When it comes to the water we drink, quality is everything. But with so many different types of water available, it can be challenging to know which one is the best choice. Two common options are distilled and purified water. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ? Let’s look into the key differences between distilled and purified water!
Understanding Distilled Water
Distilled water is a type of purified water that has gone through a specific purification process known as distillation. This process begins by boiling water to create steam. The steam is then cooled and collected in a separate container.
This process removes nearly all impurities from the water, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Even minerals found naturally in water are removed during distillation. The result is pure water that is free from contaminants.
Some people prefer to drink distilled water because of its purity. However, others might find it tastes flat due to the lack of minerals. It’s also worth noting that while distillation removes harmful contaminants, it also removes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
What Is Purified Water?
Purified water is a broad term that refers to water that has undergone any purification process to remove impurities. This can include methods such as reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, deionization, and, yes, distillation. So, technically, distilled water is a type of purified water.
The goal of creating purified water is to produce water that is safe and clean for drinking. Drinking purified water ensures you’re consuming water that is free from harmful contaminants that could potentially be present in your tap water, depending on where you live.
Distilled vs. Purified Water: The Filtration Process
While both distilled and purified water undergo processes to remove impurities, the methods used can vary significantly. As mentioned earlier, the distillation process involves boiling water and collecting the steam, which leaves behind virtually all substances that were in the water.
Other forms of purified water, such as reverse osmosis or filtered water, use different methods. Reverse osmosis forces water through a semipermeable membrane, which traps and removes contaminants. An activated carbon water filter, on the other hand, uses activated carbon to attract and trap impurities.
Each filtration process has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best one for you can depend on your specific water quality needs. We can help you select the best reverse osmosis system in Las Vegas or the neighboring areas.
Comparing Water Sources: Tap, Spring, and Bottled Water
It’s also important to compare distilled and purified water with other common water sources like tap, spring, and bottled water.
Tap water is the most readily available water source, but its quality can vary greatly depending on where you live. It typically undergoes a basic filtration process to remove major contaminants but may still contain small amounts of minerals, chlorine, and other substances (see also: what is coagulation in water treatment?).
Spring water, as the name suggests, comes from a natural spring. It generally contains a variety of minerals and is often bottled and sold as-is. However, it can still contain contaminants found in the surrounding soil and needs to be tested and treated to ensure it’s safe to drink.
Bottled water, on the other hand, can come from a variety of sources, including springs, wells, or the municipal water supply. It’s usually treated to improve taste and remove impurities, but the specific process used can vary by brand.
Get Help With Your Water Needs!
Both distilled and purified water offer high levels of purity compared to traditional water sources like tap or spring water. Distilled water goes through a rigorous distillation process that removes nearly all substances, while purified water can be produced through a variety of methods, each with its unique benefits.
Choosing between distilled and purified water often comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. Some might prefer the absolute purity of distilled water, while others may prefer to drink purified water that has gone through reverse osmosis or filtration and retains some beneficial minerals and tastes amazing.
At Serv-All Water Conditioning, we understand that water quality is a top priority for every household. We offer a range of products and services to help ensure your water is clean, safe, and tastes great. Whether you need a water filter for your tap water or a complete water purification system, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today to find out more about our water treatment solutions and let us assist you in making the best choice for your water needs.
