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Distilled Water Facts

The Definitive Resource

Distilled Water: The Complete Guide

How distillation works, what it removes, like PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals, and more. And why it outperforms every other home water purification method.

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324
Distinct contaminants found in US tap water systems
EWG Tap Water Database, 2025
143M
Americans with PFAS “forever chemicals” in their drinking water
EWG Tap Water Database, 2025
94%
Of US tap water samples found to contain microplastic fibers
Orb Media / Univ. of Minnesota
01

How Water Distillation Works

Water distillation replicates the Earth’s own hydrological cycle which is the evaporation and rainfall process that has purified water in nature for billions of years. A home water distiller reproduces this cycle in a clean, enclosed environment, giving you fresh, pure water on demand.

1

Boiling

Tap water, or other source water is poured or fed into a stainless steel boiling chamber* and heated above 212°F (100°C). Heat destroys bacteria, viruses, and other biological contaminants at this stage.
*Some distillers incorporate a heat resistant plastic boiling chamber.

2

Vaporization

Water converts to pure steam. Dissolved solids; including heavy metals, PFAS, salts, and microplastics which cannot vaporize at water’s boiling point and are left entirely behind in the chamber. VOCs, (Volatile Organic Compounds), are normally expelled through an integrated VOC vent immediately after vaporization.

3

Condensation

The purified steam travels through a stainless steel condensing coil and is cooled with ambient airflow provided by the cooling fan which converts the steam into pure liquid water.

4

Post-Filtration

The newly distilled liquid water passes through an activated carbon filter after condensation. This captures additional VOCs, (Volatile Organic Compounds), such as certain chlorine derivatives that share a similar boiling point to water. Carbon Post-Filtration also improves taste. The distilled water is then collected in a glass, stainless steel, or food-safe plastic container.

The result is pure distilled water with near-zero total dissolved solids or VOCs ready to drink.

Why stainless steel matters. High quality distillers such as the ones available on Water Distillers Direct use food-grade stainless steel to ensure the highest quality distilled water.
02

What Contaminants Does Distillation Remove?

Unlike other filtration methods that target specific categories of pollutants, distillation works on a universal physical principle: pure water vapor leaves virtually everything else behind. This makes it effective against an exceptionally broad range of contaminants simultaneously.

PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

PFOA, PFOS, and thousands of related compounds have higher boiling points than water and cannot travel with steam.

✓ Removed

Microplastics

Solid plastic particles cannot vaporize. They are completely left behind in the boiling chamber every cycle.

✓ Removed

Heavy Metals

Lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium-6, and cadmium are dissolved inorganic solids that remain in the boiling chamber.

✓ Removed

Bacteria & Viruses

All known waterborne pathogens are destroyed in the boiling phase. None survive the sterilization process.

✓ Removed

Pharmaceuticals

Trace hormones, antibiotics, and antidepressants that pass through municipal treatment are removed during distillation.

✓ Removed

Pesticides & Herbicides

Agricultural runoff chemicals are removed. VOC-type pesticides are additionally captured by the carbon post-filter.

✓ Removed

Radioactive Substances

Radium, uranium, and other radioactive dissolved solids found in millions of American water supplies are left behind.

✓ Removed

All Dissolved Solids (TDS)

All dissolved minerals, salts, and inorganic compounds are removed, resulting in water with near-zero TDS.

✓ Removed

The EWG’s 2025 Tap Water Database, compiled from nearly 50,000 US water systems, identified 324 distinct contaminants in American drinking water. PFAS are present in the drinking water of over 143 million Americans, and hexavalent chromium (chromium-6), a known carcinogen, reaches over 260 million Americans’ taps despite having no federal limit.

Source: Environmental Working Group Tap Water Database, 2025

03

PFAS “Forever Chemicals” and Water Distillation

PFAS which are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of more than 10,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam, and industrial manufacturing. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down in the environment or in the human body. They accumulate over time.

In April 2024, the EPA finalized its first-ever National Primary Drinking Water Regulation setting legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, at 4 parts per trillion. The EPA estimated the rule would prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses annually once fully implemented.

Source: EPA PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, Federal Register, April 2024

Compliance deadline: 2029–2031. Water utilities have until 2029–2031 to meet the new PFAS limits. Until your local utility demonstrates compliance, PFAS levels in your tap water may still exceed the new federal thresholds.

Why distillation is uniquely effective against PFAS:

PFAS compounds have boiling points that are substantially higher than water typically ranging from 200°F to over 400°F above water's boiling point. When water is boiled in a distillation chamber, PFAS compounds remain in liquid phase and do not vaporize. They are simply left behind. This is a fundamental physical separation that does not rely on filter media, membrane integrity, or regular maintenance to work correctly.

Independent laboratory tests have demonstrated PFAS removal rates exceeding 99.9% for commonly detected compounds including PFOA and PFOS. Distillers pair the distillation process with an activated carbon post-filter to capture any shorter-chain PFAS that may have boiling points closer to water's, providing a complete two-stage barrier against forever chemicals.

