Water Softeners Vs. Water Distillers
For home use, water softeners and water distillers are different methods to deal with different problems.
The choice between these systems is really: What is the problem with your water?
Water softening systems are designed to remove high mineral content from water.
Water distillation systems convert your source water into vapor and condense the pure water vapor with only traces of minerals, but no waterborne pathogens (when properly used and maintained).
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When Do You Need a Water Softener?
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As the name implies, water softeners reduce hardness (high mineral content) from your tap or well water.
This softening process most often involves passing the source water through a salt or resin filter, removing dissolved minerals.
Softening does not remove waterborne pathogens (disease-causing organisms) or affect trace organics which often give water a slimy taste or smell.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Water Softeners.
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Water softeners are relatively inexpensive whole-house treatment systems. Simple magnetic systems start under $800 and require little maintenance.
More elaborate systems take out a wider variety of minerals and involve more initial expense and maintenance. These systems can cost more than $3,000 and may require monthly maintenance by trained professionals. -
When Do You Need a Water Distiller?
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If your source water is untreated and may be susceptible to waterborne pathogens, water distillation is a good choice for drinking and cooking water. Most countertop models will provide sufficient quantities for food purposes, but not for showers or laundry.
A home distiller may be needed if you have strict sodium restrictions or need purified water for medicines or other health issues.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Water Distillers.
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If you have a requirement for highly pure drinking water, home distillers are more cost-effective than buying bottled distilled waters (and more pure than bottled "spring water"). A properly maintained distiller will provide water free of waterborne pathogens and most metals and organics.
Water distillers are expensive to use and require regular and careful maintenance to provide safe water.
Distillers are not practical for whole-house use.
Softeners vs Distillers.
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If the source water problem is only hardness, the softener is the more cost-effective system. The more specifically you can identify the water hardness source (calcium, magnesium, iron), the better you may tailor the system you need without excess expense.
If the water problem is contaminants or other health hazards, a distiller will provide a pure drinking and cooking water supply at a price which is reasonable compared with many high-purity filters (such as reverse osmosis or ultra-purity systems) and all grocery store bottled waters.
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