What is the difference between drinking water and distilled water?

Can we make our own distilled water?

I assume you are NOT talking about bottled water. Drinking water (what I call tap water) contains minerals that have not been removed. The specific kinds of minerals depends upon where the water has been before it is consumed; i.e., rain water falls to the ground, percolates through layers of soil and picks up different minerals as it does so. Most cities treat water before it is put into the pipes that serve the city. Many add chemicals to it before it leaves the treatment plant. For example, many cities add fluoride, if the water coming into the plant doesn't contain fluoride, to help prevent tooth decay. Distilled water, on the other hand has been boiled and the vapor has been condensed. The minerals stay behind in the distilling pot.

Drinking water and distilled water differ in terms of their purification processes and mineral content. Drinking water typically goes through a filtration process to remove impurities like sediment, bacteria, and chemicals. However, it may still contain certain minerals and dissolved substances.

Distilled water, on the other hand, goes through a process called distillation. In this process, water is boiled, and the resulting steam is collected and condensed back into a liquid form. This process removes almost all impurities, including minerals, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, leaving behind pure water.

As for making your own distilled water, yes, it is possible to do so. Here's a simple method:

1. Start with a clean pot or kettle and fill it with tap water, leaving some space at the top.

2. Place a heat-resistant bowl or cup inside the pot, making sure it floats on the water without touching the bottom.

3. Cover the pot with a lid turned upside down to act as a condenser. Make sure the lid's handle is positioned over the bowl or cup in the pot.

4. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

5. As the water boils, the steam rises and hits the cold lid, condensing into droplets and dripping down into the cup or bowl.

6. Continue simmering for around 20-30 minutes or until you have collected a sufficient amount of distilled water.

It's important to note that this homemade distillation method may not yield the same level of purity as commercially produced distilled water. Also, be cautious of the heating element, as boiling water can be a safety hazard.