Important: Boiling water alone does NOT remove PFAS. Simply boiling tap water in a pot concentrates PFAS. As water evaporates, forever chemicals become more concentrated in the water remaining. Only a closed distillation system that captures and condenses the steam separately achieves genuine PFAS removal.
04

Microplastics in Drinking Water

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters and, often microscopic in size, that have entered the environment through the degradation of larger plastic items, synthetic textile washing, and industrial processes. Research has found them in oceans, rivers, groundwater, rain, soil, and increasingly in human tissue including the lungs, liver, and bloodstream.

A widely cited study by Orb Media, conducted in collaboration with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, tested 159 tap water samples from across 14 countries and found that 83% were contaminated with plastic fibers. The United States had the highest contamination rate of any country tested, at 94%.

Source: Orb Media / University of Minnesota, published in multiple peer-reviewed outlets, 2017

A separate 2018 study by Orb Media found that 93% of bottled water samples also contained microplastics, in some cases at higher concentrations than tap water, partly because the repeated opening and closing of plastic screw caps generates approximately 500 microplastic particles per twist.

Source: EWG, citing Journal of Water and Health study, 2023

The EPA flagged microplastics as priority drinking water contaminants in 2026, acknowledging that plastic particles have been found accumulating in human organs. Research to date raises concerns about chemical leaching (microplastics can carry BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals), cellular disruption, and inflammation.

Source: The New Lede / EPA, April 2026

Distillation eliminates microplastics completely. Microplastics are solid particles. They cannot vaporize and cannot travel with steam. Every distillation cycle leaves 100% of microplastics behind in the boiling chamber. No filter rating or maintenance schedule required; the physics of phase change guarantees complete removal on every batch.
05

Distillation vs. Other Purification Methods

Home water purification encompasses several technologies, each with different trade-offs in contaminant coverage, maintenance, cost, and output purity. Here’s how distillation compares.

Contaminant / Factor Distillation Reverse Osmosis Carbon Filter Pitcher Filter
PFAS (Forever Chemicals) ✓ Yes (99.9%+) ✓ Most types ~ Long-chain only ✗ Generally no
Microplastics ✓ Complete ✓ Yes ~ Partial ✗ Generally no
Heavy Metals (Lead, Arsenic) ✓ Complete ✓ Yes ~ Some types ~ Some types
Bacteria & Viruses ✓ Destroyed ~ Bacteria only ✗ No ✗ No
Pharmaceuticals ✓ Yes ~ Partial ✗ Generally no ✗ No
No Plumbing Required ✓ Countertop ✗ Under-sink install ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
Ongoing Filter Cost ✓ Carbon only ✗ Multiple membranes ✗ Frequent cartridges ✗ Regular cartridges
Output Purity Level ✓ Highest (≈0 TDS) ~ Very high (low TDS) ✗ Moderate ✗ Low–moderate

Reverse osmosis is often compared to distillation as it does produce reasonably high-quality water. However, RO systems require professional plumbing installation, waste 3–4 gallons for every clean gallon produced, require periodic membrane replacement, and allow volatile organic compounds to pass through. Distillation with a carbon post-filter addresses both dissolved solids and VOCs in a single countertop unit with no plumbing required.

06

Home Distillation vs. Bottled Water

Purity: The FDA regulates bottled water to the same standard as EPA tap water, not higher. Much of what’s sold as “premium” bottled water is sourced from municipal tap water with minimal additional treatment. There is no mandatory federal testing for PFAS in bottled water.

Microplastic contamination: A 2018 Orb Media investigation tested 259 bottles from 11 brands in 9 countries and found 93% contained microplastics. EWG research found that screwing a plastic cap on and off generates approximately 500 microplastic particles per twist, which end up in the water.

Source: EWG, 2023

Cost: Bottled water costs $1–$3 per gallon jug and more when purchased in smaller bottles. Home distillation costs approximately $0.30–$0.45 per gallon in electricity. Most distillers pay for themselves within months of regular use.

Environment: Home distillation eliminates single-use plastic waste entirely. Water is made fresh on demand and stored in reusable glass or stainless steel.

The 5-year comparison. At 1 gallon per day, bottled water costs $1,825–$5,475 over five years. A home distiller costs the unit price plus electricity and pays for itself many times over while producing purer water with zero plastic waste.
07

Is Distilled Water Safe to Drink Every Day?

Yes. Distilled water is completely safe for daily consumption and has been used for generations worldwide. It is the same purity standard used in medical procedures, dental offices, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and laboratory research precisely because its purity is guaranteed and consistent.

The most common concern is minerals. Since distillation removes dissolved minerals along with contaminants, some people worry about deficiency. This concern is not supported by evidence. The minerals removed by distillation are inorganic dissolved minerals. The human body absorbs minerals far more effectively from food than from drinking water. Dietary sources (vegetables, fruits, dairy, nuts) provide the overwhelming majority of daily mineral requirements.

