Is Filtered Water the Same As Distilled Water?

Water is an essential part of every human being, but the options to choose whether distilled or filtered water can be overwhelming. Budget and health concerns both factor into these two options for safe drinking water.

This article covers the following:

1. What is Distilled Water?
2. What is Filtered Water?
3. Is Distilled Water the Same As Filtered Water?
4. Difference Between Distilled and Filtered Water
5. Effects of Distilled and Filtered Water
6. Can I Use Filtered Water Instead of Distilled Water For Drinking?

What Is Distilled Water?

Fresh water, as we know it, contains impurities in the form of minerals, nutrients, and contaminants. While we need the essential minerals in water, some contaminants may be harmful for consumption and must be removed. One of the processes that remove the unwanted substances is called distillation. The removal of impurities is achieved through the processes of boiling and evaporation.

Distilled water closely resembles other forms of purified water, with the primary distinction lying in its purification technique. This ancient method starts by subjecting water to the heat necessary for reaching its boiling point.

Boiling water produces steam that rises into metal tubes. After reaching these tubes, the steam condenses, turning into liquid water. The liquid is then collected, which can be used for drinking or other purposes.

The resulting water is considered safe since the boiling process effectively eliminates bacteria. Additionally, the process of evaporation leaves minerals and other harmful substances as residues.

Distilled water is free from:

• Microorganisms: Some parasites, including Cryptosporidium, have the potential to induce illness, even in individuals who are generally healthy. Consequently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocate that individuals falling into this category solely opt for distilled water.
• Contaminants: While distillation eliminates beneficial minerals, it is critical to note that it also effectively exterminates heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic.
• Chlorine: Chlorine is a common component in water due to its use in municipal water treatment processes. Although it does not pose health concerns at low concentrations, individuals sensitive to its odor and taste might favor distilled water as it successfully eliminates chlorine.
• Additives: Municipal authorities frequently introduce specific substances into water for health-related purposes. Calcium is one of these minerals, known for its beneficial role in bone health but possibly contributing to the formation of kidney stones. Distilled water offers control over your mineral intake by removing such additives.

You can get a water distiller for your home or office if you want pure and safe drinking water. 

What is Filtered Water?

Water filtration employs various techniques after which the water can be deemed "purified". Purified water preserves the dissolved oxygen in the source liquid, lending it a slightly extended shelf life beyond the immediate consumption or use for brewing coffee or tea.

Several common filtration processes include:

1. Reverse Osmosis: This procedure employs high pressure to propel water through a finely meshed filter. The filter effectively removes an array of molecules, encompassing harmful microorganisms and pollutants.
2. Water Softeners: These systems rely on potassium-based ion exchange to eliminate hard minerals, such as calcium. These minerals are notorious for causing limescale buildup in households and contributing to mineral deposition in the body. Consequently, water softeners prove to be a wise choice for extending the lifespan of your appliances.
3. Water Filters: These filters function similarly to reverse osmosis systems but feature larger pores, allowing less pressure for water to pass through. The primary role is to eliminate microorganisms from the water supply. Although effective, they may not entirely remove all minerals and chemicals from the water. This method is useful for rendering naturally healthy spring water safe for consumption.

The quality of filters can vary, and your filtration requirements may depend on the quality of your tap water. Contact Metpure for house water filter systems that can provide you with clean water after a rigorous purification process.

Is Distilled Water the Same as Filtered Water?

In short, no. While both distilled and filtered water can attain comparable levels of purity, the techniques used are different. Filtered water has the capacity to eliminate a wide array of harmful and toxic contaminants, proving to be a superior choice over distilled water. This arises from the fact that distilled water lacks the beneficial minerals commonly present in drinking water.

Moreover, distilled water may have certain risks. If sourced from a contaminated water source, the distillation process may not effectively eliminate specific pollutants. Additionally, the use of faulty equipment during the distillation process might introduce pollutants into the water.

Comparatively, a home filtration system guarantees a continuous supply of safe water enriched with valuable minerals. The filtration system uses tap water, which is usually already safe enough to drink despite having some impurities.

Difference Between Distilled and Filtered Water

1. Health: Filtered water is a winner when it comes to health. It has healthy minerals, which are essential for daily needs. In contrast, distilled water is free of any minerals, making it more prone to dissolving other materials. Consequently, contamination from plastic bottles used to contain distilled water contributes to unpleasant flavors.
2. Taste: Since distilled water has no minerals, it can taste bland. Many people find that it compares unfavorably to filtered water, which retains healthy, natural minerals and a more familiar taste.
3. Cost: Distilled water ends up on the expensive side of the price spectrum. Although the cost can be reduced by a home distillation system, an average model costs roughly $900. Installing a water filtering system at home is a better alternative, which could save you money.
4. Time: A water distiller is relatively easy to build, but it can take a lot of time to distill a usable amount of water. On average, the operation time of a distillation system is seven hours. On the contrary, water filters offer instant access to drinking water. You don't need to worry about how much water you have left since it's accessible anytime.
5. Environmental Impact: The distillation process can leave behind excessively saline or hard water, having a bad effect on the ecosystem. In comparison, a filtration system is eco-friendly and has no negative impact on the environment.

Effects of Distilled and Filtered Water

Filtered Water

Filtered water comprises all the essential minerals in the correct balance, rendering it an excellent choice for daily consumption. Since filters are specifically designed to function with treated tap water, they are an ideal option for both home and office settings.

The effects of filtered water are position which can be listed:

• Inhibits beneficial minerals like zinc, calcium, and magnesium
• Eliminates toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and pesticides
• Prevents the presence of various chemicals and microorganisms
• Shields your health by eradicating disease-causing pathogens

Distilled Water

Unlike filtered water, which retains healthy nutrients, distilled water removes everything, leaving entirely pure water. As a result, distilled water lacks chloride, potassium, and magnesium, which your body needs, leading some people to claim that drinking distilled water is unhealthy.

• Deficient in essential minerals.
• Distilled water is ineffective in aiding your body's electrolyte replenishment, leading to a gradual decline over time.
• Distilled water increases the risk of tooth decay and the development of cavities because of a lack of fluoride.
• With a pH level of 7.0, distilled water falls below the ideal blood pH of 7.35. This impacts the quality of your blood and tissue, a condition referred to as acidosis.

Can I Use Filtered Water Instead of Distilled Water For Drinking

When talking about water derived from distillation vs filtration, opting for filtered water is a wise decision. It undergoes a safe purification method, ensuring that your health is prioritized. Installing Metpure's water filtering system provides immediate access to healthy water, enriched with minerals and safe to consume.

That's it for the distilled vs filtered water discussion. We've provided detailed descriptions for both water purification systems. You may now check which system suits your requirements and grab the setup for your home or office hydration needs.