Water distillers produce 99.9% pure water, mimicking the hydrologic cycle. The cost of producing distilled water at home is influenced by electricity prices, with the average cost being 2 cents per glass. The initial cost of purchasing a distiller ranges from $635 to $5,000.
Distillation Process and Costs
Distillation removes various impurities by boiling water and then collecting the resulting steam. This steam enters a cooling chamber where it condenses, separate from the impurities left behind.
- Average distiller use: 3 KWH per gallon
- Average electricity cost: 10 cents per KWH
- Total cost: 30 cents per gallon
Contaminants removed through this process include metals, organic compounds, and microorganisms. A carbon filter is commonly used to further remove gaseous impurities, with the final product typically tasting neutral or slightly sweet.
Home Distillation Considerations
Is it worth distilling your own water? For those concerned with contaminated water or requiring highly purified water for specific applications, home distillation may be a good choice. Distilled water has very low mineral content, suited for low-sodium diets, and is also used across various industries.
Advantages:
- Ensures removal of contaminants, bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals
- Pure water without odors or unpleasant tastes
- Potentially more cost-effective than buying bottled distilled water
Challenges:
- Higher energy consumption and cost compared to other methods like reverse osmosis
- Health concerns due to the lack of minerals in distilled water
- Taste may be considered flat or bland to some users
Certain applications, such as making coffee, require water with a minimum mineral content, while distilled water is recommended for espresso. Bottled distilled water has a long shelf life if unopened and stored properly, but once opened, it should be used promptly to prevent microbial growth.
Considering the cost and practicality, home distillation may not be the best option for everyone. If you take into account the total weight of water needed for daily consumption and the cost of plastic containers for storage, the convenience may be reduced.
If you decide to distill water at home, Durastill 3040 Home Water Distiller is an example of equipment that could be used for this purpose.