No, you should not drink condensation water.
Why You Should Avoid Drinking Condensation Water
While it might seem like a source of clean water, especially in a dehumidifier, condensation water is not safe for consumption. Here's why:
- Contaminants: Condensation water can accumulate contaminants from the surfaces it collects on. In the case of dehumidifiers, these contaminants include:
- Lead and other metal residues from the internal components of the unit.
- Dust, mold spores, and other particles present in the air and within the dehumidifier.
- Lack of Sterilization: Unlike distilled water which undergoes a sterilization process, dehumidifier water is not sterilized through boiling or any other methods. Therefore, it may harbor harmful bacteria and pathogens. The reference material clearly states: "Unlike distilled water (see Nitty Gritty), dehumidifier water is never sterilized through boiling."
- Not Distilled: Condensation water is often confused with distilled water. However, the two are not the same. Distilled water is boiled and then the steam is collected, leaving behind impurities. Condensation water merely collects on a surface without undergoing the same purification process.
Key Differences: Condensation Water vs. Distilled Water
| Feature | Condensation Water | Distilled Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Collects on surfaces from the air's moisture. | Steam from boiling water. |
| Purity | Can contain contaminants and not sterilized. | Purified by removing impurities through boiling. |
| Safety | Not safe for drinking. | Safe for drinking. |
| Sterilization | Does not undergo sterilization. | Sterilized by boiling process. |
Conclusion
For your health and safety, you should never drink water collected as condensation, particularly from dehumidifiers. The risks of consuming contaminated water far outweigh any perceived benefits. The reference explicitly warns: "do not drink the condensate!"
