Purified Water vs. Drinking Water: What’s the Real Difference?

The essential distinction between purified water and drinking water, also known as tap water, lies in its source and the level of treatment it undergoes. While both are deemed safe for consumption, purified water has undergone a more rigorous filtration process to remove a wider range of contaminants than standard drinking water.

Understanding the Basics

What is Drinking Water (Tap Water)?

Drinking water, typically sourced from municipal water systems, originates from surface sources like lakes and rivers or underground aquifers. Before reaching consumers, it undergoes treatment to remove common contaminants like sediment, bacteria, and viruses. This treatment generally involves filtration, disinfection (often with chlorine or chloramine), and pH adjustment. The specific regulations and treatment methods vary depending on local and national standards to ensure it meets safety guidelines established by organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What is Purified Water?

Purified water, on the other hand, undergoes a much more extensive purification process than standard drinking water. This process aims to remove almost all contaminants, including chemicals, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and even pharmaceuticals. Common purification methods include:

• Distillation: Boiling water and collecting the steam, leaving contaminants behind.
• Deionization: Using ion exchange resins to remove dissolved salts and minerals.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO): Forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants.
• Carbon Filtration: Using activated carbon to absorb impurities.

Purified water meets stricter standards than drinking water. It is often produced using a combination of these methods to achieve a high level of purity, exceeding the standards set for regular drinking water. It is regularly tested to ensure its purity meets or exceeds regulations.

Delving Deeper: The Treatment Processes

The key difference boils down to the depth and breadth of the treatment. Drinking water focuses on removing common and potentially harmful contaminants to meet basic safety standards. Purified water, in contrast, aims for near-complete removal of all impurities, resulting in water that is essentially H2O.

Drinking Water Treatment

The treatment process for drinking water typically involves these steps:

1. Coagulation and Flocculation: Chemicals are added to cause dirt and other suspended particles to clump together, forming larger, heavier particles called floc.
2. Sedimentation: The floc settles to the bottom of the water supply.
3. Filtration: Water passes through filters, often made of sand, gravel, and charcoal, to remove smaller particles.
4. Disinfection: Chlorine or chloramine is added to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses.
5. pH Adjustment: The pH level is adjusted to optimize disinfection and prevent corrosion of pipes.

Purified Water Treatment

Purified water treatment, using methods like reverse osmosis and distillation, removes practically everything.

1. Pre-filtration: Removes larger particles and sediment to protect the subsequent purification stages.
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO): Forces water through a membrane with tiny pores that block most contaminants, including minerals, chemicals, and microorganisms.
3. Deionization (Optional): Removes any remaining ions, resulting in ultra-pure water.
4. Distillation (Optional): Boils water and collects the steam, leaving almost all impurities behind.
5. UV Disinfection (Optional): Uses ultraviolet light to kill any remaining microorganisms.

FAQs: Unpacking the Nuances

Here are some frequently asked questions that shed more light on the differences and implications of drinking purified versus regular drinking water.

FAQ 1: Is purified water healthier than drinking water?

While both are considered safe, purified water is not necessarily healthier. The trace minerals present in drinking water can contribute to overall health. Some argue that constantly drinking purified water might deplete the body of essential minerals, though the amount gained from water is relatively small compared to food intake.

FAQ 2: Does purified water taste different from drinking water?

Yes, purified water often tastes “flatter” or “cleaner” because it lacks the minerals and chemicals that give drinking water its characteristic taste. Some people prefer the taste of purified water, while others find it less appealing.

FAQ 3: Is bottled water always purified water?

No. Bottled water can be either purified water or spring water (which is considered drinking water but often undergoes some level of filtration). Check the label to determine the source and treatment method used. Some bottled water is simply tap water that has been filtered and bottled.

FAQ 4: Can I make purified water at home?

Yes, you can make purified water at home using a water distiller or a reverse osmosis system. These devices can be purchased online or at home improvement stores. Distillers require electricity to boil water, while RO systems require plumbing connections.

FAQ 5: Is purified water safe for babies?

Yes, purified water is generally considered safe for babies, especially for mixing formula. However, some pediatricians recommend using water with fluoride if your municipal water is not fluoridated, as fluoride is important for dental health.

FAQ 6: Is purified water better for people with compromised immune systems?

In some cases, purified water may be a safer choice for individuals with weakened immune systems, as it has undergone more rigorous treatment to remove potential pathogens. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

FAQ 7: Is it safe to drink distilled water?

Yes, distilled water is safe to drink. However, as with other forms of purified water, it lacks minerals and may taste bland. Prolonged consumption without adequate mineral intake from other sources could potentially be a concern, although this is rare.

FAQ 8: How often should I replace the filters in my home purification system?

The frequency of filter replacement depends on the type of filter and the quality of your water. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended replacement intervals. Regularly replacing filters is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of your purification system.

FAQ 9: Is purified water more expensive than drinking water?

Yes, purified water is generally more expensive than tap water. This is due to the cost of the more intensive treatment process and, in the case of bottled water, packaging and distribution costs.

FAQ 10: Are there any environmental concerns associated with purified water?

Yes, particularly with bottled purified water. The production and disposal of plastic bottles contribute to pollution and environmental damage. Choosing home purification systems and using reusable bottles can help reduce the environmental impact.

FAQ 11: What is “deionized water”? How does it compare to purified water?

Deionized water is a type of purified water that has had its ions, such as salts and minerals, removed. It’s commonly used in laboratories and industrial applications. While deionization is a purification method, the term “purified water” is broader and can encompass water treated by deionization, reverse osmosis, distillation, or other methods.

FAQ 12: Can purified water be used in appliances?

Yes, in some cases. Using purified water in appliances like irons and humidifiers can help prevent mineral buildup and extend the life of the appliance. However, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before using any type of water other than tap water.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between purified water and drinking water depends on individual preferences, health needs, and concerns. Understanding the differences in treatment processes, potential benefits, and drawbacks allows you to make an informed decision that suits your specific circumstances. Consider factors like taste preference, mineral intake, environmental impact, and cost when choosing the best type of water for you.