a water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance , condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes , and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system . the control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber . one of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam . a purge pump is responsive to fault signals , including the steam fault signal , to pump water from the evaporation chamber .