How does ionised alkaline water differ from filtered water?

Today’s market offers a wide variety of water filtration systems for the home. Water ionisers are somewhat less common, so it is not unusual for people to get confused and call them “filters”. Not everyone has a clear idea of what a water ionization device and water filtration system are about and how they differ. Although we can benefit from both if we utilize them properly, we have to know how and when to do so to derive maximum results.

Filtered water for household appliances

Many people believe that quality of tap water is not good enough and prefer to use filter jugs, at least for their drinking water. Others, eager to improve the quality of all the water utilized in their home, have more serious equipment installed alongside their kitchen water supply.

Manufacturers tend to encourage this enthusiasm, claiming that their equipment removes all kinds of contaminants that are sure to be found in tap water: viruses and bacteria, hormones, lime-scale, chlorine, iron, lead and pesticides, among others.

Water quality experts, on the other hand, claim that water filtering is unnecessary on health grounds, as water is cleaned and disinfected to the highest standard before it gets to the tap. Although this may be true, one thing is clear – tap water is hard, at least in most regions across the UK.

Hard water is safe to use and even beneficial to one’s health, as it has a high mineral content. However, it may not be as friendly to our household appliances. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium can do the most damage, as they form lime-scale residue on their interior surfaces which is very difficult to remove. Appliances that sustain the most damage are dish washers, water heaters and washing machines. Once lime-scale begins to accumulate on their internal parts, our machines will suffer and may even fail before their expected lifespan is over.

Hard mineral deposits not only affect electric appliances, but all areas of the home that are frequently exposed to water, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Our plumbing systems will suffer too, as pipes can become clogged due to mineral build-up.

Water softening and iron removal filters may help tackle this problem. As there are so many filters to choose from, it is reasonable to test tap water quality first and find out if the filter is necessary in the first place and which filter will be the greatest fit. Using the services of a certified drinking water lab, instead of relying on tests used by salesmen for demonstrating the advantages of their product is recommended.

Water softening and iron removal filters are the most popular type of filter. The latter removes scale-forming calcium and magnesium from hard water. However, keep in mind that calcium and magnesium, although harmful to household appliances, are useful for our bodies. That’s why a water filtration system may not be the best option for drinking water.

Ionised water for the body

In order to specifically satisfy your drinking needs, consider acquiring a portable domestic water ionizer. It will supply you with useful minerals and be beneficial to your health in many ways. Let’s consider briefly how a water ioniser works.

• Water ionizers operate on the principle of redistribution of minerals rather than removal. An electric current is applied in order to initiate the electrolytic process, during which water and dissolved mineral salt molecules become ionized. Alkaline metal and hydroxyl ions are attracted to the negatively charged electrode cathode, while acidic non-metal and hydrogen ions – to the positively charged anode.

• The quantity of hydroxyl ions determines the alkalinity of the water: the greater the quantity, the higher the alkalinity and, accordingly, the pH value. This is the ionised alkaline (“live”) water. As we drink ionized alkaline water, our bodies receive more oxygen. Note that the oxygen here is very stable, as it is surrounded by alkaline minerals. Alkaline metal ions, concentrated in alkaline water, are very easy to absorb for the body, as it is best at absorbing elements in ionized form.

• The regular intake of alkaline water helps sustain an alkaline environment in the body, reduce acidification and strengthen resistance to disease. Due to smaller molecular formations, ionised water immediately passes through cell membranes and integrates into the metabolism, dissolving and neutralising toxic substances along the way. The reduced molecular cluster size allows the body to absorb fluids, along with their mineral content, much more rapidly and efficiently in comparison to regular water. By the same token, the body receives an extra amount of oxygen, which helps supply cells with nutrients and energy. Active oxygen molecules kill bacteria and viruses.

• Ionised alkaline water is a source of natural antioxidants. Antioxidants activate vital processes in the body, strengthen the immune system and protect cells against DNA damage. But most importantly, alkaline water contains high concentrations of alkaline metals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, which are essential for the neutralisation of acidic waste.