Home › Can You Drink Distilled Water
Quick Summary
Yes, distilled water is safe to drink - the idea that it leaches dangerous amounts of minerals from your body is a myth debunked by the World Health Organization and peer-reviewed nutrition science. Distillation produces water that is 99.9% free of contaminants, minerals, and dissolved solids. However, the WHO cautions against drinking demineralized water as your sole long-term water source, recommending minimum levels of 10 mg/L calcium and 30 mg/L total dissolved solids for optimal health. For most healthy adults, drinking distilled water occasionally or as part of a varied hydration routine poses no risk. It is not recommended as the exclusive water source for infants, individuals with mineral deficiencies, or those on low-sodium diets without medical supervision. If you prefer distilled water, consider remineralization using trace mineral drops or mixing with spring water.
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is water that has been heated to its boiling point (100°C / 212°F at sea level), converted to steam, and then condensed back into liquid form in a separate container. This process separates water molecules from virtually all contaminants, including heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, dissolved minerals, and salts. The result is water that is 99.9% pure H2O with a total dissolved solids (TDS) reading near zero - typically less than 1-5 ppm.
Distillation is one of the oldest and most reliable water purification methods. It mimics the Earth's natural hydrological cycle: the sun evaporates water from oceans and lakes, leaving salts and impurities behind; water vapor rises, cools, and falls as rain. A home or commercial distiller simply accelerates and controls this process.
Because distillation removes everything - both harmful contaminants and beneficial minerals - the resulting water has unique properties that distinguish it from filtered tap water, spring water, and mineral water. Understanding these properties is key to deciding whether distilled water fits your hydration needs.
The Distillation Process Explained
A typical water distillation unit consists of a boiling chamber, a cooling coil or condenser, and a collection container. The process unfolds as follows:
- Boiling: Raw water is heated to boiling in a stainless steel or glass chamber. Bacteria, viruses, and cysts are killed instantly at 100°C. Dissolved minerals, salts, and heavy metals have higher boiling points than water and remain in the boiling chamber.
- Steam transfer: Water vapor (steam) rises from the boiling chamber and travels through a vent or tube. Most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have lower boiling points than water (such as certain pesticides and solvents) are separated at this stage if the distiller has a VOC vent or gas stripping feature.
- Condensation: The steam passes through a cooling coil where ambient air or a fan reduces its temperature, causing it to condense back into liquid water.
- Collection: The condensed distilled water drips into a storage container, ready for use. Post-filter carbon pads are sometimes added to remove any residual VOCs that may have carried over with the steam.
Quality home distillers produce water with conductivity of less than 5 microsiemens per centimeter (μS/cm) and TDS below 5 ppm. By comparison, tap water typically ranges from 50-500 ppm TDS depending on the source, and mineral water may exceed 1,000 ppm.
Is Distilled Water Safe to Drink?
Yes. Distilled water meets all EPA drinking water standards for purity. The EPA does not prohibit or discourage the consumption of distilled water. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water, recognizes distilled water as a valid category of bottled drinking water. From a microbiological and chemical contamination standpoint, distilled water is among the purest water you can consume.
The safety questions surrounding distilled water are not about what it contains - it contains essentially nothing harmful - but about what it lacks: the calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and trace minerals that are present in most natural water sources and contribute to daily mineral intake.
Here is the critical nuance: water is not a primary source of minerals for most people. A well-balanced diet provides far more calcium and magnesium than drinking water ever could. For example:
| Mineral | Hard Tap Water (100 mg/L Ca, 30 mg/L Mg) | Daily Contribution (2L consumed) | Recommended Daily Intake (Adult) | % from Water |
|---|
| Calcium | 100 mg/L | 200 mg | 1,000-1,200 mg | 17-20% |
| Magnesium | 30 mg/L | 60 mg | 310-420 mg | 14-19% |
| Sodium | 20 mg/L | 40 mg | <2,300 mg | 1.7% |
| Potassium | 5 mg/L | 10 mg | 2,600-3,400 mg | <0.4% |
For someone drinking distilled water exclusively, the daily mineral deficit from water is modest compared to dietary sources. A glass of milk (300 mg calcium), a handful of almonds (75 mg calcium, 80 mg magnesium), or a cup of cooked spinach (240 mg calcium) more than compensates. The real concern arises for individuals whose diets are already marginal in mineral content.
Does Distilled Water Leach Minerals From Your Body?
This is the most persistent myth about distilled water, and it requires careful unpacking. The claim typically states that because distilled water contains no minerals, it will "pull" or "leach" minerals from your bones, teeth, and tissues as it passes through your body. This is scientifically incorrect in the context of normal consumption.
