Yes, distilled water is generally safe to drink for most healthy people, especially if it is part of an overall balanced diet. The main issue is not toxicity, but the fact that it contains no minerals and may taste flat.
What distilled water is
Distilled water is produced by boiling water and then condensing the steam, which removes most dissolved minerals, many chemicals, and microorganisms. This makes it one of the purest forms of water in terms of contaminant content.
Is it safe to drink?
Health and medical sources state that distilled water can be safe to drink as long as a person gets enough minerals (like calcium and magnesium) and electrolytes from food and other beverages. For many people, using distilled water occasionally or even regularly is acceptable, but it is not usually recommended as the only long‑term water source.
Possible downsides
Because distilled water has no minerals, drinking it exclusively may contribute to electrolyte or mineral imbalance if the rest of the diet is poor in these nutrients. Some reports note a flat taste and possible lower desire to drink, which could indirectly reduce overall hydration in some people.
When it may be useful
Distilled water can be helpful where tap water quality is poor or contaminated, since distillation removes many pathogens and dissolved solids. It is also used in medical, laboratory, and appliance contexts (like CPAP machines, steam irons, and car batteries) because its lack of minerals reduces scale and residue.
Practical advice
If you like using distilled water, make sure you eat a varied diet with adequate minerals (fruits, vegetables, dairy or fortified alternatives, nuts, etc.) or other drinks that contain electrolytes. Anyone with kidney disease, heart problems, heavy sweating (e.g., athletes), or special medical diets should ask a healthcare professional before relying on distilled water as the main drinking water.
