Tap Water vs. Distilled Water: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Tap water is sourced from local supplies and may contain impurities, while distilled water is purified through a process that removes most minerals and contaminants, making it exceptionally pure.
Key Differences
Tap Water is sourced from surface or groundwater and typically undergoes treatment for safe consumption. Distilled Water, in contrast, is created by boiling water to produce vapor, which then condenses back into liquid, devoid of most impurities and minerals found in Tap Water.
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Dec 10, 2023
While Tap Water contains natural minerals and sometimes added fluoride, beneficial for dental health, Distilled Water is mineral-free. This lack of minerals in Distilled Water can sometimes result in a flat taste, unlike the more familiar taste of Tap Water.
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Dec 10, 2023
Tap Water's mineral content can vary depending on the geographical area, affecting its taste and hardness. Distilled Water, however, maintains a consistent purity and composition, as the distillation process removes locality-specific mineral variations.
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Dec 10, 2023
Environmental impact is another aspect where Tap Water and Distilled Water differ. Tap Water has a lower environmental footprint, as Distilled Water requires significant energy for the distillation process.
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Dec 10, 2023
In terms of usage, Tap Water is commonly used for drinking, cooking, and household needs. Distilled Water, being free of impurities, is preferred in situations like laboratories, automotive cooling systems, and medical applications where mineral content can be problematic.
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Dec 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Mineral Content
Contains natural minerals and fluoride
Lacks minerals; pure water
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Dec 10, 2023
Environmental Impact
Lower, minimal processing
Higher, energy-intensive distillation required
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Dec 10, 2023
Common Uses
Drinking, cooking, cleaning
Laboratories, medical, automotive cooling
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Dec 10, 2023
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Tap Water and Distilled Water Definitions
Tap Water
Potable water coming directly from a faucet.
He prefers the convenience of Tap Water over bottled water.
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Dec 04, 2023
Distilled Water
Water free from minerals and contaminants.
Distilled Water is ideal for laboratory experiments.
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Dec 04, 2023
Tap Water
Treated water distributed through indoor plumbing.
The Tap Water in this city is safe to drink.
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Dec 04, 2023
Distilled Water
Boiled water that has been condensed into a clean container.
She uses Distilled Water for her medical devices.
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Dec 04, 2023
Tap Water
Accessible water for general household purposes.
We use Tap Water for both cooking and cleaning.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Distilled Water
Purified water used in applications where mineral content is undesirable.
For accurate results, we use Distilled Water in our chemical tests.
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Dec 04, 2023
Tap Water
Water provided by public water systems, often containing added minerals.
Our Tap Water has a slight chlorine taste.
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Dec 04, 2023
Distilled Water
Water purified by distillation, removing impurities.
Distilled Water is used in my car's radiator.
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Dec 04, 2023
Tap Water
Municipal water supply for domestic use.
I filled my glass with Tap Water from the kitchen sink.
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Dec 04, 2023
Distilled Water
Sterile water created through the process of distillation.
Distilled Water is recommended for mixing baby formula.
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Dec 04, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can Tap Water be used in place of Distilled Water?
For most household purposes, yes. But for applications requiring pure water, such as in laboratories, distilled is necessary.
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Dec 10, 2023
What is Distilled Water?
Distilled Water is water that has been boiled into vapor and condensed back into liquid, removing impurities.
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Dec 10, 2023
Is Distilled Water better for drinking?
Distilled Water is safe but lacks minerals and can taste flat compared to Tap Water.
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Dec 10, 2023
Does boiling Tap Water make it Distilled?
No, distillation requires condensing the steam back into water, which boiling alone doesn't achieve.
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Dec 10, 2023
Can I use Distilled Water in my iron?
Yes, Distilled Water is recommended for irons to avoid mineral buildup.
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Dec 10, 2023
Is Tap Water safe for babies?
Generally, yes, but it's advised to consult with a pediatrician, especially in areas with hard water.
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Dec 10, 2023
Why is Distilled Water used in car batteries?
Because it’s free from minerals that could corrode the battery.
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Dec 10, 2023
Can Distilled Water help with allergies?
Since it’s free from impurities, it might help people sensitive to minerals in Tap Water.
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Dec 10, 2023
How is Distilled Water made?
By boiling water and then condensing the steam back into a liquid.
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Dec 10, 2023
What is Tap Water?
Tap Water is water provided by a local utility, typically containing minerals and is safe for consumption.
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Dec 10, 2023
Does Tap Water have a taste?
Yes, it can have a slight taste depending on the mineral content and treatment.
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Dec 10, 2023
Is Distilled Water expensive?
It can be more costly than Tap Water due to the distillation process.
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Dec 10, 2023
Is Distilled Water used in humidifiers?
Yes, to prevent mineral deposits inside the humidifier.
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Dec 10, 2023
Is Distilled Water acidic?
It can be slightly acidic since it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air.
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Dec 10, 2023
Is Tap Water environmentally friendly?
Tap Water is more environmentally friendly than bottled water and has a lower footprint than Distilled Water.
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Dec 10, 2023
Is Tap Water fluoridated?
Many municipalities add fluoride to Tap Water for dental health benefits.
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Dec 10, 2023
Does Tap Water contain chlorine?
Yes, most municipal Tap Water contains small amounts of chlorine for disinfection.
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Dec 10, 2023
Can I cook with Distilled Water?
Yes, though it may lack the minerals that contribute to the taste in Tap Water.
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Dec 10, 2023
Can Tap Water vary in quality?
Yes, depending on the source and treatment, the quality can vary.
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Dec 10, 2023
How long does Tap Water stay fresh?
If stored properly, several days to a few weeks.
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Dec 10, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
