Every day, you consume water from foods, beverages like coffee, and pure water itself. With so many water options at the store and even coming from your tap, it's natural to wonder which type is truly best for your health.
The good news is that most drinking water in the United States is safe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates tap water, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees bottled water safety. But there are still differences worth understanding.
Let's explore the various types of drinking water, their benefits and drawbacks, and help you understand what is the healthiest water to drink and make the best choice for your health, wallet, and the environment.
1. Is Purified Water Good to Drink?
Purified water has been treated to remove impurities and contaminants. It's water that's gone through processes like:
- Carbon filtration (removes chlorine and improves taste)
- Reverse osmosis (forces water through a membrane that blocks contaminants)
- Distillation (water is boiled and the steam is collected)
Is purified water healthy?
Yes, it's safe and clean. The purification removes harmful substances, though it may also remove beneficial minerals. Most bottled water you buy is some form of purified water, and many home filtration systems produce it too.
If you're concerned about contaminants in your water supply, purified water is a reliable option, though often more expensive than tap water.
2. Can You Drink Spring Water?
Spring water comes from underground sources where water naturally rises to the surface. According to FDA regulations, it must be collected at the spring or through a borehole tapping the underground source.
Spring water naturally contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can be beneficial for health. However, not all "spring water" is equal.
2.1 Dangers of Drinking Spring Water
While commercial spring water is regulated and safe, there are some concerns to consider:
- Untested natural springs may contain harmful bacteria, parasites, or other contaminants
- Some bottled "spring water" might actually be processed municipal water
- Spring water typically costs more than tap water
- Bottled spring water creates plastic waste
If you collect water from natural springs yourself, have it tested before drinking. The natural setting doesn't guarantee safety.
3. Can You Drink Distilled Water?
Distilled water has been vaporized and recondensed. Water distillation leaves virtually all impurities behind. Thus it contains almost no minerals or contaminants.
Yes, distilled water is safe to drink, but there are a few considerations:
- It lacks minerals found in other water types
- Many people find it tastes flat or bland
- It's very pure, which makes it useful for medical equipment and CPAP machines
Some people worry that distilled water might "leach" minerals from your body, but there's little evidence this happens to any significant degree if you eat a normal diet.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), drinking water could contribute a substantial proportion of the daily chromium intake. Thus it's advisable that to add mineral when drinking distilled water.
3.1 Is Distilled Water Good for Babies?
Distilled water is often recommended for mixing with baby formula, especially for newborns. Formula already contains the necessary minerals, so the purity of distilled water is beneficial.
For babies drinking water on its own, consult your pediatrician about the best option based on your local water quality.
3.2 Can Dogs Drink Distilled Water?
Dogs can safely drink distilled water, but it shouldn't be their only water source. Veterinarians typically recommend regular filtered tap water because:
- The minerals in regular water benefit dogs too
- Dogs generally need the same water quality as humans
- There's no special benefit to giving dogs distilled water
Unless your vet recommends otherwise, your dog can drink the same water you do.
4. Is Filtered Water the Same as Distilled Water?
No. These are different processes with different results:
- Filtered water passes through materials that trap contaminants
- Distilled water is boiled and recondensed
- Most filters leave beneficial minerals in the water
- Distilled water contains almost no minerals
Home water filters (like Brita or PUR) typically use carbon filtration, which removes some contaminants while leaving minerals intact. This makes filtered water different from distilled water.
5. Can You Drink RO Water?
RO (reverse osmosis) water is created by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane that blocks contaminants. Yes, it's safe and healthy to drink.
Reverse osmosis is very effective at removing:
- Lead and other heavy metals
- Sodium
- Chlorine
- Most bacteria and viruses
- Many chemical contaminants
The downside is that RO also removes beneficial minerals. Some RO systems now include remineralization stages that add healthy minerals back to the water.
6. Is Deionized Water Safe to Drink?
Deionized water has had almost all mineral ions removed. While not toxic, it's not recommended for regular drinking because:
- It lacks beneficial minerals
- It often has a bitter taste
- It's primarily designed for laboratory and industrial uses
For everyday drinking, other water types provide better taste and potential health benefits.
7. Can You Drink Sterile Water?
Sterile water is purified and packaged in a way that keeps it free from all microorganisms. It's mainly used in medical settings.
Sterile water that's labeled for medical use isn't meant for drinking. For clean drinking water, choose filtered tap water, bottled water, or other water types intended for consumption.
8. Does pH Matter in Drinking Water?
The pH level indicates how acidic or alkaline your water is. A pH of 7 is neutral, lower is more acidic, and higher is more alkaline.
Most drinking water has a neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Some waters, like distilled water, are slightly more acidic. Others, like alkaline water products, are more alkaline.
