How to Buy a Water Ionizer

The water that comes out of your faucet is often loaded with waterborne particulates that can be dangerous to your health over extended periods of time. Chlorine, parasites, and metals are all found in trace quantities in most municipal water. Water ionizers can filter out many of these contaminants and deliver clean, fresh-tasting water simply and easily.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide whether you want to buy an ionizer that fits onto the faucet head or a model that is permanently installed under the sink. Ionizers that fit onto the faucet head are significantly cheaper to buy than permanently installed units, but are not as effective in ionizing and removing the various particulates in the water stream.
2. Select a model with various ionizing power settings if you want versatility. Stronger power settings will ionize water more effectively, which gives the water a higher alkaline content. This might be appropriate for certain cooking needs, since water high in alkaline content will bring out more flavor in foods, such as vegetables, coffee and rice.
3. Buy a water ionizer that produces acid-heavy water in addition to the standard alkaline-raising function. Water ionizers work by increasing the alkaline content for healthier drinking water, but can also be configured to produce acid-heavy water. Water with a high acid content kills bacteria and is an excellent choice for cleaning and sterilizing. It can also be used to support plant growth, because the acid-heavy water destroys infectious bacteria on the plants.
4. Look for water ionizers that feature a built-in automatic reverse cleaner. This feature is found on higher-end models and ensures that the ionizing components are kept free of particulates that have eluded the filters. The cleaner will extend the life of your water ionizer.
5. Look for models that are easy to clean, either by changing a filter or washing clean. Residue can build inside the ionizer and reduce its functionality, so regular cleanings are an important part of maintenance.

Tips & Warnings

• If your water comes from a well or a spring, the incremental benefits of owning a water ionizer are significantly diminished, since water close to its source is relatively clean.
• Many ionizers require that you replace a filter, as specified in the owner's manual. If you don't maintain your water ionizer by replacing the filters, the ionizer may not be cleaning your water effectively.