A water distiller removes nearly all contaminants and impurities including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, arsenic, fluoride, salt, rust, pesticides, etc. The distiller heats the water creating water vapor. It then condenses the water vapor back into liquid water using a cooling fan and coils of tubing. Tabletop distillers normally take 2-4 hours to distill a gallon of water. A distiller can purify even extremely fouled water.
A distiller can be a practical home appliance for both emergency preparedness and other household uses. For example, many CPAP machines require distilled water. If you use a CPAP you can distill your own water AND have the ability to purify water in the event of an emergency. Advantages and disadvantages of a water distiller include:
- GOOD: Creates extremely pure water
- GOOD: Can purify extremely fouled water
- GOOD: Water can be used in CPAP machines
- GOOD: Not too large and affordable ($80-200)
- BAD: Very slow (2+ hours per gallon)
- BAD: Requires electricity
Recommendation
For emergency preparedness store about one gallon of water per person per day and try to have two weeks of stored water. A water distiller is a good appliance to have if the water supply becomes compromised. However, if the water supply is compromised then chances are good that the electrical grid would also be compromised. Cities like Flint, Michigan had major issues with lead and other contaminants in their water. Water distillers could remove these impurities from the water.
