A water analysis will not only verify whether a water quality problem exists, but is also essential to determine the most appropriate solution to the problem. State or local health officials can interpret water analysis results. Some laboratories may also provide this service. Note that home water treatment is considered only a temporary solution. The best solutions to a contaminated drinking water problem are to either end the practices causing the contamination or change water sources.
Contaminated water is heated to form steam.
Inorganic compounds and large non-volatile organic molecules do not evaporate with the water and are left behind. The steam then cools and condenses to form purified water. The boiling process also lulls microorganisms such as bacteria and some viruses. The effectiveness of distillation in removing organic compounds varies, depending on such chemical characteristics of the organic compound as solubility and boiling point. If these harmful compounds are not removed prior to condensation, they will recontaminate the purified product.