Water is available in more than a handful of types and the difference between each of them is the special composition and the way by which it is obtained. Here is everything you need to know about purified and distilled water so you can decide which one you should get from bottled water home delivery services.
Differences Between Purified And Distilled Water
Method Of Purification
First and foremost, it’s important to know that both purified and distilled water are treated, albeit in different ways, to reach their existing state. Both forms of water are free from all sorts of bacteria, sediments, suspended particles, and other unwanted things that you don’t want to be chugging down.
The basic difference between the two forms of water is the method by which each is purified and available to you.
Purified Water
Purified water is plain water coming from taps. It is non-boiled and it will contain traces of elements like calcium, magnesium, chlorine, sand, dirt, and even live bacteria and viruses. This is why it’s important to employ different purification techniques. The techniques used in purifying tap water are different and are selected on the basis of the impurity present. Here are some purifying techniques that can lead to clean and potable water.
- Reverse osmosis is a process used to remove bacteria, viruses, and microscopic sediments from water through a semipermeable membrane.
- Ion exchange process, in which metals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium (in some cases) are removed, so that the water can turn from hard to soft.
- Filtration is the process by which loose sediments and larger specks of metals are removed from water coming through taps and faucets.
Distilled Water
Distilled water, on the other hand, is a special type of water that’s been through an extra process to ensure 99.9% purity. It is also normal tap water, but the difference is that it is boiled to high temperatures until steam starts to produce. The steam is then condensed and those droplets are stored in a vessel and that’s essentially distilled water.
It’s a rigorous process of purifying and “producing” water from steam as a matter of fact. It’s not the most efficient process, however, because 8 to 10 cups of water produce only about a cup’s worth of distilled water.
The Composition
Purified Water
Purified and distilled water both have different compositions as well. Purified water contains things like sodium, chlorine, and other important minerals that impart a characteristic taste to it. This is why purified water is very tasty in general.
It contains these minerals and salts in trace quantities because they’re important for your body and they are also responsible for keeping electrolytes balanced in your bloodstream. Purified water, however, doesn’t contain fluoride; an essential component for bone and tooth strength.
Distilled Water
Distilled water doesn’t have any minerals in it. Distillation is a process where there isn’t any incorporation of minerals and salts in the water, and there’s only hydrogen and oxygen in liquid form.
Due to the absence of minerals, there’s a distinct difference in the taste of distilled water and it can almost taste bitter because there isn’t anything present to mask the original flavor. It is something you’re going to have to get used to.
Distillation removes almost every bit of mineral, either good or bad, from the composition of water. Distilled water is considered to be the purest form of water because there’s no trace of metal, sand, or even bacteria in it.
Use In Households
Purified Water
As far as use in houses and other places is concerned, purified water definitely has the lead. It’s a very simple form of water and if you think about it, there are a lot of people who use filtered and treated water in their houses. There is no need to go all out on the purification aspect, because purified water is just as clean and anyone can drink it. Many homeowners use whole house water filtration Warren systems for purified water.
Distilled Water
Distilled water, on the flip side, is a specific type of water that’s prescribed to people who have extremely weak immune systems or suffer from diseases like HIV or hepatitis. They need to drink extremely clean water because even trace impurities can wreak havoc in their bodies and it can turn into a medical emergency very quickly.
Distilled water is used a lot in chemical laboratories and industries because some standardization processes and experiments require extremely clean and pure water. It isn’t used as commonly in households, as compared to purified water because the latter is perfect for drinking, washing, and cleaning, given that you don’t have any serious medical condition where distilled water is essential for your consumption.
The Price
Whether you’re having your water delivered through a delivery service or a water company is providing you with a water supply, the price is a very important factor to consider, when you want to select a certain type of water for use around the house, as well as drinking. Both types of water are generally on the expensive side but in totally different contexts.
Purified Water
Purified water is great and all, but it’s considered to be expensive because of the purification technique and machinery. RO plants, water softeners, and even filters can add up, if you’re using them constantly and if the water quality is pretty bad. It’s also considered to be quite wasteful, especially if you’re having your water delivered in small plastic bottles, other than those big 19–20-liter bottles.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is also considered an expensive choice, based on how much normal water is wasted, trying to make distilled water. Not to mention, the amount of electricity and heat used, in boiling the water and condensing the steam, is insane.
If you’re boiling a liter of water, you’re only going to get 150-250 ml of distilled water, so the process itself is quite tedious and it’s not running on empty, so production is definitely going to be a huge expense.
Ease Of Use
As far as ease of use and availability is concerned, distilled water wins this round yet again. It’s just so convenient and you don’t need external filters or cleaning equipment to ensure that the water is free from impurities, because it literally is.
On the other hand, purified water, specifically its filtration and purifying equipment may need regular maintenance and you’ll need to constantly change filters, have the equipment fixed if it breaks down, and all that jazz, so it can be quite cumbersome to deal with.
In A Nutshell
These two water types, based on composition and other things, sound great and all, but now a question might pop into your mind and that would be: Which one is better for you? Well, there is no definitive answer to this question, because the type of water you choose for use in your house depends on personal preference and what’s most commonly available. There isn’t one type of water, that’s better than the other.
As long as you’re drinking filtered and clean water, free from heavy metals and bacteria; you’re all set and you won’t be greeted by those unpleasant stomach aches and other associated problems that come with drinking impure water.
This guide is going to help you in figuring out what kind of water is made in which way and what’s the better option for you to replenish your daily dose of hydration. Discuss it with a drinking water delivery service Meadville and learn which types of water they offer.