When you drink water - any water - it enters your stomach and then your intestines. Mineral absorption and excretion are regulated by complex hormonal and cellular mechanisms, primarily parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, vitamin D, and renal function. Your body does not passively lose minerals simply because the water you drink lacks them.
The kidneys regulate mineral balance by reabsorbing calcium, magnesium, and other electrolytes from urine back into the bloodstream. Drinking distilled water does not override this regulatory system. A 2013 review by the World Health Organization concluded that while distilled and demineralized water may have a very slight increase in "the elimination of minerals from the body," this effect is negligible for people with normal kidney function and adequate dietary mineral intake.
Where the leaching claim has a kernel of truth: in vitro (in laboratory glassware), distilled water will dissolve minerals from metal pipes and containers. This is why distilled water is corrosive to plumbing and should not be stored in metal containers long-term. But the human body is not a glass pipe. The gastrointestinal tract is a controlled biological environment, not an inert vessel.
WHO Guidelines on Demineralized Water
The World Health Organization's 2011 report "Nutrients in Drinking Water" represents the most comprehensive scientific review of mineral content in drinking water. The WHO made the following key findings regarding demineralized water:
- Drinking water should contain a minimum of 10 mg/L calcium and 30 mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS) for optimal health. These minimums are based on epidemiological studies showing inverse correlations between water mineral content and cardiovascular disease mortality.
- Populations consuming demineralized water over long periods showed higher risks of cardiovascular disease, fragile bones (in populations with already low calcium intake), and increased diuresis (increased urine production) with associated electrolyte imbalance in vulnerable groups.
- Reverse osmosis water and distilled water are functionally similar in their low mineral content. The WHO recommends remineralization of demineralized water before consumption, especially in communities where it is the primary drinking water source.
It is important to note that the WHO guidelines are primarily aimed at community water supplies in developing nations and regions where demineralized water is the only source. For an individual in a developed country with varied food sources, the risk is substantially lower. Still, the WHO's minimum recommendations provide a useful benchmark for those choosing to drink distilled water regularly.
Why Distilled Water Tastes "Flat"
Most people describe distilled water as tasting "flat," "bland," or "empty." This is not imagination - it is chemistry. Water's taste is determined largely by its dissolved mineral content. Calcium contributes a slightly sweet, smooth character. Magnesium adds bitterness at higher concentrations. Bicarbonate provides alkalinity and a subtle "weight" on the palate. Sodium enhances perceived sweetness. Chloride adds a hint of saltiness.
Distilled water, with TDS near zero, lacks all of these taste contributors. It also has a lower pH (typically 5.8-6.5) than mineral water because it absorbs small amounts of carbon dioxide from air, forming carbonic acid. This slight acidity contributes to a tangy or "sharp" perception that some drinkers find unpleasant.
The flat taste is purely a sensory issue, not a safety concern. Many people accustomed to drinking distilled water report that they no longer notice the difference after 1-2 weeks. Others prefer to add a pinch of Himalayan salt, a squeeze of lemon, or mineral drops to restore palatability.
Distilled vs. Purified vs. Spring vs. Mineral Water
| Type | Source | Processing | TDS Range | Mineral Content | Best For |
|---|
| Distilled Water | Any source | Boiling condensation | 0-5 ppm | None | Appliances, medical devices, occasional drinking |
| Purified Water | Any source | RO, deionization, or distillation | 0-10 ppm | None (unless remineralized) | General drinking, mixing formula (if remineralized) |
| Spring Water | Natural spring | Minimal filtration; must retain natural mineral composition | 50-500 ppm | Variable Ca, Mg, Na, K | Daily drinking, natural mineral intake |
| Mineral Water | Protected underground source | Minimal processing; consistent mineral levels | 150-1,500 ppm | Defined, consistent mineral profile | Daily drinking, post-exercise hydration |
| Alkaline Water | Various | Electrolysis or mineral addition to raise pH | 50-200 ppm | Added Ca, Mg, K, bicarbonate | Those seeking higher pH (claims not fully proven) |
| Filtered Tap Water | Municipal supply | Carbon, RO, or other point-of-use filtration | 10-500 ppm (varies) | Reduced but present unless RO used | Cost-effective daily drinking |
The key distinction: purified water is a broad FDA category that includes water produced by distillation, reverse osmosis, or deionization. Distilled water is a specific type of purified water. Spring water must come from an underground formation and must maintain its natural mineral content (minerals cannot be added). Mineral water must contain at least 250 ppm TDS from naturally occurring minerals and must have a consistent composition at the source.
