Home » Well Water vs. Distilled Water [Costs, Collection, Taste & Uses]

Well Water vs. Distilled Water [Costs, Collection, Taste & Uses]

Updated on March 9, 2023

Basic Definition – Well Water vs. Distilled Water

Well Water: Well water is underground water obtained after drilling a hole. More than 40 million people in the US use well water to meet their daily water needs.

Well water is rich in minerals and is generally hard due to a higher concentration of calcium and magnesium. Water from a well is prone to contamination as it dissolves contaminants when it moves underground.

Distilled Water: Distilled water is made by boiling tap/well water into vapor and condensing back into liquid in a separate container. It is 100% H20 and free from all minerals and contaminants.

It is used for sterilizing medical equipment, automotive cooling systems, lead-acid batteries, and common household appliances where mineral buildup would cause damage. Distilled water is also known as demineralized water sometimes.

Distilled water is also known as demineralized water sometimes

Collection

Well Water: Well water is obtained from aquifers underground. A well is dug into the ground, and water is pumped from the aquifer via a pump. The water is then stored in a storage tank and made available for use. Each state has different laws for digging a well, and the well depth also varies from one place to another.

Distilled Water: Distilled water is purified water free from all minerals and contaminants. It doesn’t occur naturally like underground water. You can buy distilled water or distill your home water using a water distiller.

Some people also set up a DIY water distillation system, but it requires a complex setup to boil water and condense the vapors into a separate container. A DIY distillation setup also requires a lot of energy.

Cost of Well Water vs. Cost of Distilled Water

Well Water: You don’t pay for the water you use, but well maintenance is your responsibility. You’ll have to test well water, install/upgrade water filter systems and do routine well maintenance. On the contrary, city water isn’t free to use and has a monthly bill.

Distilled Water: Distilled water usually costs $5-$10 per liter. Large bottles are cheaper than small ones that are more convenient to use. You can also buy a water distiller for $60-$150. It may initially set you back on your budget, but it is an economical option in the long run.

Water Quality & Taste

Well Water: Well water takes up contaminants when it moves underground. It is also hard due to the presence of calcium and magnesium. Hence, it is typically treated before it enters your home.

A common well water system includes a sediment filter, water softener, whole-house filter, and other filters based on contaminants present in water. You must get your well water tested annually to deal with the contaminants effectively.

Well water has a natural taste. The taste usually varies from one well to another depending on the groundwater quality in the area.

Distilled Water: Distilled water has no minerals or contaminants. It is 100% pure water. Distilled water tastes bland and flat as it has no minerals or contaminants, but it is safe to drink. You will feel its taste to be metallic. The lack of minerals is the main reason why people don’t drink distilled water.

City Water vs. Distilled Water

City water is also underground water, but the local government treats it before being supplied to your home. EPA is responsible for maintaining water quality. Tap water is fit for drinking when it leaves the treatment center, but it may catch contaminants from your home’s plumbing system and water pipes.

Many people also use water filters with tap water to remove contaminants and chlorine smell from tap water.

Filtered Water vs. Distilled Water

Filtered water is tap or well water that has been filtered to remove various contaminants like chlorine, sediment, bacteria, VOCs, and bacteria. Different types of filters remove different things. These filters don’t remove minerals and dissolved solids.

Purified Water vs. Distilled Water

Purified water is free from all contaminants, microbes, and chemicals. Purified water is achieved by reverse osmosis, ozonation, and distillation. The difference between distilled water and water from RO filters is that water from the latter is re-mineralized by passing it through a bed of minerals.

Bottled Water vs. Distilled Water

Bottled water is commonly used for drinking as it contains all the necessary minerals.

Boiled Water vs. Distilled Water

Boiling water is an integral part of distillation, but boiled water is not distilled water. You get distilled water when you collect water vapors created during boiling.

Can I use Well Water to get Distilled Water?

Yes. You can use well water to get distilled water. All you have to do is pour well water into a water distiller, and it will distill water for you. However, it is always better to add soft well water in a water distiller because hard well water can build deposits in the distiller.

Is Rainwater Distilled Water?

Technically, rainwater is distilled water because it comes from the evaporation of water from lakes, rivers, and oceans. However, rainwater is not distilled water when you receive it. The atmospheric pollutants contaminate rainwater during a downpour.

Author

  • Earl Rojo

    Earl Rojo has been a senior mechanic in well drilling and maintenance firms for 3 years. He is from Longview, Texas, and he loves sharing his experience with others. He frequently writes on various well water issues with a special focus on well maintenance and drinking water quality.

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