Is Filtered Water Purified or Distilled? An In-Depth Guide for Homeowners

Hey there! As a home improvement expert who‘s tackled everything from renovations to streaming setups, I‘m often asked what the best drinking water system is for a home. It‘s a great question! Tap water contains all kinds of dissolved metals, chemicals, and bacteria that can affect taste, health, and home appliances.

In this guide, I‘ll compare filtered, purified, and distilled water systems so you can make an informed decision. You‘ll learn:

• How each process works to remove contaminants
• Key differences between filtered, purified, and distilled water
• The pros and cons of each system
• Cost comparisons
• Water testing recommendations
• Safety tips for drinking and cooking
• How to maintain different water systems

I‘ll also bust some common myths and misconceptions about water filtration. Let‘s dive in!

Overview of Filtration, Purification, and Distillation

First, a quick refresher on what each process does:

Filtration uses physical screens and media like activated carbon to trap particulates. It removes cysts and sediments but not dissolved minerals, salts, or microorganisms.

Purification uses processes like reverse osmosis, deionization, and UV light to remove bacteria, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, and dissolved solids that filtration leaves behind.

Distillation involves boiling water and condensing the steam to leave behind impurities. It‘s a type of purification process.

This table summarizes what each method eliminates:

Removed	Filtration	Purification	Distillation
Sediment	✅	✅	✅
Rust/Particles	✅	✅	✅
Cysts	✅	✅	✅
Bacteria/Viruses	❌	✅	✅
Dissolved Solids	❌	✅	✅
Heavy Metals	❌	✅	✅
Organic Chemicals	❌	✅	✅

Now, let‘s explore each one in more detail.

How Water Filtration Works

Water filtration uses physical screens and media to trap particulates. Most filters use activated carbon, a very porous material that attracts and adsorbs contaminants.

As water passes through the carbon block or granules, items larger than the pores get caught in the maze-like structure. Carbon is specially treated to increase the surface area and adsorptive sites.

Other filter media like sand, gravel, and cloth fibers also catch particles through size exclusion. Standard filters remove particles down to 5-10 microns. More advanced microfiltration and ultrafiltration techniques can filter out bacteria and viruses.

Filtration improves the taste, smell, and appearance of water by reducing:

✅ Sediment (sand, silt, clay)
✅ Rust and other suspended particles
✅ Protozoan cysts like Giardia

It does not remove dissolved minerals, salts or fluoride beneficial to health, or harmful metals and chemicals. Let‘s look at the pros and cons:

Pros of Filtration

• Inexpensive ($20-60 for pitchers or units)
• Easy maintenance with replaceable cartridges
• Removes particulates affecting taste/smell
• Leaves in beneficial minerals

Cons of Filtration

• Does not remove heavy metals or microorganisms
• May become breeding ground for bacteria
• Requires filter replacements (~$7 per 3 months)
• Can reduce water pressure at sink/shower

Bottom line – filtration improves aesthetics but does not purify water. Pair it with other processes like UV sterilization, reverse osmosis, or distillation to make water potable.

How Water Purification Works

The term "purified water" refers to processes beyond filtration that remove dissolved substances like minerals, heavy metals, and organic compounds. Methods include:

• Distillation – Water is boiled, and pure steam is collected, leaving contaminants behind.

• Reverse Osmosis – Water is forced through a semipermeable membrane that traps dissolved solids.

• Deionization – Resin beads attract and bind to ionic dissolved solids, removing them from water.

• UV Radiation – Powerful UV light destroys microorganisms by damaging their DNA.

