Where to Buy Distilled Water in Australia: Complete Buying Guide

Finding distilled water in Australia is easier than many people assume, though knowing where to look and what to expect can save time and money. From major supermarket chains to specialty retailers and online stores, distilled water is widely available across the country. This comprehensive guide covers every option, helping you find the best products at the best prices for your specific needs.

Major Supermarket Chains

Coles and Woolworths both stock distilled water in most locations, making them convenient options for regular purchases during routine shopping. Look in the cleaning products aisle, laundry section, or sometimes near pharmaceutical supplies. Product placement varies between stores, so ask staff if you cannot locate it.

Supermarket distilled water typically comes in two to five litre containers at competitive prices. These products suit general household applications including steam irons, humidifiers, and automotive use. Quality is consistent and reliable from major house brands.

IGA, Aldi, and other smaller supermarket chains may or may not stock distilled water depending on location and store size. Larger stores are more likely to carry the product. If your local store does not stock distilled water, they may be willing to order it upon request.

The main advantage of supermarket purchasing is convenience and consistent availability. Prices tend to be reasonable, though not always the cheapest option for bulk quantities. Stock up during regular shopping trips to maintain adequate supply at home.

Automotive Supply Stores

Supercheap Auto, Repco, and Autobarn stock distilled water specifically for automotive applications including battery top-ups and radiator coolant mixing. These stores often carry larger container sizes, typically five to twenty litres, at competitive per-litre prices.

Automotive distilled water is chemically identical to products sold elsewhere. The packaging may be less refined, with industrial-style containers featuring easy-pour spouts. This water works perfectly for all applications, not just automotive use.

Prices at automotive stores are often among the lowest available, particularly for bulk quantities. Staff can also provide advice on proper battery maintenance and coolant mixing procedures. Regular sales and promotions further reduce costs for savvy shoppers.

Bunnings hardware stores also stock demineralised water in their automotive or paint sections. While demineralised water is produced differently than distilled water, it works equally well for most applications. Compare prices and availability between automotive and hardware stores in your area.

Pharmacies and Medical Supply Stores

Pharmacies including Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, and independent chemists often stock distilled water, particularly for CPAP and medical equipment use. Products sold through pharmacies may carry premium pricing but often feature higher purity standards suitable for medical applications.

Some products marketed as CPAP water or medical-grade distilled water are essentially standard distilled water in convenient packaging. Others may specify higher purity levels. Check product labels and compare with standard distilled water to determine if premium pricing is justified for your needs.

Medical supply stores and CPAP equipment retailers often stock distilled water alongside their main product lines. These may offer travel-sized containers particularly useful for CPAP users who need portable supplies. Prices tend toward the higher end but convenience and product selection can be worthwhile.

If you purchase CPAP equipment or supplies regularly, ask about bundled pricing or loyalty discounts that might include distilled water at reduced rates.

Online Retailers

Amazon Australia offers extensive distilled water selection with home delivery convenience. Products range from single bottles to bulk multipacks, often at competitive prices. Subscribe and Save options provide additional discounts for regular users who commit to recurring deliveries.

Shipping costs can affect overall value for online purchases, particularly for heavy water containers. Look for free shipping thresholds or Prime membership benefits that include shipping on eligible items. Our product comparison tool factors in shipping to help identify truly best-value options.

eBay Australia features distilled water from various sellers, sometimes at lower prices than retail. Exercise normal caution when purchasing from marketplace sellers, checking feedback ratings and return policies. Some sellers may offer local pickup options avoiding shipping costs entirely.

Specialty online retailers focusing on laboratory supplies, aquarium equipment, or medical products may stock distilled water targeted at specific applications. Prices vary widely, so compare carefully before purchasing from niche retailers.

Specialty and Industrial Suppliers

For high-volume users or specific purity requirements, industrial water suppliers offer bulk distilled water options. Companies serving laboratories, manufacturing, and commercial applications can provide large quantities at wholesale pricing.

These suppliers typically require minimum order quantities that exceed typical household needs. However, groups of users, community organisations, or small businesses might benefit from combining orders to meet minimums and share bulk pricing benefits.

Laboratory supply companies stock certified-purity distilled water suitable for scientific applications. While more expensive than consumer products, these certified waters provide documentation of purity levels required for certain scientific or industrial processes.

Some aquarium supply specialists stock large containers of distilled water for reef tank and aquarium use. These products offer good value for aquarium hobbyists who need significant quantities for regular water changes and top-ups.

Price Comparison Tips

When comparing distilled water prices, always calculate the per-litre cost rather than looking at container prices alone. A five-litre container at twelve dollars may appear expensive compared to a two-litre bottle at five dollars, but the larger container costs less per litre.

Consider your usage patterns when evaluating bulk purchases. Larger containers offer better per-litre value but only if you can use the water before quality degrades. Match container sizes to your realistic consumption to avoid waste.

Watch for sales and promotions, particularly at automotive stores and during major retail sale periods. Stocking up during sales can significantly reduce annual costs for regular distilled water users. Set price alerts on online platforms to catch deals.

Factor in convenience and accessibility when evaluating options. The cheapest per-litre price may not be the best value if it requires special trips or significant travel. Balance price against the convenience of purchasing during regular shopping.

What to Look for When Buying

Examine containers before purchase, checking for damage, leaks, or signs of tampering. Reject any containers with compromised seals or visible contamination. Store-handled containers may have minor scratches, but structural integrity should be intact.

Check product labels for the term distilled rather than alternatives like purified or spring water. For most applications, demineralised water works similarly, but if your equipment specifically requires distilled water, ensure you purchase the correct product.

Note expiration or best-before dates if present. While properly sealed distilled water has an indefinite shelf life, manufacturers often include dates for inventory management. Choose products with dates furthest in the future for maximum storage flexibility.

For medical applications, consider products specifically marketed for medical or CPAP use if available at reasonable premiums. These may offer quality assurance particularly valuable for sensitive health applications.