Greetings,
Access to clean, safe drinking water is essential for maintaining good health. However, I question how safe tap water is to drink due to contaminants, chemicals, and impurities. Over the years I have used different water filters however, two friends told me that using a water distiller could be an effective solution to ensure that the water I drink is pure and safe. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of using a water distiller and why it is a wise investment for your health and well-being.
The Problem with Tap Water
I am aware that tap water can contain various contaminants that can make it unsafe for drinking:
- Chemical Contaminants: Tap water can contain chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, and industrial pollutants.
- Heavy Metals: Metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can leach into water supplies from old pipes and industrial waste.
- Microbial Contaminants: Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be present in tap water, leading to health issues.
- Pharmaceutical Residues: Trace amounts of pharmaceuticals can enter water supplies from improper disposal and wastewater treatment processes.
Water Distillation
Water distillation is a purification process that involves boiling water to produce steam, which is then condensed back into liquid form, leaving contaminants behind. Here are the key benefits of using a water distiller:
Removes Contaminants Effectively
- Chemical-Free Purification: Distillation removes a wide range of contaminants, including chemicals, heavy metals, and microbes, ensuring that the water you drink is pure and safe.
- Eliminates Toxins: The distillation process effectively removes toxins such as chlorine, fluoride, and other harmful substances that may be present in tap water.
- Reduces Health Risks: By removing harmful contaminants, distilled water reduces the risk of waterborne diseases and long-term health issues associated with exposure to pollutants and heavy metals.
- Supports Detoxification: Drinking pure, distilled water helps the body’s natural detoxification processes by reducing the intake of additional toxins.
- Better Taste: Distilled water has a clean, pure taste, free from the metallic or chemical flavors often found in tap water.
- Improved Cooking and Beverage Quality: Using distilled water for cooking and making beverages like coffee and tea can enhance their flavor and quality.
- Minimal Mineral Deposits: Since distilled water lacks the minerals that cause limescale, your kettle will stay cleaner for longer. The absence of mineral content reduces the frequency of descaling.
- Cost-Effective: While the initial investment in a water distiller might be higher than other filtration methods, it saves money over time by eliminating the need for bottled water and reducing potential medical costs associated with contaminated water consumption.
- Reduces Plastic Waste: By distilling your own water, you reduce reliance on bottled water, thereby decreasing plastic waste and its environmental impact.
- Sustainable Choice: Water distillers use minimal resources compared to the production and transportation of bottled water, making it an eco-friendly option.
- User-Friendly: Modern water distillers are designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal setup and maintenance.
- Continuous Supply: With a water distiller at home, you have a continuous supply of pure water, eliminating the need for frequent trips to buy bottled water.
How to Use a Water Distiller
Using a water distiller is straightforward:
- Fill the Distiller: Pour tap water into the distiller's boiling chamber.
- Start the Distillation Process: Turn on the distiller and let it heat the water to produce steam.
- Collect the Distilled Water: The steam condenses back into liquid form and is collected in a separate container, ready for use.
Operational Costs of Using a Water Distiller
It would be remiss of me not to mention that even though you are using a water distiller and drinking purified water, that you have to be aware of the associated operational costs. These include the time it takes to distill water, the cost of replacing activated carbon filters, and the expense of residue cleaner powder.
Time and cost to Distill Water
- Distillation Time / Energy consumption: Typically, a home water distiller can take about 3 to 5 hours to produce 4 litres of distilled water. You may choose to distill water overnight or have a couple of distillation cycles each day. I have two jugs that I use. Think about the energy (electric) consumption of a water distiller and the associate costs.
Activated Carbon Filters
- Filter Replacement Frequency: Activated carbon filters should be replaced approximately every 6 - 8 weeks, depending on usage and water quality.
Residue Cleaner Powder
- Usage Frequency: Depending on water hardness and frequency of use, residue cleaner powder may be used every month or two to prevent scale buildup.
Summary
Investing in a water distiller has been a proactive step towards ensuring my family have access to safe, pure drinking water. With its ability to remove a wide range of contaminants, a water distiller provides peace of mind, knowing that my water is free from harmful substances. Additionally, it enhances the taste and quality of your water, supports your health, and contributes to environmental sustainability.
Wholeness, love and light 💚