Purification makes water "polished" by removing virtually all impurities. Here‘s what gets eliminated:

✅ Bacteria and viruses
✅ Heavy toxic metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury
✅ Salts like sodium chloride
✅ Pesticides, fertilizers, and other organic chemicals
✅ Disinfection byproducts like chloroform

Purified water leaves nothing behind – it‘s highly polished, great tasting H2O! But it comes at a price:

Pros of Purification

• Removes pathogens and toxins
• Great taste with impurities eliminated
• Reverse osmosis adds filtration benefits

Cons of Purification

• Expensive systems ($200-$1000+)
• Complex installation and maintenance
• Strips healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium
• Wastewater produced by reverse osmosis

Purification gives you great tasting water free of contaminants. But the systems carry a hefty upfront cost.

How Water Distillation Works

Distillation is one purification method that involves boiling water and condensing the steam. It‘s one of the most effective ways to remove dissolved solids.

Here‘s how it works:

1. Water is heated to the boiling point (212°F at sea level).
2. As it boils, water vaporizes into steam, separating from dissolved salts and inorganic materials.
3. Steam passes through a coil or tube and cools.
4. Pure condensed water (distillate) is collected in a separate container.
5. Minerals and contaminants remain behind as residue.

Distillation removes:

✅ Bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms
✅ Dissolved organic and inorganic materials
✅ Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury

Advantages of distillation include:

Pros of Distillation

• Effective at removing dissolved solids
• Distillate is pure H2O
• Simple process with minimal equipment
• No filtration cartridges or membranes

Cons of Distillation

• Removes all minerals, resulting in flat taste
• Time, energy and water intensive
• Batch process, not continuous
• Potential for recontamination

Distillation takes more effort but yields pure mineral-free water for drinking and cooking. Let‘s do a quick cost comparison.

Cost Comparison of Water Systems

Here‘s a breakdown of price ranges for filtered, purified, and distilled systems:

Type	Equipment Cost	Operating Cost
Filter pitchers/carafes	$20-$60	$6-$12 per 3-6 months for replacement cartridges
Faucet mount filters	$40-$180	$6-$12 per 3-6 months for replacement cartridges
Under sink filtration units	$150-$300	$20-$60 per 6-12 months for replacement cartridges
Reverse osmosis systems	$200-$1000	$100-$200 per year for replacement filters
Distillers (non-electric)	$70-$250	$0 – Cost of heating water
Electric distillers	$200-$600	$50-$150 per year electricity

Takeaways:

• Simple pitchers and faucet units are affordable but have ongoing costs.
• Under sink and reverse osmosis systems have high startup costs.
• Non-electric distillers are economical but require hands-on work.
• Electric distillers have minimal labor but high electrical costs.

Filtration is the cheapest to get started, while advanced purification and electric distillation carry higher long-term costs.

Water Testing Recommendations

Home water testing can identify if you have contaminants like lead, arsenic, chloroform, and bacteria present.

Testing is recommended:

• When moving into a new home
• Annually for homes with wells
• Every 3 years for municipal water systems
• If water tastes/smells abnormal
• To verify filtration/purification system performance

Tests for specific substances typically cost $20-$100 each. Full lab analysis runs $150-$300. Here are some options:

• Mail-in kits from companies like Home Water Works
• Lab analysis from water testing companies
• Local health departments or cooperatives
• DIY test strips for common contaminants

I recommend testing for:

• Total dissolved solids (TDS)
• pH and hardness
• Lead
• Bacteria like E. Coli
• Pesticides and chloroform
• Arsenic, mercury, chromium (if risk factors present)

This gives you a snapshot of any problematic areas that may require additional filtration or purification.

Safety Tips for Drinking and Cooking

Drinking contaminated water can cause immediate symptoms like nausea, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress. Long-term risks include liver/kidney problems, neurological effects, and cancer.

