Distilled Water vs. Filtered Water: Why Water Filters Are Best

Did you know that polluted water can cause diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and even polio? Contaminated drinking water causes approximately 485,000 diarrhoeal deaths per year.

Water must be clean and accessible for consumption, domestic use, food production, and recreational purposes.

Distilled water vs. filtered water only varies in the way they are purified differently. Before we learn what the process differences are between the two, it is essential to know what each one is.

Here is what you should know about water filters and the differences between distilled water vs. filtered water.

Distilled Water vs. Filtered Water

Contrary to popular belief, purified water is not the same as distilled water. Many people think that the two words are similar, but this is not the case.

Knowledge of the value of minerals and other beneficial components in drinking water has existed for thousands of years. In fact, it is written in the Rig Veda book of ancient India.

Over time, less and less focus was placed on water filtration, as it was handled by cities and other larger entities. However, with a rise in water emergencies in the last few decades, there has been an increase in understanding of water’s biological importance.

Distilled Water, What is It?

The method of distillation produces distilled water. In principle, the distilled water is created by boiling water and afterward, the accumulated steam is condensed back into distilled water. That method extracts all impurities and minerals from the water.

The distillation method extracts 99.9 percent of the toxins ordinarily present in water, such as microbes, chemicals, and inorganic dissolved compounds.

Is It Safe to Use Distilled Water?

Apart from the bland flavor, distilled water does not supply minerals such as calcium and magnesium that you get from regular drinking water. This lack of minerals in the water makes it ideal for use inside a humidifier, as the calcium build-up won’t clog up the internal system.

So when you drink distilled water, tiny quantities of minerals will be extracted from your body, like from your teeth. That is why distilled water is not intended for undernourished or ill people. Nor is it recommended for rehydration following heavy exercise or any physical activity.

However, if you are a healthy individual and get much of the minerals you need from your food, consuming distilled water does not affect you. If you’re planning to drink distilled water, it’s a smart idea to make sure you take the required minerals through vitamins or eat a healthy diet.

What Is Filtered Water?

Simply said, distilled water is water that has been systematically distilled to eliminate chemicals, impurities, and even helpful minerals. On the other hand, filtered water uses a purification method to remove pollutants from drinking water, including microbes, chemicals, and contaminants without also removing these minerals with health benefits.

There are different water purification methods. The intention of these is to eliminate other pollutants from the water. These are the three of the main water filtration methods used at home: 

1. Carbon Filters

This is the cheapest method to purify water. If you have used a filtered water pitcher or gotten water from a fridge dispenser, you will have most likely experienced the results of carbon filters.

The most simple carbon filters extract chlorine, enhance taste, and improve the scent. More advanced filters can eliminate additional pollutants such as lead. They function by using activated carbon to trap contaminants.

Water pitcher filters are very popular for this form of purification, but you may also get fridge filtersfaucet mount filters, or under-sink-filters.

2. Reverse Osmosis Filtration Systems

Reverse osmosis filtration systems are the most efficient method of filtering water.

Reverse osmosis systems operate by squeezing out water via their semi-permeable membrane filters. The reverse osmosis process extracts particles, toxins, and chemicals in the process. However, filtration often removes certain essential, stable minerals such as calcium and magnesium, much like distilled water.

3. Ion Exchange Filtration

The ion exchange filtering method is more effective with hard water. Hard water is water that’s high in minerals. Ion exchange filters use a chemical procedure that decreases calcium and magnesium levels and typically substitutes them with sodium.

Distilled vs. Filtered Water, Which Is Better?

Both distilled and filtered water is safe for drinking and is similar. The most significant distinction between the two is that filtered water keeps healthy minerals in the water, while distilled water does not.

If you want the cleanest water you can get, it is suggested that you go for distilled water. This is great for use in devices such as humidifiers, steam irons, and sleep apnea devices since there is no mineral build-up. However, if you want to drink safe drinking water with healthy minerals, it is better to choose filtered water. 

We suggest getting as much knowledge as possible on your water supply to make the best choice for filtering your water. Why not get your water tested?

Ultimately the Choice Is Yours

So, distilled water vs. filtered water, have you made your choice? The bottom line is that access to safe drinking water is vital for everyone’s well-being.

Although most municipal drinking water supplies are strictly controlled and healthy to consume, many prefer to filter their water to be safe.

If you’re considering adding a water filter system to your home or if you just need to upgrade your filtration, we have the perfect water filter for you!