Despite marketing claims, the pH of your drinking water doesn't significantly impact your health. Your body maintains tight control of its blood pH regardless of what you drink. There's little scientific evidence that alkaline water provides special health benefits.
Sometimes, an abnormal pH level in your water can indicate contamination. If your water company detects this, they should notify you and conduct further testing.
9. Does Mineral Content Matter in Drinking Water?
Water naturally contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can impact your health. According to NIH research, these minerals may actually benefit your body in important ways.
Studies show that water containing calcium (30-130 mg/L) and magnesium (10-50 mg/L) may reduce heart disease deaths by 10-15% compared to water without minerals. Your body can absorb these minerals from water very efficiently.
Water with high mineral content is called "hard water." While safe to drink, hard water causes:
- White deposits on faucets
- Soap that doesn't lather well
- Spots on dishes
- Different taste
Many people use water softeners to fix these household problems. Softeners remove minerals and replace them with sodium. This helps around the house but takes away the potential health benefits of minerals and adds sodium, which some people need to limit.
For most people, moderate mineral content provides both good taste and health benefits. If you're concerned, you can get your water tested to learn exactly what minerals it contains. This way you can make the best choice for both your home and your health.
10. Waters That You Should Avoid For Your Health
Some water sources are not safe for drinking:
- Untreated water from lakes, rivers, or streams may contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants
- Ocean water is too salty and can cause dehydration
- Water from areas with known contamination issues
Be cautious of flavored waters and "water beverages" too.
Products like tonic water or vitamin waters often contain added sugars—up to 32 grams (8 teaspoons) in a 12-ounce can. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting added sugars to 50 grams daily.
11. What Is the Healthiest Water to Drink?
For most people in the United States, plain tap water is the healthiest choice. It's:
- Safe and regulated
- Inexpensive
- Environmentally friendly (no plastic waste)
- Convenient
If your tap water has taste issues or you're concerned about specific contaminants, a simple water filter can help. Carbon filters like Brita or PUR remove chlorine and improve taste while leaving beneficial minerals.
If your tap water is discolored, has a bad smell, or you've been notified of contamination, you may need an alternative. I once lived in a town with brown tap water due to high mineral content. Although we were told it was safe, we used bottled water for drinking and cooking because the smell and appearance were so unappetizing.
For those seeking maximum purity, water distillers offer an excellent solution for home use. These systems work by heating water until it becomes steam, leaving contaminants behind, then cooling the steam back into pure water.
This process removes virtually all impurities, including chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, and other potential health concerns.
One advantage of distilled water is the control it gives you. You can drink it in its pure form or add specific mineral drops to create the exact mineral profile you prefer.
Distillers also tend to be economical over time since they don't require frequent filter replacements like many other systems, and they work regardless of your home's water pressure.
The Bottom Line on Healthy Water
The healthiest water for most people is the water they'll actually drink enough of. Staying properly hydrated matters more than minor differences between water types.
For most Americans, filtered tap water hits the sweet spot between safety, cost, convenience, and environmental impact. It removes potential contaminants while maintaining beneficial minerals and avoiding plastic waste.
If you do need bottled water, look for options with less environmental impact, like larger refillable jugs or delivery services with reusable containers.
Remember that unlike many parts of the world where access to clean water is limited, most Americans are fortunate to have safe drinking water right from the tap. The EPA and FDA regulations help ensure that virtually all water sold or provided through municipal systems in the U.S. is safe to drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink spring water from natural sources?
Natural springs may contain harmful bacteria or contaminants. Always test water from natural sources before drinking. Commercial spring water is regulated and tested for safety.
Is filtered water the same as distilled water?
No. Filtered water passes through materials that trap contaminants but usually retains minerals. Distilled water is boiled and recondensed, removing almost everything, including minerals.
Can you drink deionized water?
While not toxic, deionized water isn't recommended for regular drinking. It lacks minerals and is primarily designed for laboratory and industrial uses.
Can you drink RO water daily?
Yes, RO water is safe for daily consumption. Consider adding mineral drops or choosing a system with remineralization if mineral intake is a concern.
Can you drink distilled water long-term?
Distilled water is safe for long-term consumption, especially if you eat a balanced diet that provides necessary minerals. Some people add mineral drops to improve taste and nutrition.
Is purified water good for daily drinking?
Yes, purified water is excellent for daily consumption. It's free from harmful contaminants and generally safe and healthy.
Can dogs drink distilled water?
Yes, dogs can safely drink distilled water, but filtered tap water is usually recommended as their primary water source since it contains beneficial minerals.
Is distilled water good for babies?
Distilled water is often recommended for mixing with baby formula because of its purity. For babies drinking water by itself, consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
