Can You Drink Water From A Dehumidifier?

The water in the dehumidifier is not drinkable; the water in the dehumidifier may contain lead and other metal residues from components. Unlike distilled water, the water in a dehumidifier is not sterilised by boiling.

If you are tempted to drink the water inside your dehumidifier, hear me out: don't drink the condensate! Let's delve deeper into this question and look at safe ways to use dehumidifier water.

How Does a Dehumidifier Work?

Dehumidifiers work by drawing in moist air and passing it through a cold coil. As a result, the water vapour condenses into liquid water, which is then collected in a reservoir or discharged. However, different brands of dehumidifiers will also have different features.

Take the Storm SLGR 1250X dehumidifier from Aloraircommercial, which uses its built-in humidity regulator to monitor the conditioned space. As soon as the conditions in the space exceed the desired set point, the compressor kicks in and pumps air over the evaporator coil. The temperature of the evaporator coil is below the dew point of the air, so the water vapour turns into liquid condensate.

Related reading: Do Dehumidifiers Use a Lot of Electricity?

Can You Drink Water From A Dehumidifier?

The short answer is no, you should not drink water collected from a dehumidifier. While the water is pure to begin with, there are several factors that can make it unsafe for human consumption.

Firstly, the warm, stagnant environment in the dehumidifier tank provides conditions for bacterial growth. Without proper disinfection, harmful microorganisms can multiply rapidly and pose a serious health risk if ingested.

Secondly, the collected water may contain a variety of contaminants. Dust, mould spores and other airborne particles can easily enter the water. In addition, the water may attract trace metals or chemicals from the internal components of the dehumidifier as it passes through the dehumidifier system.

Another problem is the lack of essential minerals. Even if the water can remain sterile, it lacks the beneficial minerals found in regular drinking water. Drinking large amounts of demineralised water may lead to electrolyte imbalances in the body.

Finally, unlike municipal water supplies, demineralised water is not subjected to any purification process or testing to ensure it is safe to drink. There are no quality control or safety measures to ensure that this water is drinkable.

Given these factors, it is clear that the risks of drinking dehumidifier water far outweigh any potential benefits. It is always best to choose a water source that has been properly treated and tested for drinking needs.

If you are still considering this, I can tell you unequivocally: do not attempt to drink water collected from a dehumidifier.

What Will Happen If I Drink the Water by Accident?

If you accidentally ingest a small amount of dehumidifier water, it's unlikely to cause serious harm. However, depending on the level of contamination, you might experience stomach upset, diarrhea, or nausea. If you're concerned or experience persistent symptoms, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.

What Can I Use the Water From a Dehumidifier For?

While dehumidifier water isn't safe to drink, there are several practical uses for it:

1. Watering Plants: Dehumidifier water is great for non-edible plants. Its lack of chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water can be beneficial for some plants. However, avoid using it on plants you intend to eat.
2. Cleaning: You can use the water for mopping floors, washing windows, or cleaning outdoor surfaces. Just avoid using it on surfaces that come into contact with food.
3. Flushing Toilets: Pour the water directly into the toilet bowl to conserve tap water when flushing.
4. Ironing: The lack of minerals makes dehumidifier water ideal for use in steam irons, preventing mineral buildup.
5. Car Maintenance: Use it to top up your car's radiator fluid or for washing your vehicle.

How to choose the right dehumidifier?

While you can't drink the water produced by a dehumidifier, dehumidifiers do an excellent job of maintaining room temperatures. When choosing a dehumidifier, you should primarily consider factors such as the size of the space, humidity levels, and special functional needs.

Aloraircommercial specialises in dehumidifiers for large spaces or businesses, you can always choose an industrial dehumidifier from Aloraircommercial if you want a large dehumidifier. Below you will find a few recommended machines for different scenarios of applications.

The first one, for basements that are prone to flooding or high humidity, basement dehumidifiers with pumps can automatically remove collected moisture without the need for manual emptying.

The second, dealing with inventory control or climate-sensitive operations, our Storm Ultra series is ideal for maintaining optimal humidity levels in large commercial spaces.

Thirdly, for situations that require mobility, portable dehumidifiers like our Storm LGR 1250X can deliver powerful performance in a compact, easy-to-move package.

Fourthly, for dehumidifiers that need to be intelligently controlled, choose one of our wifi dehumidifier models that can be remotely monitored, ideal for managing multiple units or hard to reach areas.

Conclusion

While the water collected by a dehumidifier isn't safe to drink, these devices play a vital role in maintaining healthy indoor environments. By controlling humidity, they help prevent mold growth, reduce allergens, and create more comfortable living and working spaces.

At Aloraircommercial, we're committed to providing top-quality dehumidification solutions for a wide range of applications. Whether you need a dehumidifier commercial unit for your business, a best dehumidifier for your basement, we have the right solution for you. Our advanced technology and durable construction ensure efficient moisture control in even the most challenging environments.

Remember, while you can't drink the water from your dehumidifier, there are plenty of other ways to put it to good use. By understanding how to properly use and maintain your dehumidifier, you can create a healthier, more comfortable space while also being environmentally conscious.

FAQs

Is Water From a Dehumidifier Distilled?

Technically, the water a dehumidifier collects is similar to distilled water when it first condenses. The evaporation and condensation process leaves behind impurities, resulting in relatively pure H2O. However, this initial purity doesn't last long once the water enters the collection tank.

Can Dogs Drink Water From a Dehumidifier?

Just as it's unsafe for humans, dehumidifier water is not recommended for pets either. Dogs are susceptible to many of the same waterborne pathogens and contaminants that affect humans. It's always best to provide your furry friends with clean, fresh water from a reliable source.

Can You Drink Dehumidifier Water If Boiled?

Boiling dehumidifier water might kill some bacteria, but it won't remove other contaminants like heavy metals or chemicals. Additionally, boiling further removes any remaining minerals, making the water less ideal for drinking. For these reasons, it's still not advisable to drink boiled dehumidifier water.

Is Water From a Dehumidifier Good for Plants?

Dehumidifier water can be excellent for watering houseplants and outdoor ornamental plants. Its lack of chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water can be beneficial for some sensitive plants. However, there are a few caveats. First, don't use it on edible plants, as there's a risk of contamination.

Secondly, if you have mold issues in your home, the water might contain mold spores that could harm your plants. Finally, the lack of minerals means it's not ideal as the sole water source for plants long-term. For optimal plant health, consider alternating between dehumidifier water and regular water or adding a diluted fertilizer occasionally.