most common methods include:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO)
- Distillation
- Deionization
- Carbon Filtration
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the source of the water and the intended use.
Uses
Purified water is commonly used for drinking, cooking, and other household purposes. According to Treehugger, purified water is also used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and cosmetics. It is used in these industries because it is free of impurities and contaminants that could affect the quality of the products being made.
Differences Between Distilled and Purified Water
| Aspect | Distilled Water | Purified Water |
| Production Method | Distillation: water vapor is evaporated and condensed to remove impurities. | Various methods, such as reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, UV sterilization, etc. |
| Purity | High purity, typically free from most impurities, including minerals and contaminants. | High purity, but may contain trace amounts of certain minerals and impurities depending on the purification method used. |
| Taste | Neutral taste, no flavor or odor. | Can vary depending on the source water and the purification method used. |
| Uses | Commonly used in laboratories, medical procedures, and steam irons. | Commonly used for drinking, cooking, and various household purposes. |
| Availability | Widely available in stores and online. | Widely available in stores and online. |
| Cost | Generally more expensive compared to purified water. | Can vary depending on the brand and packaging, but usually more affordable than distilled water. |
Method of Production
Distilled water and purified water are both types of water that have undergone a process to remove impurities. Distilled water is produced by boiling water and collecting the steam, which is then condensed back into water.
This process removes minerals, bacteria, and other contaminants. Purified water, on the other hand, can be produced through various methods such as reverse osmosis, deionization, or carbon filtration. The method used depends on the specific impurities that need to be removed.
Purity Levels
While both distilled and purified water are considered to be pure, distilled water is considered to be the purest form of water. This is because the distillation process removes all minerals and impurities from the water.
Purified water, on the other hand, may still contain trace amounts of minerals and impurities, depending on the method used to purify it.
Taste
Many people believe that distilled water has a flat taste because it lacks minerals. Purified water, on the other hand, may still contain some minerals, which can give it a slightly better taste. However, the taste of both types of water can vary depending on the specific impurities that have been removed.
Uses
Distilled water is commonly used in laboratories, medical facilities, and in the production of certain products such as cosmetics and electronics. This is because it is the purest form of water and is free from any contaminants that could potentially damage these products.
Purified water, on the other hand, is commonly used for drinking, cooking, and in household appliances such as humidifiers and steam irons.
Overall, while both distilled and purified water are considered to be pure, there are some differences in their method of production, purity levels, taste, and uses. It is important to understand these differences in order to choose the best type of water for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Distilled water and purified water are both types of water that have undergone different filtration processes to remove impurities and contaminants. While distilled water is the purest type of water, it is not necessarily the healthiest as it removes all minerals from the water. Purified water, on the other hand, can retain some of the minerals that are beneficial to health.
When it comes to choosing between distilled and purified water, it ultimately depends on personal preference and the intended use of the water. Distilled water is commonly used in laboratory experiments, medical procedures, and in household appliances such as steam irons and humidifiers. Purified water, on the other hand, is commonly used for drinking, cooking, and making ice cubes.
One thing to keep in mind is that both distilled and purified water can be expensive compared to regular tap water. However, for those who are concerned about the quality of their water, investing in a water filtration system or purchasing bottled distilled or purified water may be worth it in the long run.
Chef Michael Correll began his restaurant career near his home in his teens as a pizza cook, but soon moved to Philadelphia where he first landed at Jones, an acclaimed Stephen Starr restaurant on Chesntut Street. It was also in Philadelphia that Chef Correll pursued his culinary education, graduating from the Art Institute of Philadelphia in 2008. After school he worked for Chef Marc Plessis at Nineteen in the Park Hyatt Hotel before moving to Pinehurst, North Carolina to open the Carolina Room.
Personally, I think it comes down to your specific needs and preferences. For everyday drinking water, I prefer purified water because it retains some essential minerals that are beneficial for our health. But I can see the value of using distilled water for certain medical conditions or scientific experiments where the absence of minerals is necessary.