Bacteria can grow in all kinds of water, but distilled water is particularly susceptible to bacterial growth because the process of distilling removes all traces of oxygen from the water. This prevents bacteria from absorbing and feeding off the water’s oxygen, which gives them the fuel to multiply.
Can bacteria grow in distilled water?
In some laboratory experiments, a variety of microbial communities can re-grow in highly purified water even after filtration or osmosis water distiller australia. This may be because the treated water has a higher concentration of dissolved genetic material than untreated water.
For this reason, it’s essential to follow good practices when storing bottled distilled water. Avoid storing it outdoors in direct sunlight and make sure it’s properly sealed when you open it.
Medical Uses: The high purity level of distilled water makes it ideal for sterilizing medical instruments and disinfecting wounds, as well as using in Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines to keep bacteria from breeding. It also can be used to clean sanitizing devices like syringes and needles.
Food Uses: Distilled water is preferred in canning processes, as it keeps flavors from changing due to the presence of salts and minerals. It’s also an alternative to tap water, which can contain a wide range of chemical and biological contaminants.
Although distilled water does not provide any essential vitamins or minerals, it is still a safe and healthy choice for many people. It contains no nitrates, sulfates, or other harmful chemicals and can be used to replace regular tap water in recipes that call for water. It’s also a great choice for making ice or brewing coffee or tea.