Water filtration vs distilled water

Water supplies when travelling through different areas

My conclusions are, from reading all about water filtration,  that drinking carbon filtered water is best for health.... but read on

If one uses distilled water (ie water produced by distillation or reverse osmosis), it is suggested by one google site that adding 3 Tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar per gallon of distilled water will replenish many of the minerals that one needs on a daily basis.

Filtered water vs. purified water

The filtration system that we have on board "Body and Soul" includes a series of three filters down to 5 microns as well as a carbon filter; but it is not designed to  purify  the water that is passed through it. It filters all particulates out and it removes most chemicals and heavy metals and therefore renders any water passed through it to be good enough for most domestic purposes, other than for drinking. 

We use the system for two distinct purposes:

Firstly, when we are on the move and when tap water is scarce, we filter canal water (by way of an immersible pump thrown over the side) through three filters and into our main tank (800 litres). This water is perfectly clean enough for all other domestic purposes such as washing clothes, washing and showering and toilet flushing - all of which are connected through our plumbing system from the main tank. (in fact, drinking it would probably be fine but, safety comes first! There could still be unpleasant bacteria present. Our main water tank, although 'clean', cannot be said to be sterile.

Secondly we filter ordinary tap water when available (ie already passed by the local authority as "Potable") to improve its taste and for other health benefits.This water is for drinking only and is kept strictly in two separate 10-litre tanks and also in clear glass bottles in our fridge. It will last us for two weeks at least. It is delicious.

For instance, when the local potable water is available throughout the winter months when the canals are closed,  the latter scheme described above applies, still keeping water for drinking separately from water put in the main tank which may possibly be less than sterile. We have no means or need to make pure water either through distilled water or osmosis.

 

The filtration system that we have on board "Body and Soul" includes a series of three filters down to 5 microns as well as a carbon filter; but it is not designed to  purify  the water that is passed through it. It filters all particulates out and it removes most chemicals and heavy metals and therefore renders any water passed through it to be good enough for most domestic purposes, other than for drinking. 

We use the system for two distinct purposes:

Firstly, when we are on the move and when tap water is scarce, we filter canal water (by way of an immersible pump thrown over the side) through three filters and into our main tank (800 litres). This water is perfectly clean enough for all other domestic purposes such as washing clothes, washing and showering and toilet flushing - all of which are connected through our plumbing system from the main tank. (in fact, drinking it would probably be fine but, safety comes first! There could still be unpleasant bacteria present. Our main water tank, although 'clean', cannot be said to be sterile.

Secondly we filter ordinary tap water when available (ie already passed by the local authority as "Potable") to improve its taste and for other health benefits.This water is for drinking only and is kept strictly in two separate 10-litre tanks and also in clear glass bottles in our fridge. It will last us for two weeks at least. It is delicious.

For instance, when the local potable water is available throughout the winter months when the canals are closed,  the latter scheme described above applies, still keeping water for drinking separately from water put in the main tank which may possibly be less than sterile. We have no means or need to make pure water either through distilled water or osmosis.