When Distilled Water Is the Best Choice
Despite the mineral debate, distilled water is the ideal - sometimes required - choice in specific applications:
Medical and Laboratory Equipment: CPAP machines, humidifiers, autoclaves, and laboratory glassware all require distilled or demineralized water to prevent mineral scale buildup and equipment damage. Using tap water in a CPAP humidifier, for example, produces white mineral dust that accumulates in the tubing and mask.
Appliances: Steam irons, espresso machines, car batteries, and radiator coolant systems should use distilled water to prevent calcium and magnesium deposits (limescale) that reduce efficiency and lifespan. A study by the Water Quality Research Foundation found that appliances using hard tap water had 30-50% shorter lifespans than those using distilled or soft water.
Aquariums: Distilled water provides a clean baseline for mixing aquarium water, allowing precise control of pH, hardness, and mineral content for sensitive fish species.
Detox Protocols and Fasting: Some medical detoxification protocols specify distilled water to minimize the body's processing load. During medically supervised water fasts, distilled water is sometimes preferred for its purity.
Areas with Severely Contaminated Water: In locations where tap water is unsafe due to heavy metals, industrial pollution, or extreme salinity, distillation provides reliable purification when other methods are unavailable.
Who Should Exercise Caution
While distilled water is safe for most healthy adults, certain populations should approach it with caution or seek medical advice before making it their primary drinking water:
- Infants and Young Children: The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using distilled water as the sole source of hydration for infants, especially those exclusively formula-fed. Infant formulas contain minerals, but if prepared with distilled water over a prolonged period without adequate dietary mineral intake, there is a theoretical risk of mineral insufficiency. Most pediatricians recommend using tap water (if safe) or nursery water (purified water with added minerals) for formula preparation.
- Individuals with Mineral Deficiencies: People with documented deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, or electrolytes should not rely on distilled water as their exclusive source. This includes individuals with malabsorption disorders (celiac disease, Crohn's disease), eating disorders, or restrictive diets.
- Athletes and Heavy Laborers: Intense physical activity causes significant electrolyte loss through sweat. Drinking distilled water during prolonged exercise without electrolyte replacement can exacerbate sodium and potassium losses, potentially contributing to hyponatremia (low blood sodium). Sports drinks or mineral-rich water are better choices during heavy exertion.
- People on Low-Sodium Diets: Paradoxically, individuals on sodium-restricted diets for hypertension or kidney disease should be cautious with distilled water. The rationale: if their overall electrolyte balance is already being medically managed, the absence of even trace minerals in water may complicate that balance. Consult a physician or renal dietitian.
- During Illness with Vomiting or Diarrhea: Fluid losses from gastroenteritis include electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride). Oral rehydration solutions (WHO formula) or mineral-containing water are preferred over distilled water during acute illness to replace lost electrolytes.
How to Remineralize Distilled Water
If you prefer the purity of distilled water but want to address mineral concerns, remineralization is straightforward and inexpensive:
Trace Mineral Drops: Concentrated liquid mineral supplements containing ionized magnesium, calcium, potassium, and trace elements. Add 5-10 drops per liter of distilled water. Products like Trace Minerals Research ConcenTrace or LyteLine Electrolyte Concentrate restore 40-80 mg/L of minerals with near-zero calories. Cost: approximately $0.10-0.25 per liter treated.
Mineral Stones or Cartridges: Some water filter systems include a final stage of mineral stones (typically maifan stone, calcite, or corosex) that dissolve small amounts of calcium and magnesium into the water. RO systems with "alkaline" or "remineralization" stages use this approach.
Mix with Spring or Mineral Water: A 50/50 blend of distilled water and spring water provides the purity benefits of distillation with a substantial mineral contribution from the spring water. This is the simplest method requiring no additional products.
Add a Pinch of Himalayan or Sea Salt: Approximately 1/8 teaspoon of high-quality mineral salt per gallon of distilled water adds trace minerals and improves taste significantly. This adds roughly 100-150 mg of sodium per gallon - minimal for most diets but significant for those on sodium restriction.
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): A tiny pinch (1/16 teaspoon per gallon) raises pH from acidic to neutral and adds a subtle smoothness. This was historically recommended for making distilled water more palatable.
Recommended Products
Best Countertop Water Distiller: CO-Z 4L Brushed Stainless Steel
The CO-Z 4-Liter Stainless Steel Water Distiller produces 1 gallon of distilled water in approximately 5.5 hours. The 304 stainless steel boiling chamber and glass collection container avoid plastic contact with hot water and steam. Features an automatic shutoff, 750W heating element, and included activated carbon pod for VOC post-filtration. Ideal for home use, CPAP owners, and appliance water. Capacity: up to 4 gallons per day with refills.
