Distilled water has been used for centuries as a purified form of water. It undergoes a process called distillation, which removes impurities by converting water into steam and then condensing it back into liquid form. While distilled water is often used in mechanical equipment to prevent mineral buildup, its benefits for drinking are still debated. However, if you need distilled water for your plants or car battery, you can make your own with a bit of effort.
To distill water, you must first understand what the process entails. Regular water contains microscopic particles and impurities, which may not be harmful but can create deposits when used in machines. Distillation eliminates these by boiling the water and turning it into steam. The remaining residue in the pot consists of unwanted contaminants. The steam is then passed through a condenser—usually made of copper or glass—where it cools and returns to its liquid state, now free from impurities.
If you want to make distilled water at home, you will need a heat source to boil the water, a way to capture the steam, and a condenser to cool it down into purified liquid. Once collected in a sterile container, the water is considered distilled. For extra purity, the process can be repeated a second time to ensure all remaining particles are removed.
The good news is that unless you enjoy the process of boiling and condensing water, distilled water is readily available for purchase at most supermarkets and pharmacies. It typically costs more than regular drinking water due to the additional processing required. While some bacteria in natural water sources can be beneficial, many people prefer the idea of drinking water that is completely free of contaminants. For those seeking even more advanced water purification, a water ionizer is another great option, as it enhances water quality by filtering out impurities while also adjusting pH levels for optimal hydration.
