Water is an essential component of life and is required for a multitude of purposes. It is used for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and in many industrial processes. However, the quality of the water that we use can vary depending on its source and treatment. Distilled and purified water are two types of water that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. In this article, we will explore the difference between distilled and purified water.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is a type of water that has been purified through a process called distillation. Distillation is the process of heating water to its boiling point, which causes it to vaporize. The vapor is then collected and condensed back into a liquid, which is pure water. During this process, any impurities in the water are left behind, resulting in a product that is free of minerals, contaminants, and other impurities.
The process of distillation removes most of the minerals and impurities in the water, making it one of the purest forms of water available. It is often used in laboratories, hospitals, and other applications where high purity water is required. Distilled water is also commonly used in household appliances such as steam irons, humidifiers, and air conditioning units.
One of the benefits of distilled water is that it does not contain any minerals or impurities that can cause damage to appliances or equipment. It is also free of any contaminants that may be present in tap water, such as chlorine or fluoride. This makes it a popular choice for people who want to ensure that the water they are using is of the highest quality.
However, one potential downside of distilled water is that it does not contain any of the minerals that are naturally found in water. These minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are important for maintaining good health and are often added to tap water through the process of water treatment. Drinking distilled water over a prolonged period may result in a lack of these essential minerals, which can have negative effects on health.
Properties of Distilled Water
Distilled water is pure water, containing no impurities or dissolved solids. It has a neutral pH of 7 and a flat taste due to the absence of minerals. Distilled water is also free from chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals that are typically added to tap water. It is considered one of the purest forms of water and is commonly used in laboratories, medical facilities, and industrial applications.
Applications of Distilled Water
Due to its high purity, distilled water is commonly used in various applications that require water of a consistent quality. Some of the common uses of distilled water include:
- Medical and pharmaceutical applications: Distilled water is used in medical and pharmaceutical applications that require sterile water, such as in the production of medicines, injections, and dialysis.
- Laboratory experiments: Distilled water is used in laboratory experiments, where water purity is critical, and even small amounts of impurities can affect the outcome of experiments.
- Cleaning electronic components: Distilled water is used to clean electronic components, such as circuit boards and computer chips, as it does not leave any residue or minerals that could damage the components.
- Humidifiers: Distilled water is recommended for use in humidifiers, as it does not contain minerals that can cause the buildup of scale and other deposits in the humidifier.
Purified Water
Purified water is a type of water that has been treated to remove impurities and contaminants. There are several different methods used to purify water, including distillation, reverse osmosis, and filtration.
Reverse osmosis is a process that involves forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which removes impurities and contaminants. Filtration is the process of passing water through a filter, which removes impurities such as sediment, chlorine, and bacteria.
Purified water is often used in bottled water, as well as in other applications such as aquariums and medical equipment. It is also commonly used in households as an alternative to tap water, as it is free of impurities and contaminants.
One of the benefits of purified water is that it is free of impurities and contaminants that may be present in tap water. This can help to improve the taste and odor of the water, making it more pleasant to drink. It can also be beneficial for people with sensitive skin, as purified water is less likely to cause skin irritation than tap water.
However, like distilled water, purified water may also lack essential minerals that are naturally present in water. This can be addressed by adding minerals back into the water through a process known as demineralization.
Properties of Purified Water
Purified water is water that has been treated to remove impurities, but it may still contain some minerals and dissolved solids. The level of impurities and dissolved solids can vary depending on the purification method used. The taste and odor of purified water can also vary, depending on the source of the water and the purification method used.
Applications of Purified Water
Purified water is commonly used in various applications where the water quality needs to be improved, but the high level of purity offered by distilled water is not required. Some of the common uses of purified water include:
- Drinking water: Purified water is commonly sold in stores as drinking water, where it is marketed as a healthier alternative to tap water.
- Commercial and industrial applications: Purified water is used in commercial and industrial applications, such as in the production of beverages, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
- Aquariums: Purified water is used in aquariums to ensure that the water is free from contaminants that could harm fish and other aquatic life.
- Irrigation: Purified water is used in irrigation systems to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits in the soil and on plants.
Differences between Distilled and Purified Water
While both distilled and purified water are types of purified water, there are some key differences between the two.
Distilled water is purified through the process of distillation, while purified water can be purified using several different methods, including distillation, reverse osmosis, and filtration.
Distilled water is produced by boiling water and collecting the steam as it condenses back into liquid form. This process removes any impurities or contaminants, such as minerals, bacteria, and viruses that may be present in the water. The resulting distilled water is pure and free from any impurities or minerals. The process of distillation is commonly used in industrial applications, such as the production of medications, laboratory testing, and the manufacturing of electronics.
Purified water, on the other hand, can be produced through a number of different processes. One of the most common methods used to purify water is through reverse osmosis. This process involves the use of a semi-permeable membrane that removes impurities and contaminants from the water, leaving it pure and safe for consumption. Other methods that can be used to purify water include deionization, carbon filtration, and ultraviolet (UV) treatment.
One of the main differences between distilled and purified water is the process by which they are produced. Distilled water is produced through the process of distillation, while purified water can be produced through a variety of methods, including reverse osmosis, deionization, carbon filtration, and UV treatment.
Another important difference between distilled and purified water is the level of purity that they offer. Distilled water is considered to be one of the purest forms of water, as it is free from any impurities or minerals that may be present in the original water source. Purified water, on the other hand, may still contain some minerals and impurities, depending on the method used to purify the water.
It is also worth noting that while distilled water is free from impurities and minerals, it may also be lacking in essential minerals that are beneficial to our health. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium are important for our bodies, and the consumption of distilled water may result in a deficiency of these essential minerals. Purified water, on the other hand, may contain some of these essential minerals, depending on the method used to purify the water.
FAQ’s: Difference between Distilled and Purified Water
Which is better Distilled or Purified Water?
Since the purification process removes chemicals and pollutants from the water, purified water is usually a good option. Distilled water should not be drunk since it lacks naturally occurring minerals that are beneficial to health, such as calcium and magnesium.
Is it safe to drink distilled water?
Drinking distilled water is safe. Yet you’ll likely find it uninteresting or unappealing. This is because key minerals like calcium, salt, and magnesium that give tap water its distinctive flavor have been removed. Just hydrogen and oxygen are all that are left.
What is distilled water used for?
Lead-acid batteries, automotive cooling systems, and other devices where mineral buildup might be harmful are sterilized using distilled water. It is perfect for use in skin care items, canning goods, and cleaning laboratory equipment because it doesn’t contain any other minerals or pollutants.
How are purified and distilled different?
Minerals may be present in purified water despite having chemicals and other pollutants removed. With the removal of both pollutants and minerals, distillate water goes one step further.