Here are some tips for safely drinking and cooking with home water supplies:

Tap Water

• Install a high-quality carbon block filter to remove chlorine and particulates
• Additionally purify tap water with UV, distillation, or reverse osmosis
• Never drink from lead pipes; replace with PEX or copper
• Flush pipes before drinking; avoid drinking from hot water taps
• If on a private well, disinfect and test frequently

Filtered Water

• Use one-way disposable filters to prevent bacterial growth
• Frequently sanitize reusable pitchers and bottles with boiling water or bleach
• Pair with UV light or boiling to kill viruses and bacteria
• Avoid letting water sit for more than a day

Purified/Distilled Water

• Store in clean, sealed food-grade containers
• Sanitize containers regularly with hot water or diluted bleach
• Avoid direct sunlight which encourages algae and bacteria
• Use for drinking, cooking, mixing baby formula

The bottom line – test your water, install proper filtration, and take steps to inhibit microbial growth during storage. And consider investing in a whole house purification system if budget allows.

Maintenance Tips for Water Systems

To keep your water filtration or purification running properly:

For Carbon Block Filters

• Replace cartridge every 3-6 months per manufacturer instructions
• Annually disinfect system by flushing with 2 tsp bleach
• If water flow slows, replace cartridge sooner
• Rinse new cartridges thoroughly before installing

For Reverse Osmosis Systems

• Replace pre-filter cartridges every 6-12 months
• Replace RO membrane every 2-3 years
• Sanitize system annually with bleach flush
• Monitor and drain storage tank regularly
• Check water production rate/quality with a TDS meter

For Distillers

• Wash boiling chamber and condensing coils monthly with hot water and vinegar
• Periodically descale buildup inside boiling chamber with citric acid
• Check for leaks along clamps, seals, and fittings
• Inspect heating element and wiring for damage or wear

Proper maintenance keeps these systems running smoothly for years.

Busting Myths and Misconceptions

Let‘s clear up some common misunderstandings about filtered, purified, and distilled water:

Myth: Boiled water is purified completely.

Fact: Boiling kills pathogens but doesn‘t remove chemicals, heavy metals or minerals.

Myth: Distilled water is unnatural and "dead."

Fact: It simply contains no minerals – these can be obtained through food sources.

Myth: Reverse osmosis wastes a lot of water.

Fact: Some water is wasted but new units are ~85% efficient on average.

Myth: Tap water is fine if you let it run for a while first.

Fact: Letting it run doesn‘t purify – filtration and disinfection are still needed.

Myth: Purified water stays bacteria-free forever.

Fact: Recontamination can occur – take precautions during storage.

Myth: You should drink 8 glasses of water per day.

Fact: Hydration needs vary based on factors like activity, climate and health.

The key is to analyze your own water supply, research filtration options, and take safety precautions. Home water systems require some maintenance but provide healthier and better tasting water.

Choosing the Right System for You

Here are my recommendations on selecting a home water filtration or purification system:

Filtered Pitchers/Bottles – Good starter option to improve taste and remove sediment. Look for ones with microfilters to remove more.

Faucet Filters – Easy install under sink for filtered cooking/drinking water. Combine with reverse osmosis or UV for improved effectiveness.

Under Sink Systems – Multistage units offer sediment pre-filtration plus reverse osmosis for thorough contaminant removal.

Reverse Osmosis – Most advanced filtration, producing polished water. But has high installation/maintenance costs.

Distillers – Best option if you want pure mineral-free water. Countertop electric units simplify the process.

Whole House Systems – For maximum health protection. Combines multiple purification technologies plus secondary filtration at each tap.

Choose based on your budget, water quality, and desired purity level. No option is maintenance-free, so factor in ongoing costs. Ultimately, any filtration is better than none at all!

Let‘s Summarize

• Filtration only removes particulates, not dissolved contaminants.

• Purification via distillation, reverse osmosis, etc. removes virtually all impurities.

• Distillation boils off pure water vapor, leaving contaminants behind.

• Filtration improves taste/smell but does not fully purify.

• Purification and distillation produce water safe for drinking and cooking.

• Simple countertop or under sink systems allow home purification.

• All systems require occasional maintenance and cartridge/filter changes.

I hope this guide has helped explain the pros and cons of filtered, purified, and distilled water systems! Let me know if you have any other questions. I‘m always happy to help fellow homeowners design the optimal water filtration setup.