Purified water is water that has undergone a treatment process to remove impurities and contaminants, making it safe for consumption and various applications. This process significantly reduces or eliminates undesirable substances, resulting in a cleaner and purer form of water compared to untreated sources like tap water.
The Purification Process:
Several methods are used to purify water, including:
- Filtration: This physical process removes sediment, particles, and other larger contaminants.
- Reverse osmosis: This pressure-driven process forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, separating impurities.
- Distillation: This process involves boiling water and collecting the condensed vapor, leaving behind impurities.
- UV treatment: This method uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Ozone treatment: Ozone is used to oxidize and remove organic contaminants.
Many purification methods are combined to achieve the highest level of purity. The specific techniques used may vary depending on the source water and desired level of purity. For example, bottled purified water often undergoes a multi-stage purification process, as described by Drink More Water, which states that they use a "rigorous 12-step process."
Purified Water vs. Other Types of Water:
It's important to distinguish purified water from other types of water:
- Tap water: This is untreated water from municipal sources, which may contain minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants.
- Filtered water: While filtered water undergoes some level of filtration, it doesn't necessarily remove all impurities like purified water. As noted by Flowater, "All purified drinking water has been filtered, but that doesn't mean all water that's been filtered is considered pure."
- Distilled water: This is a specific type of purified water created through distillation; it's extremely pure, almost entirely devoid of minerals.
Applications of Purified Water:
Purified water is used in numerous applications, including:
- Drinking: It's a safe and convenient option for hydration.
- Food and beverage production: Used extensively in the preparation of food and beverages to maintain quality and safety.
- Pharmaceutical industry: Essential for manufacturing medications and other products.
- Laboratory applications: Used in scientific research and testing.
The FDA regulates bottled water, including purified water, ensuring it meets safety standards.
