Is Purified Water And Distilled Water The Same

Nolan
Dec 6, 2025
4 min read

Choosing the best drinking water for your home, many people in Western Australia ask the same question: Is purified water the same as distilled water? While both are considered clean and safe, they are not the same—and understanding the difference is especially important if you rely on water filtration systems, WA bore water filters, or whole-home water filters.

In this guide, we’ll clearly explain the differences, benefits, and which option is best for Perth and regional WA households.

Understanding Water Filtration Basics

Before comparing purified and distilled water, it’s important to understand water filtration itself.

A water filtration system removes contaminants such as:

Sediment
Chlorine
Heavy metals
Bacteria
Chemicals

In Western Australia, filtration is often essential due to:

Hard water
Bore water usage
High mineral content
Agricultural runoff in regional areas

This is why many homes install:

Whole-home water filters
Under-sink filtration systems
WA bore water filters
Eco-friendly water filtration solutions.

What Is Purified Water?

Purified water is water that has gone through a filtration or purification process to remove impurities.

Common purification methods:

Reverse osmosis (RO)
Carbon filtration
UV purification
Multi-stage filtration systems

Most modern water filtration services in WA use a combination of these technologies.

Key features of purified water:

Removes most contaminants
May retain beneficial minerals (depending on system)
Suitable for daily drinking
Used in whole-home water filters and under-sink filtration systems

Purified water is widely used in Perth homes because it balances taste, safety, and mineral content.

What Is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is created through a heating and cooling process:

Water is boiled into steam
Steam rises, leaving contaminants behind
Steam is condensed back into liquid form

This process removes:

Minerals
Bacteria
Viruses
Salts
Heavy metals

Key features of distilled water:

Extremely pure
No minerals
Flat taste
Often used in laboratories, medical devices, and appliances

Distillation is not commonly used as a primary drinking water source in WA households.

Purified vs Distilled Water: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Purified Water	Distilled Water
Filtration Method	RO, carbon, UV, multi-stage	Boiling & condensation
Mineral Content	May retain beneficial minerals	No minerals
Taste	Fresh and natural	Flat or bland
Best for Drinking	Yes	Not ideal long-term
Household Use	Whole-home & under-sink systems	Limited
Energy Usage	Low to moderate	High
Eco-Friendly	Yes (with efficient systems)	Less eco-friendly

Is One Healthier Than the Other?

For daily drinking, purified water is generally considered the better option.

Why purified water is preferred:

Retains essential minerals (calcium, magnesium)
Better taste encourages hydration
Easier on digestion
Suitable for long-term consumption

When distilled water may be useful:

Short-term medical needs
CPAP machines
Laboratory or industrial use
Certain appliances

In Western Australia, health professionals typically recommend filtered or purified water, not distilled water, for everyday hydration.

Water Quality Considerations in Western Australia

WA water quality varies depending on location.

Perth & Coastal Areas

Chlorinated scheme water
Hard water issues
Better with carbon or RO filtration

Regional & Rural WA

Bore water dependency
High iron and mineral content
Sediment and bacteria risks

This is why WA bore water filters and whole-home water filtration systems are essential for many properties.

Whole-Home vs Under-Sink Filtration Systems

Whole-Home Water Filters

Filter water at entry point
Protect plumbing and appliances
Provide clean water to showers, taps, and laundry
Ideal for families and bore water users

Under-Sink Filtration Systems

Filter drinking and cooking water only
Compact and cost-effective
Popular in Perth apartments and rentals

Both systems produce purified water, not distilled water.

Is Distilled Water Bad for You?

Distilled water is not dangerous, but it’s not ideal for daily drinking.

Potential drawbacks:

No essential minerals
Can taste unpleasant
May contribute to mineral imbalance if consumed long-term

This is why most water filtration services in Western Australia do not recommend distillation for household drinking water.

Eco-Friendly Water Filtration: A Better Choice

Distillation uses large amounts of energy. In contrast, eco-friendly water filtration systems:

Use less electricity
Reduce plastic bottle waste
Improve water efficiency
Lower carbon footprint

Modern water filtration systems are designed with sustainability in mind—making them a smarter choice for WA homes.

Which Water Is Best for Your Home?

Household Need	Best Option
Daily drinking	Purified water
Cooking	Purified water
Bore water treatment	Purified (multi-stage filtration)
Appliances & lab use	Distilled water
Eco-conscious homes	Purified water

For most households in Western Australia, purified water is the clear winner.

FAQs –

1. Is purified water the same as distilled water?

No. Purified water is filtered, while distilled water is boiled and condensed. They are produced differently and serve different purposes.

2. Which is better for drinking, purified or distilled water?

Purified water is better for drinking because it may retain essential minerals and tastes better.

3. Does purified water remove minerals?

Some purification systems remove minerals, while others retain or reintroduce them.

4. Can you drink distilled water every day?

You can, but it’s not recommended long-term due to lack of minerals.

5. Is distilled water safer than filtered water?

Both are safe, but purified water is more suitable for daily household use.

6. Is purified water good for WA bore water?

Yes. Multi-stage purified systems are ideal for treating WA bore water.

7. Do whole-home water filters produce distilled water?

No. Whole-home systems produce purified, filtered water—not distilled water.