Are You Truly Distilling Water by Leaving a Jug Open for Days?

Often, individuals mistakenly believe that leaving a container of water uncovered for a few days will allow it to become “distilled.” They think this because the water seems cleaner or because some volatile components evaporate. However, is this truly the case? Let’s delve into the science of distillation and explore whether leaving your water uncovered is an effective method.

The Myth of Natural Distillation

The short answer to the question is no, leaving a container of water open for days is not an effective method of distillation. Distillation involves a meticulously controlled process where water is heated to its boiling point, and the resulting vapor is collected and condensed back into liquid form. This process removes impurities, minerals, and other contaminants, resulting in highly purified water.

The Science of Evaporation

Evaporation, a process widely utilized in nature, removes some of the water from the container, leaving behind impurities. While some compounds with higher volatility may indeed evaporate, this is not equivalent to distillation. The volatile substances that evaporate are not the harmful contaminants; rather, they are often water molecules themselves, leaving behind the less volatile impurities. Moreover, the process is not controlled or monitored, which is crucial for true distillation.

The Role of Bacteria

Uncovered water surfaces can become breeding grounds for bacteria and other microorganisms. Water left open to the air can become contaminated quickly, leading to potential health risks. Therefore, while you might observe some improvement in taste and smell, the water is not becoming “distilled” but rather a higher risk of being tainted.

Distillation in Practice

True distillation is a process used in water purification plants and laboratories. It involves carefully controlled heating of water to its boiling point, condensation of the vapor, and collection of the purified liquid. This process ensures that the water is free of impurities, minerals, and other contaminants.

In some survival scenarios, individuals may use natural methods to collect and purify water. For example, in a Navy Survival School, a simple setup can be used to create a water still. Here’s how it works:

Find a waterproof material. Create a hole about 8 inches deep in the ground. Place a small stone in the center of the hole. Add a cup or any small container in the middle of the hole. Cover the hole with the waterproof material, ensuring it is sealed around the edges with dirt. Place a smaller stone in the center of the waterproof material to form a cone. Wait for the sun to evaporate the liquid, and as the vapor condenses on the underside of the material, it will collect in the cup.

This method, often used in survival situations, can effectively collect and purify water using natural means. However, it should not be relied upon for consistent and reliable water purification.

The Impact on Water Quality

Even if some harmful compounds do evaporate, they are not the primary contaminants in water. Chlorine and chloramine, common water treatment chemicals, do not significantly change the purity of the water after evaporation. While some chlorine may evaporate, chloramine is less volatile and remains in the water. Therefore, leaving a jug open for days does not significantly improve water quality.

Challenges in Removing Contaminants

Distillation is primarily used to remove dissolved minerals and other impurities from water. This is crucial for applications like certain chemical processes and medical applications. However, leaving a container open for days does not effectively remove these contaminants. Any minerals, salts, or dissolved solids remain in the water, and the concentration may even increase due to the evaporation of water.

Conclusion

Leaving a water container uncovered for days is not a reliable method of distillation. The process lacks the control and precision required for effective purification. While evaporation can remove some volatile components, it is not a substitute for true distillation. For consistent and reliable water purification, using a proper distillation method or purchasing distilled water from a reputable source is the best choice.

By understanding the science behind distillation and water purification, you can make informed decisions about the methods you use for ensuring the safety and purity of your drinking water.