What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a form of pure water that is produced through a process of distillation.
It is commonly used in lead acid batteries, medical equipment, humidifiers and the production of canned fruit and vegetables.
What is the water distillation process?
Water is boiled until it evaporates in the form of steam. The steam is then condensed back into liquid by cooling it in a separate container. Any impurities, that have a boiling point lower than 100 °C, will remain in the original container.
What is distilled water used for?
Distilled water is used in a variety of applications, especially where a high water purity level is required. Examples of some of the uses of distilled water:
- Medical applications. Distilled water may also be known as sterile water and used to clean instruments due to being free of contaminants.
- Household applications. Used in irons to prevent limescale building up and damage to clothing.
- Car Battery Water. Certain types of car batteries require maintenance and the water topping up.
- Car cooling systems. Used in the radiator of cars so that any contaminants that may be in mains water don’t collect in the radiator.
- Forklift battery water. Electric powered forklifts commonly have lead acid batteries that require scheduled maintenance
- Humidifiers. Using distilled water in a humidifier prevents a build-up of minerals for battery functioning.
- Food and drink production. Commonly used in the canning process and industrial production of beverages as it preserves the desired colour and taste.
Can You Drink Distilled Water?
While short-term consumption of distilled water certainly isn't harmful, it isn't recommended in the long-term. Many people assume that as distilled water is free from impurities that it must be healthier than regular water.
The problem with drinking distilled water is that it contains no healthy minerals. Regular water contains various minerals, including calcium and selenium. If you are not getting enough of these minerals via your diet, then drinking distilled water in the long-term could lead to mineral deficiency.
Is Deionized Water the Same as Distilled Water?
Deionized Water and distilled water are both forms of pure water. The difference between them is in the process used for removing the contaminants. As discussed below distilled water is produced by boiling water. Deionized water is produced by passing water over beds of beads that electrostatically attract the impurities. Distilled water is generally preferable for human consumption, or where it will be in contact with humans, as any organic matter, including viruses, will be ‘killed’ off during the boiling process.
Deionized water is preferable in electrical applications as generally it has a lower conductivity.
For a more detail on the difference between distilled and deionized water you can read our guide.
How to make distilled water.
This is a simple method to produce distilled water at home in small quantities and without specialist equipment.
In a large pot of heated water, place a glass bowl (one which will float and hold a little water without sinking). This helps to collect the vapour which has turned back to water. A slightly concave lid should be placed upside down on top of the pot. Get some ice and place it on top of the lid, this will cool the lid which in turn will cool the water vapour. The water vapour should condense on the lid and drop into the bowl.
Where can I buy distilled water?
If you require larger volumes then you can always buy distilled water or alternatively buy deionized water. If it is needed infrequently then buying it is a cost effective way. If larger volumes are required more frequently then you may want to consider a water distillation system. But these can be costly to buy and expensive to run due to the energy required to heat the water. A cheaper alternative is to buy a deionized water system.
Deionized water systems are cheap to but and simple and easy to install and use. Just make sure the one you purchase is suitable for the intended use.
