Understanding Distilled Bottled Water
When you pick up a bottle of water at the grocery store or convenience shop, you're likely presented with a wide array of choices. From spring water to purified water to mineral water, the options can be overwhelming. However, one specific type of water that often sparks curiosity is distilled water. Many consumers wonder, "Which brand of bottled water is distilled?" and more importantly, "What exactly *is* distilled water and why would I choose it?" This article aims to answer those questions thoroughly, providing you with the detailed information you need to make an informed decision.
What Exactly is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is water that has been purified through a process called distillation. This process involves boiling water to create steam, then condensing that steam back into liquid form. The boiling process effectively removes impurities such as minerals, salts, and other contaminants that may be present in tap water or natural water sources. Essentially, distillation is a highly effective method for creating very pure H2O.
Why Would Someone Choose Distilled Water?
While most bottled water you find on shelves is designed for drinking and offers a source of hydration with beneficial minerals, distilled water has a different purpose. Because it lacks minerals and other dissolved solids, it's often preferred for specific applications:
- Household Appliances: Distilled water is ideal for use in steam irons, humidifiers, and CPAP machines. The absence of minerals prevents the buildup of scale and mineral deposits, which can damage these appliances over time and reduce their efficiency.
- Medical and Laboratory Use: In certain medical procedures, laboratory experiments, and the preparation of some medications, highly pure water is essential. Distilled water meets these stringent purity requirements.
- Aquariums and Terrariums: For some sensitive aquatic life or specific plant needs, distilled water can be a better choice as it doesn't introduce uninvited minerals or chemicals.
- Certain Health Conditions: While not generally recommended for everyday drinking for most healthy individuals, some people with specific health concerns or those following particular dietary plans might be advised by a medical professional to consume distilled water.
Which Brands Offer Distilled Bottled Water?
Finding brands that specifically label their water as "distilled" can be a bit more challenging than locating standard drinking water. Many brands focus on purified water, which undergoes processes like reverse osmosis or deionization but may not always be strictly distilled. However, here are some brands that are commonly known to offer distilled water:
- Reliance Distilled Water: This brand is widely available in many supermarkets and drugstores and is specifically marketed as distilled water. You'll often find it in larger jugs.
- Poland Spring Distilled Water: While Poland Spring is famous for its natural spring water, they also produce a line of distilled water, often found in gallon jugs.
- Schneiders Distilled Water: Another brand that consistently offers distilled water, often found in the same aisles as purified and spring waters.
- Generic Store Brands: Many grocery store chains, such as Walmart (e.g., Great Value), Kroger, and Costco, offer their own private-label brands of distilled water. These are usually a more economical option.
Important Note: Always check the label carefully. Look for the explicit word "distilled." Water labeled "purified," "drinking water," or "spring water" is generally not distilled, even if it has undergone significant purification processes.
Is Distilled Water Safe to Drink?
For most healthy individuals, drinking distilled water in moderation is generally considered safe. However, it's important to understand that distilled water lacks the minerals that are naturally present in other types of drinking water and are beneficial for our health. These minerals include calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which play vital roles in bodily functions.
Drinking only distilled water over the long term may lead to a deficiency in essential minerals if your diet does not adequately provide them. Most people get sufficient minerals from their food, so this is usually not a significant concern, but it's something to be aware of.
If you're considering drinking distilled water regularly, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your nutritional needs and overall health goals.
Distilled Water vs. Purified Water
It's common for consumers to confuse distilled water with purified water. While both aim for a higher level of purity than tap water, the methods differ, and the end product can have slight variations.
- Distilled Water: As discussed, purified by boiling and condensation. It removes virtually all dissolved solids.
- Purified Water: This is a broader term. It can be purified through various methods, including distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis, for instance, uses a membrane to filter out impurities but may not remove all dissolved solids as effectively as distillation, and often, essential minerals are added back for taste.
When a water bottle simply says "purified water," it doesn't specify the method used. For applications requiring the absolute absence of minerals, distilled water is typically the preferred choice.
Where Can I Find Distilled Water?
You can typically find distilled bottled water in the following locations:
- Supermarkets: Look in the bottled water aisle, often near other bottled water varieties or sometimes in a separate section for specialty beverages or household items.
- Drugstores/Pharmacies: Many pharmacies carry distilled water, particularly for appliance use.
- Big Box Stores: Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco will have a selection, often including their own brand.
- Hardware Stores: Some hardware stores stock distilled water for specific uses like car batteries or home appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is distilled water different from purified water?
Distilled water is purified by boiling and condensing steam, removing nearly all minerals and impurities. Purified water is a broader category; it can be purified by various methods, including distillation, reverse osmosis, or deionization, and may or may not have minerals added back.
Why does distilled water taste bland?
Distilled water tastes bland because the distillation process removes all dissolved minerals and salts that contribute to the natural taste and mouthfeel of water.
Is it okay to drink distilled water every day?
For most healthy individuals, drinking distilled water daily is generally safe, but it's not ideal as it lacks beneficial minerals. Your body can obtain these minerals from food, but prolonged reliance solely on distilled water might not be optimal for everyone.
Why should I use distilled water in my iron or humidifier?
Using distilled water in appliances like irons and humidifiers prevents the buildup of mineral scale. This scale can clog the appliance, reduce its efficiency, and eventually lead to damage.
