What exactly is a water ionizer? A water ionizer is a device which produces an electrical charge that is introduced to tap water (or another source of water) through electrodes. Most water ionizers then separate the water into two streams of ionized water:
- Alkaline ionized water is the result of reduced water, where positively charged ions gather at the negative electrode. This process concentrates available alkaline mineral deposits, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium from the tap water. The alkaline ionized water is collected for bottled water, drinking, and cooking. This alkaline ionized water is usually made available through a divert spout.
- Oxidized water forms when negatively charged ions gather at the positive electrode. This serves to concentrate nitrates, sulfides, chlorides, and fluorides from the tap water. This acidic ionized water is usually discharged into the sink.
The best thing about at home water ionizers is that they can be installed without the services of an expensive plumber. A home water treatment system can be just the answer to get your family drinking the valuable water they so desperately need. A water ionizer will usually have a full range of pH settings, with electrodes cleaned in automatic cycles. Water filter ionizer purifiers can last for anywhere between 6-12 months depending on the brand and use and replacement filters for water ionizers can be found on eBay and other online resellers for less than retail prices.
How Does a Water Ionizer Work?
Ionized water systems have been used in Japan for over 17 years in eastern medicine practices, and involve heavily advanced computer circuitry. Through the first process, water straight from your tap is filtered through fine charcoal filters, which removes bacteria, lead, detergents, pesticides, viruses, asbestos, chemicals, pollens and more unwanted pathogens. This method of filtering does not eradicate soluble minerals from your water, which most filtering systems unfortunately do. The second process is ionization, in which a very intricate low-voltage electrical flow passes through the filtered water and causes it to separate into two different streams; alkaline and acidic. The alkaline water is used for consumption and the acidic water can be used externally for skin, healing and disinfecting, even watering plants! There is an on-board central processing unit fixed to this ionizer to ensure that the exact voltage is correct for each use. It is also claimed that through ionization, the large “bound” clustered water molecules are condensed in size to a smaller group; theoretically making it easier for the water to clean each individual cell, ensuring complete hydration throughout the body. As with any non-scientifically proven method of health care, there are skeptics on what water ionizers do for the body; but do your research and don’t be afraid to talk to your family doctor about different choices so you can find the perfect type of water for you.
