With a water distiller, you get almost unlimited distilled water. But are there any limits to what you can do with that distilled water?
Distilled water often comes up in conversations about “pure” water, and it naturally raises a simple question: is it actually safe to drink? Yes, you can drink distilled water safely. It is essentially water that has been boiled into steam and then condensed back into liquid, leaving behind minerals, contaminants, and most impurities. What makes it safe is also what makes it different: it is extremely pure.
However, that purity comes with trade-offs. Distilled water contains no naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, or potassium. So, the question is not actually whether it is safe to drink (it is); it is about whether you can keep drinking distilled water in the long term and what you may be missing out on if you carry on drinking exclusively distilled water.
So, the question of whether you can drink distilled water is nuanced and worth taking a deeper look at.
Distilled Water: Is it Safe to Drink?
Distilled water is safe to drink. The process of water distillation is extremely effective at eliminating contaminants and minerals (like fluoride, microplastics, etc) and the water that is left (distilled water) is safe to drink.
It is completely free of bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, and microplastics, and will not cause any harm. For most people, distilled water is perfectly fine to drink, especially when used intentionally.
Benefits of Drinking Distilled Water
- It is extremely clean and contaminant-free: Because the distillation process removes impurities, distilled water is free from heavy metals, chlorine and chloramines, bacteria and viruses, pesticides, and chemical residues. This makes it one of the cleanest water options available.
- It contains no minerals that can cause buildup: Since it contains no dissolved minerals, distilled water does not contribute to scale buildup in appliances or plumbing systems. This is what makes it best for humidifiers, CPAP machines, steam irons, and medical or laboratory equipment. It helps extend the life of devices that are sensitive to mineral deposits.
- It has a neutral composition for sensitive uses: Distilled water has a very “neutral” profile, which makes it useful in situations where minerals might interfere. It is best for mixing baby formula (in some cases), medical applications, and sensitive recipes or laboratory work.
- Useful for detox or short-term clean diets: Distilled water is perfect if you are going through a short detox routine or structured diet where you want to eliminate all external mineral intake from water.
Drinking Distilled Water Long-Term: Common Risks and Concerns
However, distilled water is not ideal as a long-term source of water for the average person. For short-term or occasional use, you can drink distilled water with no consequences, but some of the elements (calcium, magnesium, and sodium) stripped away during the process of distillation are needed in the human system.
- It is also important to understand that distilled water tastes different. It tastes incredibly bland or "flat" because it lacks the natural minerals that give water its flavor.
These important minerals are not “essential” from water alone (most come from food), but their absence changes how the water tastes and how it interacts with your body over time. So, if your diet lacks these and you rely on water for their supply, you could experience deficiencies after switching long-term to distilled water.
Who Should Drink Distilled Water?
Distilled water is not a healthy long-term option for the average person, but it is actually the better, or in some cases, the ideal option for many groups of people, usually for reasons related to sensitivity, lack of better options, and how the water is being used. Here are four groups of people who should be drinking distilled water.
1. People with Highly Sensitive Diets or Health Protocols
Some people follow strict dietary or wellness routines where controlling every intake source matters. Distilled water, in this case, is ideal because there is no uncertainty from water intake, it ensures zero added minerals or contaminants, and provides consistency in quality.
2. People Living in Areas with Poor Water Quality
Distilled water is always 100% better than dirty water. If tap water around the area you live in contains high mineral content (hard water), heavy metal concerns, and aging infrastructure risks, distilled water is a safer, more controlled option.
3. People Using Medical Equipment
For people who rely on CPAP machines, respiratory devices, or other sensitive medical equipment, distilled water is ideal, even for long-term use. It best prevents mineral buildup within these devices, protects the equipment, and reduces maintenance issues.
4. People with Temporary Digestive Sensitivity
Some people prefer distilled water during short periods of digestive stress or recovery because it is free from additives and irritants. It has no chlorine or chemical residues, and it is very neutral and simple in composition, making it less likely to cause digestive issues.
Benefits of Owning a Water Distiller (If You Use Distilled Water Often)
If you regularly drink or use distilled water, buying a home water distiller can be far more practical than constantly purchasing bottled distilled water. Having a water distiller at home saves money in the long run, provides you with access to freshly distilled water, and considerably reduces the level of plastic bottle waste where you live. Instead of relying on store availability, you can produce water whenever you need it.
CO-Z Home Water Distillers: Fresh Distilled Water For Every Home
CO-Z‘ s water distillers are one of the most advanced water purification machines. All CO-Z water distillers are fully certified for safety, and they are a cost-effective yet reliable way to distill water at home or in the office.
With tabletop models ranging up to 750W and up to 4L in size, to purify water, CO-Z water distillers filter out impurities and dissolve VOCs at 0.3 gallons per hour to give you easy access to purified water in your kitchen, home office, dental clinic, or lab.
One of our best-selling models, the CO-Z Stainless Steel Water Distiller, can provide 2 ppm water for home and commercial use; the purified water is great for healthy drinking and for use in coffee machines, humidifiers, engine systems, CPAP machines, cooking, aquariums, and more
Final Thoughts on Drinking Distilled Water
Yes, you can drink distilled water, and for many people, it can be a very clean and reliable option. It is especially useful when water quality is uncertain, when equipment protection matters, or when a highly controlled water source is needed.
At the same time, it’s not necessarily required for everyday use for everyone. Most people get all the minerals they need from food, not water. But if distilled water fits your routine, having a home distiller can make the process simple, cost-effective, and consistently available whenever you need it.
You may also be interested in whether it is a good idea to cook with distilled water.
