Tap Water vs. Distilled Water — What's the Difference?

Tap Water and Distilled Water are both forms of water that humans commonly use, but they serve different purposes and come from different sources. Tap Water, as the name suggests, is the water you get directly from the taps in homes or public places. It typically originates from local water sources like rivers, lakes, or underground reservoirs. This water often contains various minerals and sometimes contaminants, depending on the source and the local water treatment processes.

Distilled Water, in contrast, has gone through a purification process known as distillation. This process involves boiling the water and then condensing the steam into a clean container, leaving the majority of contaminants and minerals behind. The primary goal of producing Distilled Water is to get water in its purest form, devoid of most minerals and impurities.

While Tap Water is what many people drink daily and use for household chores, it might have a taste due to the minerals present, like calcium or magnesium. Distilled Water, being nearly pure, usually tastes flat because it lacks these minerals. The absence or presence of these minerals and other impurities determines the conductivity of water. Therefore, Distilled Water, being a poor conductor, is often used in labs and industries where pure water is a necessity.

It's worth noting that while Distilled Water is purer, it might not always be the best for drinking, especially in large amounts, since the body also derives some essential minerals from water. Conversely, depending on the source and treatment, Tap Water might contain contaminants that aren't ideal for consumption without further purification.