Home Blog Home and Wellness What is Distilled Water? Everything You Need to Know

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.
clean boiled water

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.
sensitive skin

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.
a woman holding a glass of water

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.
distilled water

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.

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Contaminants Detected in  Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

30  Total Contaminants in Your Water

Water Provider

Fruitland Water Special Service District

Population Affected

120,000

Water Source

Ground water
Exceeds Guidelines

Others Detected

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