Distilled water is generally safe to drink in normal daily amounts as long as you get enough minerals and electrolytes from food.
Safe daily amounts
For healthy adults, the safe total fluid intake (from all beverages, including distilled water) is often around 2.7 liters per day for women and 3.7 liters per day for men, similar to regular water. Most adults can use distilled water for all or part of this intake without harm if they eat a balanced diet that supplies minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
When it becomes too much
Drinking very large volumes of any low‑electrolyte water (including distilled) in a short time can dilute blood sodium and cause water intoxication, which is dangerous. This risk is higher if you sweat heavily (e.g., athletes, hot environments) and replace fluid only with plain or distilled water without salt or electrolyte intake.
Practical guidelines
- Using distilled water occasionally or even as your main drinking water is usually fine if your diet is rich in minerals (fruits, vegetables, dairy, nuts, etc.).
- If you rely on distilled water exclusively and have a restricted or poor diet, you may increase your risk of mineral or electrolyte imbalances over time.
- People with kidney, heart, or endocrine problems, or those on fluid restrictions, should ask a healthcare professional how much total water (including distilled) is appropriate.
If you share your age, health conditions, and typical activity level, more tailored intake ranges can be suggested for you to discuss with a clinician.
