Distilled water is the purest form of water you can put in a bottle. It is steam-distilled to remove almost everything except the water itself — minerals, salts, chlorine, and contaminants are all left behind. This guide explains what distilled water is, how it is made, whether it is safe to drink, and every practical way people across the Greater Toronto Area use it at home and at work. Puretap has been distilling water in Mississauga since 1986, so much of what follows comes from four decades of supplying GTA households, clinics, and businesses.
What is distilled water?
Distilled water is water that has been boiled into steam and then condensed back into liquid. Because only the water turns to vapour, the dissolved minerals, metals, and impurities are left behind in the boiling chamber. The result is water with a purity of roughly 0 to 5 parts per million (PPM) of total dissolved solids, compared with 150 to 500 PPM in typical GTA tap water.
In plain terms: distilled water is as close to pure H2O as a household product gets. It contains no calcium, no magnesium, no chlorine, no fluoride, and no sediment. That purity is exactly why it is the recommended water for equipment and applications where minerals cause damage or interference.
How is distilled water made?
Distillation copies the natural water cycle. Water is heated until it becomes steam; the steam rises, leaving heavier contaminants behind; then the steam is cooled in a condenser and collected as pure liquid water. The process has three stages:
- Evaporation. Source water is boiled in a stainless-steel chamber. Minerals, salts, and most contaminants have higher boiling points than water, so they stay behind.
- Condensation. The pure steam travels into a cooling coil where it condenses back into water.
- Collection. The condensed water is collected, quality-checked, and bottled.
At Puretap, every production run of distilled water is tested by an independent third-party laboratory before it goes out for delivery. You can review the most recent lab analysis on our website at any time.
Distilled water versus other types of water
The water aisle is full of overlapping names. Here is how distilled water compares with the other common options:
- Distilled water — boiled to steam and recondensed. Near-zero minerals (0 to 5 PPM). Best for appliances, medical equipment, and any task where minerals cause problems.
- Spring water — sourced from a natural spring and filtered. Retains natural minerals. Pleasant to drink, but not mineral-free.
- Deionized (DI) water — passed through ion-exchange resins to strip charged minerals. Very pure, used in labs and industry.
- Reverse osmosis (RO) water — forced through a fine membrane. Very low minerals, but typically not as consistently pure as distillation.
- Tap water — treated municipal water. Safe to drink in the GTA, but contains chlorine, minerals, and varying hardness that can damage equipment over time.
For a deeper side-by-side breakdown, read our companion guide on distilled versus spring versus RO versus tap water. If you are leaning toward spring water, see our complete guide to spring water.
Is distilled water safe to drink?
Yes. Distilled water is safe to drink, and many people prefer its clean, neutral taste. The common concern is that it contains no minerals — but the minerals in drinking water make only a small contribution to daily nutrition compared with food. For people who want the cleanest possible water for drinking, cooking, and making coffee or tea, distilled water is an excellent choice. We cover this question in detail in our article on whether distilled water is safe to drink every day.
Every way to use distilled water
Because distilled water leaves no mineral residue and carries no contaminants, it protects equipment and improves results across dozens of applications. The most common uses among our GTA customers include:
Health and medical
- CPAP machines. Distilled water is the water CPAP manufacturers recommend for the humidifier chamber. It prevents mineral scale from building up inside the machine and keeps the air you breathe clean.
- Autoclaves and dental units. Clinics use distilled water in sterilizers and dental equipment to prevent scale and meet hygiene standards.
- Neti pots and nasal rinses. Distilled water removes the risk of waterborne organisms found in untreated tap water.
- Dialysis and laboratory work. Medical labs and dialysis centres rely on mineral-free water for accuracy and safety.
Home appliances
- Humidifiers. Distilled water stops the white mineral dust that tap water leaves on furniture and prevents scale inside the unit.
- Steam irons. Mineral-free water keeps the steam vents clear and prevents spitting and staining on fabric.
- Kettles and coffee machines. Distilled water eliminates limescale, the chalky buildup that hard GTA water leaves inside kettles and espresso machines.
- Aquariums. Hobbyists use distilled water as a clean base to control exactly which minerals their fish and plants receive.
Automotive and industrial
- Car batteries and cooling systems. Distilled water is the correct top-up water for lead-acid batteries and radiators, because minerals in tap water corrode and clog these systems.
- Manufacturing and labs. Many production and testing processes require mineral-free water for consistency.
Everyday life
- Drinking and cooking. A clean, neutral base for drinking water, soups, sauces, and baby-feeding preparation (always follow your paediatrician’s guidance).
- Houseplants. Sensitive plants such as orchids and carnivorous species do better without the minerals and chlorine in tap water.
How to store distilled water
Distilled water keeps indefinitely when stored correctly. Keep it in a sealed, food-grade container away from direct sunlight and strong odours. Once opened, treat it like any drinking water and use it within a reasonable time. Puretap bottles are returnable, refillable, and recyclable, so empties can be swapped on your next delivery.
Where to get distilled water in the GTA
You can buy distilled water by the bottle at many stores, but the most reliable and cost-effective option for regular users is scheduled delivery. Puretap distils water at our own facility at 950 Verbena Road in Mississauga and delivers across the Greater Toronto Area — including Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Toronto, Vaughan, and more.
Our distilled water comes in several formats to suit different needs:
- 18L (5-gallon) bottles — the classic water-cooler size, ideal for households and offices.
- 4L cases — easy-to-handle bottles, popular for CPAP users, humidifiers, and steam irons.
- Bulk and deionized formats — for clinics, labs, and industrial customers.
Browse the full range in the distilled water shop, or set up a subscription so you never run out. Setting up a cooler? See our guide to water coolers and dispensers.
Why choose locally distilled water
Most bottled water on GTA shelves is filled in plants hundreds of kilometres away, often by national chains using contract bottlers. Puretap is different. Our distilled water is produced inside our own Mississauga clean room, lab-tested every batch, and delivered on routes our own drivers know by heart. There are no contracts, no cancellation fees, and no surprises. When you order from Puretap, you support a local family business that has been distilling water in the GTA since 1986.
Frequently asked questions about distilled water
Is distilled water the same as purified water?
Not exactly. “Purified water” is a broad label that can mean distilled, deionized, or reverse-osmosis water. Distilled water is one specific type of purified water, made by boiling water into steam and condensing it back to liquid. It is among the purest options available.
Can you drink distilled water every day?
Yes. Distilled water is safe for daily drinking. Because it contains no minerals, the small mineral contribution that water normally makes to your diet comes from food instead. Many people choose distilled water specifically for its clean, neutral taste.
Why do CPAP machines need distilled water?
CPAP humidifiers heat water to add moisture to the air you breathe. Tap water leaves mineral scale inside the chamber and machine, which shortens its life and can affect air quality. Distilled water is mineral-free, so it keeps the machine clean and is the water most CPAP manufacturers recommend.
Does distilled water go bad?
Distilled water does not spoil if stored sealed and away from light and contamination. For drinking, use opened water within a reasonable time and keep the container clean.
Where can I get distilled water delivered in the GTA?
Puretap delivers distilled water across the Greater Toronto Area from our Mississauga facility, with formats from 4L cases to 18L cooler bottles and bulk drums. You can order online or call 905-670-7400 to set up delivery on a schedule that fits your home or business.
Ready to switch to lab-tested distilled water?
Puretap delivers clean, lab-tested distilled water across the GTA — no contracts, no missed deliveries. Order online or call 905-670-7400 to talk to a real person and get on the next delivery route. Have questions first? Contact the Puretap team and we will help you choose the right water for your needs.