Is Distilled Water Safe to Drink?

Distilled water basically refers to any water that has undergone purification using the process of distillation, where water is heated to the boiling point and the water vapor (steam) that forms is collected. Any contaminants, such as chemicals and metals, that may be present in the water remain behind. As a result, the water vapor collected is much purer than the original water.

Is Distilled Water Safe to Drink?

Yes, distilled water from a reliable source is generally safe to drink. Because the distillation process removes most contaminants, it can effectively reduce many impurities commonly found in untreated water.

However, most health practitioners recommend consuming distilled water only for shorter periods of time due to its lack of naturally occurring minerals. Unlike spring or mineral water, distilled water contains virtually no calcium, magnesium, or other trace minerals that contribute to overall mineral intake.

It’s also important to understand that the safety of distilled water depends largely on the quality of the source water being treated. While distillation removes many contaminants, starting with heavily polluted or industrially contaminated non-potable water can still result in residual pollutants if the process is not properly controlled.

If you're interested in a deeper explanation of how distilled water is produced, what it removes, you can read our detailed guide on distilled water.

The Major Drawback: Loss of Beneficial Minerals

Distillation removes not only contaminants, but also naturally occurring minerals such as:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Trace minerals

These minerals are unstable during boiling and are separated from the water during distillation.

While the original water quality may improve in purity, the resulting water contains virtually no beneficial minerals. Unlike spring or mineral water, distilled water does not contribute to your daily mineral intake.

Let’s explore why that matters.

Effect on Taste

Because the vitamins and minerals have been stripped during the distillation process, distilled water tends to have very little taste, or worse still, if sold in plastic bottles, often tastes like plastic. This is because minerals normally present in drinking water help keep the water tasting fresh.

Furthermore, it may absorb harmful chemicals used to manufacture plastic, such as BPA, an endocrine disrupter associated with neurological disorders, infertility, blood disorders, and cancer, to name a few. Some distilled water producers package their products in glass containers to avoid this.

Mineral & Electrolyte Balance in the Body

When you perspire or perform daily activities, your body loses minerals and electrolytes. Drinking water typically helps replenish hydration — but if the water contains no minerals, it does not help restore electrolyte balance.

Electrolytes move from areas of higher concentration (your body) to areas of lower concentration (mineral-free water). Over time, exclusive consumption of demineralized water may contribute to reduced electrolyte levels.

Electrolytes are important for:

• Waste elimination
• Muscle function
• Fluid balance
• Healthy nerve and heart function

Significant mineral or electrolyte imbalances may contribute to fatigue, cramps, headaches, and other health concerns.

Increased Acidity Concerns

Distilled water has a neutral pH of approximately 7.0. However, because it contains no buffering minerals, it can easily absorb carbon dioxide from the air, forming carbonic acid and slightly lowering its pH.

And while mildly acidic water is not immediately dangerous, some experts suggest that consistently consuming acidic water may not be ideal for long-term health.

Distilled water’s lack of buffering capacity is one reason mineral-rich water is often considered more stable.

Impact on Blood & Tissue pH

Healthy blood pH must remain between 7.35 and 7.45. The body tightly regulates this balance.

While drinking distilled water alone does not automatically cause acidosis, long-term mineral deficiency combined with other dietary factors may contribute to imbalances over time.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drinking water that has been demineralized through distillation, reverse osmosis, nano-filtration, desalination, or deionization may present similar concerns unless it is remineralized before consumption.

A Better Alternative: Filtration Without Stripping Minerals

Distillation is a simple and effective way to remove many contaminants. For short-term or emergency use, distilled water is generally considered safe. However, long-term exclusive consumption is often discouraged due to the absence of beneficial minerals and electrolytes that support overall health.

The most effective approach to water purification is removing harmful contaminants while preserving beneficial minerals.

High-quality gravity-fed filtration systems, such as those in the Berkey water filter range, are designed to:

• Reduce a wide range of harmful contaminants
• Improve taste and clarity
• Retain naturally occurring beneficial minerals

This allows you to enjoy clean, great-tasting water without sacrificing the mineral content your body needs.

If you would like to see a full comparison, including contaminant removal, mineral retention, practicality, and long-term health considerations, the Berkey water filters vs distilled water comparison guide will help you decide which solution best fits your needs.