Purified vs Distilled vs Regular Water: What's the Difference?

Pure water, also referred to as ultrapure water, is water that has been treated to remove most impurities and ions, leaving essentially only water molecules (H₂O). While regular drinking water, including bottled mineral water, still contains some impurities, they are typically not harmful to health. In Taiwan, the water supply is tested and certified by the Environmental Protection Administration to meet the "Drinking Water Quality Standards," which are in line with international standards such as those set by the World Health Organization, ensuring its safety for consumption. Hence, for everyday use, drinking pure water is not necessary. Pure water is mainly used in specific industrial applications and medical equipment, such as semiconductor wafer manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, optical lenses, and cleaning medical syringes.

The ultrapure water market is a significant sector, growing from $9.07 billion in 2022 to $10.05 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $13.76 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by its increased use in industries like semiconductor manufacturing, where it's crucial for removing pollutants, minerals, microbes, and trace organic and nonorganic compounds during various manufacturing stages

When considering whether tap water is safe to drink, it's crucial to understand that water quality can vary significantly between different regions. Various factors, including the source of the water, the treatment processes it undergoes, and local environmental conditions, affect the safety and taste of tap water.

Water Sources and Treatment: Tap water typically comes from surface water or groundwater sources. It undergoes several treatment processes to remove contaminants and pathogens. These processes include filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection. In regions where water sources are heavily polluted or where treatment facilities are inadequate, tap water may not meet the safety standards for drinking.

Regional Variability: The quality of tap water can vary greatly depending on the region. For example, in some Caribbean Small Island Developing States, the main sources of water vary by topography and geology. Some islands rely on groundwater, while others depend on surface water. The decline in surface water quality due to contaminants from agricultural and urban runoff, industrial activities, and inadequate wastewater treatment is a significant issue in these regions.

Water Scarcity and Stress: In areas experiencing water scarcity or stress, the quality of tap water may be compromised. For instance, in the Caribbean, some islands face absolute water scarcity, making it challenging to meet basic water needs and maintain quality standards.

Water Markets and Management: Water markets and management strategies also play a role in determining water quality. These strategies include supply augmentation, demand management, and the implementation of water markets to manage scarce water supplies effectively. The efficiency of these strategies can influence the availability and quality of tap water.

In conclusion, while tap water in many regions, especially those with advanced water treatment facilities, is safe to drink, it's important to consider local conditions and regulations. In areas with known water quality issues, alternative sources such as bottled water or water purification systems might be necessary. It's always a good idea to check local water quality reports or consult with local health authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the safety of tap water in your area.

Pure water systems are essential in industries like semiconductors, LCD manufacturing, and precision electronics, where product circuitry demands highly purified water. Any impurities in the cleansing water can significantly reduce product yields. In particular, the semiconductor industry requires ultrapure water (cleaner by a factor of 1000 compared to tap water) for processes like photomask cleaning, wafer washing, etching, and mechanical polishing.

The preparation of pure water typically involves a combination of multiple technologies to ensure its high purity. Common steps include:

Distillation: A process of heating water into steam and then condensing it back into liquid, removing impurities and ions. It's an effective but energy-intensive method.

Ion Exchange Resins: These resins remove ions from water and are commonly used in water treatment. Mixed bed ion exchangers further combine cation and anion exchange resins for higher purity.

Reverse Osmosis (RO): RO uses a semipermeable membrane to filter impurities and ions, widely applied in producing highly pure water, especially in labs, pharmaceuticals, and electronics manufacturing.

Electrodialysis: This technique separates ions from water using an electric field and is typically used in deionizing water.

Filtration: Microfiltration removes tiny suspended particles and contaminants, further enhancing water purity.

The pure water industry encompasses various sectors such as equipment manufacturers, treatment technology developers, and companies involved in delivering clean water. This diverse industry contributes significantly to providing clean water for various uses, including high-precision manufacturing processes.