do NOT use distilled water in a rowenta iron!!!! the directions stress this.use tap water.our water is 'hard',and i have used only tap water for 10 years(yes...i iron often)...and have never had a problem.when i worked where they were sold,every one that was returned,either because it leaked ,or died,they had not read directions,and used distilled water.hope this helps.i LOVE rowenta irons!!!