Distilled vs Filtered Water: What’s the Difference?

You might think water is just water – but whether it’s distilled or filtered can make a big difference.

In short, distilled water is not the same as filtered water. Both types are purified, but they aren’t identical – and the differences can affect taste, health, and everyday use.

Let’s explore the differences between distilled and filtered water further…

This blog will cover: 

1. What filtered water is 
2. What distilled water is 
3. The effects of each
4. The differences between distilled and filtered water
5. Which is better for drinking and home use
6. Some commonly asked questions

What Is Filtered Water?

How Filtration Works

First of all, filtration via non-reverse osmosis systems doesn’t remove all minerals – ‘good’ minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium often remain. It works through physical and chemical processes that trap or neutralise contaminants. However, reverse osmosis may remove minerals, but often, reinfuses them later on in the process (but these are synthetic, and come from a mineral filter). 

• Chemically – Activated carbon or other media adsorb chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and other chemical contaminants
• Physically – Filters can trap sediments, dirt, rust, and particulate matter using fine mesh or porous materials. 

Different filters remove different contaminants, so be sure to check your local water quality to choose the right system for you. If you’re based in the US, you can find this information on the Gov site ‘How’s My Waterway’.

Effects of Filtered Water

• Removes chlorine and chemical residues 
• Can make water taste cleaner 
• Retains important minerals (essential for hydration and flavor!) 
• Reduces bottled water usage and energy consumption 

In fact, many consumers increase their water intake when they switch to filtered water – so filtered water may improve your hydration!

What is Distilled Water?

Effects of Distilled Water

• Completely eliminates minerals or contaminants making it extremely pure 
• Prevents limescale in kettles, irons, and humidifiers (perfect for appliance use!) 
• Ensures consistency in experiments (ideal lab or medical use)

Distilled water is highly acidic with a pH of 5–6, and a lack of minerals which can lead to a ‘flat’ taste, which has been shown to lower voluntary water intake.

Is Distilled Water the Same as Filtered Water?

No, distilled water is not the same as filtered water. Both have undergone purification processes designed to make water cleaner and safer to drink, but the methods (and the results!) are very different.: 

• Filtered water is water that is purified but mineral-rich

• Distilled water is water that is mineral-free and ultra-pure

Distilled vs Filtered Water: Key Differences

The Process: 

Filtration uses physical and chemical barriers to eliminate contaminants (for example, through carbon filters or RO membranes). Distillation, however, uses heat to vaporize and recondense pure water. Filtration retains the minerals, whereas distillation removes everything. 

Mineral Content and Nutritional Value:

Filtered water keeps essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium (which can support hydration and overall health). Distilled water, however, removes all minerals. This results in no nutritional contribution and a reported 'flat' taste. 

Taste:

Filtered water tends to taste fresh and natural – the minerals enhance the flavor of water, especially in coffee and tea. Distilled water can taste flat or empty as it's completely pure. 

Health and Safety Considerations:

Both are safe to drink. However, filtered water is best for long-term hydration due to the mineral content. Distilled water is great for sterile or controlled environments, but not best for constant consumption. 

TDS and pH Levels:

Filtered water typically has a TDS of 10–150 ppm and a pH of 7–8. Distilled water has a TDS near 0 and a pH around 5–6. 

Which Is Better: Distilled or Filtered Water?

There is no 'better' – it depends entirely on your purpose. 

If it's for drinking, then filtered water is a much better option. It's clean, tastes good, and keeps the minerals your body needs. 

If it’s for appliances or labs, however, then we recommend distilled water. Distilled water prevents mineral build-up and ensures water purity. 

From a sustainability and convenience perspective, filtered water is also more practical. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and more cost-effective than running a distiller. You can have clean, great-tasting water straight from a filter pitcher without needing to boil and condense water.

Enjoy Cleaner, Healthier Water Today

If you’re looking for a top-rated water filter pitcher, you’re in the right place. With the Alchemy® Electric Water Filter Pitcher, you can get filtered water in just two minutes – and the best part? 99% filtration efficiency. It successfully eliminates heavy metals, microplastics and PFAS – and even notifies you when it’s time to change the filter. 

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Distilled v Filtered Water FAQs