Q. Is tap water safe for drinking?

A. In many cases, yes. However, studies by U.S. government agencies, research institutions and private laboratories now show that certain chemical pollutants may contaminate in varying degrees both surface water sources such as lakes and rivers as well as underground aquifers tapped by wells.

Certain substances, such as chlorine, which many municipalities use to disinfect water of organisms may impart an objectionable taste or odor to the water. Some public water supplies also contain low levels of health significant heavy metals i.e., lead, cadmium, arsenic, nitrates and many other organic chemicals.

Q. Why drink distilled water?

A. Distillation is effective in reducing bacteria, chemicals, minerals and toxic organic impurities which may be present in the water. A virtually sodium-free drink, distilled water is ideal for the preparation of coffee, tea and juices, for cooking fresh vegetables, soups, sauces and for making sherbets and ice cream.

Q. Don't we need the minerals that distillation removes from the water?

A. While some minerals found in water are important to our body's health, the amounts found in water are rather insignificant when compared to those found in the foods we eat. Because tap water varies substantially in the amount and proportion of mineral content, the most reliable source of those essential mineral nutrients come from normal daily diet consisting of fish, meat and vegetables.

Q. Does distilled water taste "flat"?

A. Distilled water has little flavor since the chemicals and minerals which give water a distinctive taste have been reduced. In drinking it, you'll find that a glass of cold distilled water tastes "clean" and refreshing. It is an excellent mixer for spirits, coffee, tea, fruit juices - bringing a unique, clean flavor to all mixed drinks.

Q. What about the economics - buying bottled distilled water vs. making it yourself via a home distillation system?

A. This is difficult to answer because there are no uniformly regulated quality standards for bottled distilled water. However, the consumer will benefit by knowing he has produced the highest quality distilled water himself in his home for just pennies per gallon.

With a home distillation system, there aren't any trips to the grocery store for bottled water. Requiring only minimal upkeep, some home distillation systems can be connected to an ice-maker refigerator, water cooler or a "third" faucet at the sink. As a space-saver appliance, a home distillation system fits easily into most kitchens, utility rooms or basements.

Q. Is there a remote chance that during the distillation process chemical contaminants are returned to the water as the vapor condenses?

A. Contaminats which have a low vapor point may be reduced in the water during the distillation process in which they are heated to a gaseous state with the gas and/or vapor being expelled through a volatile gas vent.

Q. What other uses does distilled water have besides cooking and drinking?

A. In addition to providing you with a ready, convenient, economical supply of water for cooking and drinking, distilled water is ideal for indoor plants, steam irons, photographic hobbies, car batteries, cleaning of contact lenses, feeding pets and other household uses.