How do purified and distilled water differ?
Purified and distilled water differ primarily in the methods used for purification and the resulting content of the water.
Purification Process
- Purified Water: This type of water is processed through various methods to remove impurities, including sand filtration, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, deionization, microfiltration, and disinfection (such as UV light and ozonation)245.
- Distilled Water: This type of water is purified through the distillation process, where the water is boiled, and the steam is collected and cooled back into liquid form, leaving contaminants behind134.
Mineral and Electrolyte Content
- Purified Water: While purified water is thoroughly cleaned to remove impurities, it may still contain some naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes, depending on the purification method used. For example, reverse osmosis can remove minerals, but other methods might retain them134.
- Distilled Water: Distilled water, on the other hand, is stripped of all minerals and electrolytes during the distillation process, resulting in water that is essentially free of any dissolved solids134.
Health Implications
- Purified Water: Since purified water can retain some minerals, it is often considered a healthier choice for regular consumption because it provides essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium234.
- Distilled Water: While distilled water is extremely pure and beneficial for individuals with weakened immune systems or those living in areas with poor water quality, its lack of minerals and electrolytes makes it less ideal for long-term consumption. It may require additional measures to maintain dental health due to the absence of fluoride134.
Environmental and Energy Considerations
- Distilled Water: The distillation process is energy-intensive, which can have environmental implications. In contrast, some purification methods like reverse osmosis may use less energy3.
In summary, while both types of water are purified, the key differences lie in the purification methods, the retention or removal of minerals and electrolytes, and the potential health and environmental impacts.