A Guide to Purified Water

Purified water is one of the cleanest types of water available, having undergone various processes such as distillation, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and sometimes ozonation to remove impurities and contaminants. These purification methods are designed to adjust mineral levels and eliminate any unwanted flavours. Distilled water is a specific type of purified water, but it undergoes only the distillation process to achieve its purity by removing contaminants.

What is Purified Water?

Purified water isn’t entirely 100% ‘pure’, but it is treated to ensure it is safe for consumption. Various purification processes, such as those used for tap water, involve mechanical filtration and chemical treatments. These methods remove harmful levels of mineral residues, heavy metals, and soil particles. Purification also eliminates pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, amoebae, microscopic worms, and other contaminants, ensuring the water is free from potentially harmful organisms.

Purified water is evaluated based on its total dissolved solids (TDS), measured in parts per million (PPM). For water to be classified as ‘pure’, it must have a TDS level of less than 10 PPM, with 0 PPM being the ideal. This indicates that approximately 99% of all contaminants have been effectively removed, making the water safe for consumption and use.

How is Water Purified?

There are various methods to purify water, each with different levels of effectiveness. The method depends on factors such as the level of contamination and which purification process is the most practical and convenient for you.

Several different methods can be used to purify water, including:

• Boiling
• Deionisation
• Microfiltration
• Reverse osmosis
• Ultraviolet oxidation
• Electrode ionisation
• Carbon filtering

Commercially available purified water will typically use a combination of two or more of the above methods. Regardless of the technique used, the goal remains the same: to eliminate impurities and ensure the water is safe for consumption.

How Does Purified Water Differ From Other Waters?

While each type of water is processed to be safe and refreshing, their methods of treatment, mineral content, and uses vary significantly.

Purified Water vs. Natural Mineral Water

Natural Mineral Water is sourced from protected underground springs and contains naturally occurring minerals that are beneficial to health, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are left untouched throughout the bottling process, as the water is only filtered to remove harmful microorganisms or contaminants, ensuring its natural composition remains intact.

Purified Water vs. Spring Water

Spring water is another naturally sourced option, typically collected from a microbiologically pure source. Like Natural Mineral Water, spring water retains its natural minerals, contributing to its unique taste and health benefits. However, spring water usually undergoes less filtration, so while it’s treated to meet safety standards, it may not go through the extensive purification process seen with purified water.

Purified Water vs. Distilled Water

Distilled water is a specific type of purified water that is created through the process of distillation. This method involves boiling water to create steam, which is then condensed back into liquid form, leaving impurities and minerals behind. While both purified and distilled water are free from contaminants, distilled water undergoes a more intensive process to remove nearly all dissolved substances, including minerals.

Purified Water vs. Filtered Water

Generally, filtered water can be considered a type of purified water, but its purity depends on the level of filtration used and the amount of contaminants removed. For water to be classified as purified, the contaminant levels must fall within the acceptable standard range. 

The key difference between filtration and purification is that filtration primarily removes solid particles, while purification targets a broader range of contaminants, including microorganisms and chemicals. For instance, muddy water can be filtered through methods like reverse osmosis or sand-carbon filtration, but if sediment or particles remain, it hasn’t reached a purified state. Water must go through multiple stages of filtration and purification to be deemed pure.

The Bottom Line of Purified Water

Water purification involves a variety of methods, such as reverse osmosis, distillation, ion exchange, and filtration, all aimed at removing contaminants to ensure clean and safe water. While purified water offers a high level of purity, it differs from other types like Natural Mineral Water or spring water, which retain their natural minerals.

The choice of purification method depends on the level of contamination and the desired outcome, whether it’s eliminating harmful pathogens or enhancing the taste and quality of the water. Understanding the different processes and their benefits helps consumers make informed decisions about their water, ensuring they choose the option that best meets their needs for health, taste, and convenience.