What is Distilled Water? Everything You Need to Know
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated December 10, 2024
Water is a vital part of our everyday life, but not all water is created equal. In Singapore, where water quality is of utmost importance, many people are
becoming increasingly aware of the different types of water available, including distilled water. But what exactly is distilled water, and how does it
differ from other types of water, such as tap or purified water?
In this blog, we’ll explore what distilled water is, its benefits, how it’s made, and why it’s becoming increasingly popular in Singapore. We’ll also look
at how it compares with other water types and why it’s important for health and wellness.
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is purified water that has undergone a special filtration process called distillation. This process involves boiling water to produce steam,
which is then condensed back into water, leaving impurities such as minerals, bacteria, and chemicals behind. The result is pure water that is free from
contaminants, including harmful substances that may be present in tap water.
Click here to learn more about
Can You Drink Tap Water in Singapore?
How Is Distilled Water Made?
The process of distillation is relatively simple but highly effective at removing contaminants. Here’s how it works:
Boiling
The water is first boiled at a high temperature. As it heats up, the water turns into steam, leaving behind solid particles like minerals, salts, and other
contaminants.
Condensation
The steam rises into a cooling system where it is condensed back into liquid form.
Collection
The pure water, now free of most impurities, is collected into a separate container, leaving behind the contaminants that couldn’t vaporize.
This process ensures that the water is stripped of dissolved solids and other impurities, resulting in ultra-pure water.
Why Choose Distilled Water?
There are several reasons why people in Singapore and around the world choose distilled water over other types of water. Some of the key benefits include:
Purity
Distilled water is considered one of the purest forms of water, as the distillation process removes nearly all impurities, including salts, minerals, and
harmful microorganisms.
No Chemical Additives
Unlike some municipal water supplies, distilled water doesn’t contain chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, or chloramine, which are often used to disinfect
water. This makes it a preferred choice for people looking to avoid these substances.
Neutral pH
Distilled water has a neutral pH , which makes it ideal for
medical applications, laboratories, and even certain industrial processes that require high levels of purity.
Benefits of Distilled Water in Singapore
While tap water in Singapore is treated and safe to drink, distilled water offers additional benefits, especially for certain uses. Here are some advantages
of using distilled water:
Perfect for Sensitive Skin
In a country like Singapore, with its tropical climate and humidity, skin problems such as rashes or acne can be aggravated by the impurities found in
regular tap water. Distilled water, being free from minerals and chemicals, is gentler on the skin and is often used in skincare routines to avoid
irritation or allergic reactions.
Better for Appliances
In Singapore, many households use appliances like humidifiers, irons, and CPAP machines that require water. Tap water can leave mineral deposits in these
appliances, leading to scaling or clogging. Distilled water, being free of minerals, ensures that these appliances function efficiently and last longer.
Great for Cooking and Beverages
For those who enjoy brewing tea or coffee, using distilled water can improve the taste of your beverages. The absence of minerals like calcium and magnesium
allows the flavors to shine through without any interference. Likewise, when cooking, distilled water can prevent mineral build-up in cooking equipment and
provide a purer taste in dishes that require water as an ingredient.
Medical and Laboratory Uses
Distilled water is widely used in medical settings and laboratories in Singapore, where purity is crucial. It is often used in
intravenous (IV) solutions , dialysis treatments,
and in laboratory experiments where water must not introduce any contaminants that could interfere with results or processes.
Distilled Water vs. Other Types of Water
In Singapore, there are several types of drinking water available, each with its own characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at how distilled water
compares to other popular types of water, such as tap water, purified water, and mineral water.
Distilled Water vs. Tap Water
Tap water in Singapore is treated and regulated to ensure it meets safety standards. However, it may still contain trace amounts of impurities like
chlorine, fluoride, and dissolved minerals. While it’s generally safe to drink, some people may prefer distilled water for its purity, especially if they
are concerned about these additional chemicals or if they have sensitive skin or health issues.
Distilled water, on the other hand, undergoes a process that removes nearly all dissolved solids, minerals, and contaminants. This makes it purer than tap
water but may also result in a less desirable taste due to
Distilled Water vs. Purified Water
Purified water is water that has been filtered to remove impurities, usually using methods like reverse osmosis, deionization, or carbon filtration. Like
distilled water, purified water is free from contaminants, but it may still contain some minerals depending on the filtration method used.
Distilled water is a subset of purified water but goes a step further by removing even the smallest contaminants and dissolved solids through the
distillation process. Therefore, distilled water is considered the purest form of purified water, but it may also taste flat due to the absence of minerals
that are present in purified water.
If you are looking for a water filter for purified water,
Waterdrop Electric Water Filter Pitcher
can be your best choice.
Distilled Water vs. Mineral Water
Mineral water contains natural minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, that are sourced from underground aquifers. These minerals are
beneficial to health and contribute to the taste of the water. However, in Singapore, where water treatment standards are high, the presence of such
minerals in mineral water may be lower than in natural sources.
Distilled water lacks these minerals, making it pure but also flat in taste. While mineral water provides essential minerals, distilled water is preferred
for uses requiring absolute purity, such as in medical or industrial applications.
How to Get Distilled Water in Singapore
If you’re considering using distilled water in Singapore, there are several ways to acquire it:
Buy Bottled Distilled Water
Many grocery stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies in Singapore sell bottled distilled water. This is a convenient option if you only need distilled water
occasionally, for example, for use in appliances or for medical purposes.
Home Distillation Systems
For those who want a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, investing in a home distillation system might be a good idea. These systems are designed
to distill tap water at home, providing you with a continuous supply of distilled water. These systems are popular for households that need distilled water
regularly for skincare, cooking, or medical purposes.
Water Delivery Services
Some water delivery services in Singapore offer distilled water as part of their range of bottled water options. This can be an ideal solution for
businesses or households that require large quantities of distilled water.
Conclusion
Distilled water offers an extra level of purity that makes it ideal for sensitive applications, such as skincare, medical use, and certain appliances. While
tap water in Singapore is already treated and safe, distilled water is perfect for those who want to avoid chemicals and minerals in their water. Whether
for personal use, cooking, or industrial purposes, distilled water is a versatile and essential resource for Singaporeans.
If you’re looking to enjoy the purest water possible, distilled water can be an excellent choice for your health, appliances, and lifestyle. With a variety
of ways to obtain it in Singapore, it’s easier than ever to incorporate distilled water into your daily routine.
Contaminants Detected in Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES
30 Total Contaminants in Your Water
Water Provider
Fruitland Water Special Service DistrictPopulation Affected
120,000Water Source
Ground waterExceeds Guidelines
Others Detected