Is Distilled Water Safe to Drink Every Day?
The Short Answer: Yes, Distilled Water Is Safe for Daily Drinking
Distilled water is completely safe to drink every day. It is simply water that has been purified through distillation — a process that boils water into steam and then condenses it back into liquid, removing virtually all dissolved solids, chemicals, heavy metals, and contaminants. The result is pure H₂O with 0–5 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids (TDS).
At Puretap Water Distillers in Ontario, we have been producing and delivering distilled water for over 40 years, and thousands of families across the GTA, Toronto, and Mississauga rely on distilled water as their primary drinking water every day.
What Does Science Say About Drinking Distilled Water?
Health organizations around the world confirm that distilled water is safe for human consumption. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the mineral content of drinking water is not a significant source of daily nutrient intake. Studies consistently show that the vast majority of essential minerals — over 99% — come from the food we eat, not from the water we drink.
The concern that distilled water “leaches minerals from your body” is a common myth that has been debunked by nutritional science. When you drink distilled water, it is absorbed into your bloodstream and used by your cells just like any other water. Your body regulates mineral balance through your diet, not through the mineral content of your water.
Benefits of Drinking Distilled Water Daily
There are several compelling reasons why people choose distilled water as their everyday drinking water.
Free of contaminants: Distilled water contains no chlorine, fluoride, lead, mercury, PFAS (forever chemicals), microplastics, or pharmaceutical residues that can be found in tap water. A 2023 U.S. Geological Survey study found PFAS in 45% of U.S. tap water samples, and Canadian municipal water faces similar challenges.
Consistent purity: Unlike tap, spring, or reverse osmosis water, distilled water delivers the same level of purity every time — 0 to 5 ppm TDS. There is no variation based on season, filter condition, or source.
Better taste: Many people prefer the clean, neutral taste of distilled water. Without chlorine or mineral flavors, distilled water lets coffee, tea, and cooking ingredients shine.
Ideal for sensitive health needs: Distilled water is recommended for use in CPAP machines, baby formula preparation, medical sterilizers, and for people with compromised immune systems.
No scale or buildup: Appliances last longer with distilled water because there are no dissolved minerals to form scale deposits in kettles, humidifiers, and steam irons.
The “Missing Minerals” Myth — Debunked
One of the most common concerns people raise about distilled water is the idea that it lacks essential minerals. Here is why this concern is not supported by science.
Tap water typically contains trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, but these amounts are nutritionally insignificant compared to what you get from food. For example, a single glass of milk provides more calcium than 20 liters of mineral-rich tap water. A handful of almonds contains more magnesium than most people drink in water all week.
Your body is designed to get minerals from food — fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and proteins. Water has never been and should never be relied upon as a primary mineral source.
Who Drinks Distilled Water Every Day?
Distilled water is trusted daily by a wide range of people and industries. Families across Ontario who want the cleanest water for cooking, drinking, and baby formula use distilled water from Puretap. Medical and dental offices use distilled water in autoclaves and sterilization equipment. Laboratories rely on distilled water for accurate testing. Businesses and offices use distilled water coolers for their staff. People with CPAP machines use distilled water nightly as recommended by manufacturers.
How Puretap Distilled Water Is Made
At Puretap, our distillation process involves four key steps. First, raw source water is heated to boiling, which turns it into steam and separates it from dissolved solids, heavy metals, chemicals, and contaminants. Second, the pure steam is cooled and condensed back into liquid water in a sterile environment. Third, every batch is tested to verify 0–5 ppm TDS. Finally, the water is stored in sterile stainless-steel tanks and sealed in BPA-free bottles for delivery across Ontario.
This process has remained the gold standard for water purification for centuries, and it is the same method used in pharmaceutical manufacturing and hospital settings.
Distilled vs. Other Water Types for Daily Drinking
When choosing water for everyday consumption, it helps to understand how distilled water compares to other options.
Tap water in the GTA typically measures 180–320 ppm TDS and may contain chlorine, fluoride, and trace amounts of PFAS or heavy metals from aging infrastructure. Spring water varies between 80–250 ppm TDS depending on season and source, with occasional microbial or organic content. Reverse osmosis water ranges from 10–30 ppm TDS but depends on filter maintenance and can harbor bacteria in holding tanks. Distilled water from Puretap consistently measures 0–5 ppm TDS with no chemicals, bacteria, or contaminants detected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink distilled water every day long-term?
Yes. There is no scientific evidence that drinking distilled water daily causes any health problems. Millions of people around the world drink distilled water as their primary water source. Your body gets its essential minerals from food, not water.
Does distilled water dehydrate you?
No. Distilled water hydrates you exactly the same as any other water. It is pure H₂O and is absorbed and used by your body normally.
Is distilled water safe for babies and children?
Yes. Many pediatricians recommend distilled water for mixing baby formula because it is free of contaminants that could affect infant health. It is equally safe for children of all ages.
Can I use distilled water for cooking?
Absolutely. Distilled water is excellent for cooking because it does not add any unwanted flavors or chemicals to your food. Many professional chefs prefer distilled water for this reason.
Where can I get distilled water delivered in Ontario?
Puretap Water Distillers delivers distilled water across the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Hamilton, and throughout Ontario. Visit puretap.ca to place an order or call us for same-week delivery.
How is distilled water different from purified or filtered water?
Distilled water goes through a complete phase change — liquid to steam to liquid — which removes virtually everything except pure water. Filtered and purified water use physical or chemical barriers that can miss dissolved chemicals and degrade over time. Distillation is the most thorough purification method available.