For those who prefer to supplement, Water Distillers Direct carries electrolyte and trace mineral drops designed for use with distilled water. A few drops per glass provides a measurable mineral boost without compromising water purity.

The dental and medical standard. Dental offices use distilled water during patient treatment to prevent contamination. Hospital-grade water purification systems commonly use distillation as a core step. These settings require non-negotiable purity and distillation delivers it reliably every time.
08

Frequently Asked Questions

What is distilled water, exactly?
Distilled water is water purified by boiling it into steam and condensing that steam back into liquid in a separate chamber. The process physically separates pure water molecules from virtually everything else dissolved or suspended in the original source; contaminants, minerals, metals, chemicals, and pathogens. The result is water in its simplest form: H²O with near-zero total dissolved solids.
Does distillation remove PFAS forever chemicals?
Yes and it’s one of the most reliable methods available. PFAS compounds have boiling points substantially higher than water, so they don’t vaporize when water boils. They stay in the boiling chamber while pure steam rises and is collected. Independent lab tests confirm removal rates exceeding 99.9% for PFOA and PFOS.

Some distillers such as H2O Labs also include an activated carbon post-filter to capture shorter-chain PFAS that may have boiling points closer to water’s giving you a comprehensive two-stage defence.
Does distillation remove microplastics from drinking water?
Yes, completely. Microplastics are solid particles and they cannot vaporize at any temperature relevant to distillation. They stay behind in the boiling chamber and are rinsed away during regular cleaning. Unlike filter-based approaches, this removal doesn’t degrade over time. The physics of phase change guarantees 100% microplastic removal on every cycle.
How does distillation compare to reverse osmosis?
Both produce high-purity water, but distillation has several advantages. RO requires plumbing installation, wastes 3–4 gallons per clean gallon produced, requires membrane replacement, and allows some volatile organic compounds through. Distillation needs no plumbing, wastes no water, removes VOCs via the carbon post-filter, and produces consistently higher-purity output with lower TDS.
Is distilled water safe to drink daily? What about minerals?
Completely safe. Distilled water has been consumed by healthy people worldwide for generations and is the purity standard used in medical and laboratory settings. The minerals removed by distillation are obtained primarily through food, not water. If you prefer to supplement, our electrolyte and trace mineral drops are designed specifically for distilled water.
Is bottled water as pure as home-distilled water?
Generally, no. Much bottled water is sourced from municipal tap water with minimal treatment and is regulated to the same standard as tap water, not higher. A 2018 study found 93% of bottled water samples contained microplastics. Home-distilled water contains no microplastics, no PFAS, and no dissolved contaminants at a fraction of the cost per gallon.
What does a home water distiller cost to operate?
A countertop distiller uses approximately 3 kWh to produce one gallon, roughly $0.30–$0.45 at average US electricity rates. Compared to $1–$3 per gallon for bottled water, most H2O Labs distillers pay for themselves within months of regular use and continue saving money for years afterward.
What does distillation not remove?
Distillation removes virtually all dissolved solids, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, PFAS, microplastics, and most organic compounds. The one area requiring attention is volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with boiling points close to water’s. This is exactly why H2O Labs, Precision, Durastill, and many more distillers we offer incorporate a VOC exhaust vent and additionally, include an activated carbon post-filter that captures any VOCs that could possibly travel over with the steam, completing a full two-stage purification process.
How often should I clean my water distiller?
Clean the boiling chamber as needed, every 10–20 gallons, or when you notice visible mineral scale buildup. A citric acid cleaning solution works best and is included with most H2O Labs units. Replace the activated carbon post-filter pod after approximately every 30 gallons of water produced or as directed in your model's instruction manual. (Automatic models reccomend changing the post-filter approx. every 6 months depending on production.)
Can I use distilled water for cooking, coffee, and tea?
Absolutely and many people notice a clear improvement in taste. Tap water often contains chlorine, chloramines, and other compounds that affect the flavour of anything brewed or cooked with it. Distilled water, having no competing tastes or odours, lets the true flavours of coffee, tea, soups, and vegetables come through clearly.

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Sources & References

  1. Environmental Working Group. EWG Tap Water Database, 2025 Update. ewg.org/tapwater
  2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, Final Rule. Federal Register, April 26, 2024. federalregister.gov
  3. U.S. EPA. EPA Keeps Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA and PFOS. May 14, 2025. epa.gov
  4. Kosuth, M. et al. / Orb Media & University of Minnesota. Anthropogenic contamination of tap water, beer, and sea salt. PLOS ONE, 2018. (83% of global tap water samples; US rate 94%.)
  5. Orb Media. Invisibles: The plastic inside us. 2018. (93% of bottled water samples contained microplastics.)
  6. Environmental Working Group. What’s in your water bottle? Concerns about microplastics in caps. October 2023. ewg.org
  7. The New Lede / EPA. EPA flags microplastics as “priority” contaminants in drinking water. April 2026. thenewlede.org
  8. World Health Organization. Microplastics in Drinking Water. 2019. who.int