Best Water Remineralization Drops: Trace Minerals Research ConcenTrace
Trace Minerals ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops contain 72 naturally occurring ionized trace minerals sourced from Utah's Great Salt Lake. Add 20-40 drops per gallon of distilled or RO water to restore mineral content and improve taste. Each 8-oz bottle treats approximately 48 gallons. Certified vegan, gluten-free, and cGMP facility manufactured. A practical and economical solution for anyone drinking demineralized water regularly.
Alternative: RO System with Remineralization
The iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Under-Sink RO System produces water functionally equivalent to distilled (99% TDS removal) and then passes it through a 6th-stage alkaline remineralization filter that restores calcium, magnesium, and balanced pH. NSF/ANSI 58 certified. 75 GPD production rate. An excellent "set and forget" solution that provides distilled-quality purity with built-in mineral restoration.
Our Methodology
Every product on Filter Tested undergoes 4-6 months of research-based analysis in real-world conditions. We verify all manufacturer claims against independent lab results and NSF certification databases. Products are scored across 8 categories including filtration performance, flow rate, certifications, installation complexity, and total cost of ownership. Learn more about how we test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drink distilled water every day?
Yes, for most healthy adults with a balanced diet, drinking distilled water daily is safe. The mineral contribution from water is modest compared to food sources. If you consume adequate calcium, magnesium, and electrolytes through your diet, the absence of minerals in distilled water will not cause deficiency. However, if distilled water is your only source of hydration long-term, consider remineralizing with trace mineral drops or mixing with spring water to align with WHO recommendations for minimum mineral intake from water.
Does distilled water pull minerals from your body?
No - not in any clinically significant way. This is a persistent myth based on a misunderstanding of in vitro chemistry versus human physiology. The World Health Organization reviewed the available evidence in 2011 and concluded that while distilled water increases mineral elimination very slightly through the kidneys, this effect is negligible for people with normal kidney function and adequate dietary intake. Your body's mineral balance is regulated by hormones (PTH, calcitonin, vitamin D) and renal reabsorption mechanisms, not by the mineral content of the water you drink.
Is distilled water better than tap water?
"Better" depends on your criteria. Distilled water is purer - it contains zero contaminants, while tap water may contain trace levels of chlorine, disinfection byproducts, heavy metals, and other regulated substances (all within EPA limits if properly treated). However, tap water contains beneficial minerals and is often fortified with fluoride for dental health. From a purity standpoint, distilled wins. From a mineral nutrition standpoint, tap water has the advantage. For most people, filtered tap water with an NSF-certified carbon or RO system offers the best balance of purity, mineral content, cost, and convenience.
Can distilled water go bad?
Properly stored distilled water does not "go bad" in the microbiological sense because it contains no nutrients to support bacterial growth. However, it can absorb contaminants from its container and environment. Store distilled water in a sealed glass or BPA-free plastic container away from direct sunlight and chemical fumes. Over time, distilled water exposed to air will absorb carbon dioxide, forming carbonic acid and dropping pH to approximately 5.8-6.5. This is not dangerous but affects taste. For best quality, consume opened distilled water within 6-12 months and discard if you notice cloudiness, particles, or off-odors.
Is distilled water good for weight loss?
There is no scientific evidence that distilled water promotes weight loss beyond the general benefits of adequate hydration. Drinking water before meals can increase satiety and reduce caloric intake - but this applies equally to tap water, mineral water, and distilled water. Some detox and wellness communities promote distilled water for "cleansing," but these claims are not supported by peer-reviewed research. For weight management, total caloric intake, macronutrient balance, physical activity, and sleep quality are the factors that matter.
Can I use distilled water for baby formula?
The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics state that tap water is generally safe for formula preparation if it meets EPA standards and is not high in nitrates or lead. Distilled water is also safe for mixing formula because infant formula contains the required minerals and electrolytes. However, distilled water should not be given as a plain beverage to infants under 6 months - babies this age should consume only breast milk or formula. After 6 months, small amounts of water are acceptable, but breast milk or formula should remain the primary hydration source until 12 months. Many parents use "nursery water" (purified water with added minerals) for formula as a middle ground.
What is the healthiest water to drink?
There is no single "healthiest" water for everyone. The best water is water you will drink consistently and that is free from harmful contaminants. For most healthy adults, filtered tap water (using NSF-certified carbon or RO filtration) provides excellent safety at low cost. Mineral water offers natural calcium and magnesium that support cardiovascular and bone health. Spring water provides a balanced mineral profile from protected sources. Distilled water is the purest option and is perfectly safe, though remineralization is advisable for exclusive long-term consumption. The key is avoiding contaminated water - beyond that, personal preference, cost, and convenience are the deciding factors.