Tag: Water Filtration

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALKALINE WATER AND FILTERED WATER?

Sam Kemper 3 Comments

lasy drinking a glass of water

What’s the difference between alkaline water and filtered water? Alkaline water has an elevated pH value of between 7-14. Filtered water is water that has been passed through a water filtration device to remove contaminants. They are two different types of water.

WHICH IS BETTER ALKALINE WATER OR FILTERED WATER?

Which type of water is better – alkaline water or filtered water? Alkaline water and filtered water are two completely different types of water.

water ionization

Alkaline water has an elevated pH. This means it is the opposite of acidic water. Alkaline water is better if you want to increase the pH of your water and neutralize excess acidity levels.

Filtered water has been treated to remove contaminants and toxins. It is a way of cleaning water. It purifies water by passing it through a water filter and removing particles and chemicals.

If your drinking water is contaminated and needs to be purified – filtered water is better. By filtering contaminated water you can make it safe to drink.

WHAT IS ALKALINE WATER?

Alkaline water is any water that has a pH above 7. The pH scale is used to measure how acidic or alkaline a substance is. It runs from 0-14. 

glass of reverse osmosis filtered water in the forest

Anything below 7 is acidic, anything above 7 is alkaline, and 7 is neutral. The higher the value the more alkaline a substance is. Similarly, the lower the value, the more acidic a substance is.

Alkaline water has recently seen a surge in popularity. People claim that drinking alkaline water neutralizes excess acidity in the body and boosts health. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.  For more information on alkaline water – see here.

HOW TO MAKE ALKALINE WATER

How is alkaline water made? The best way to make alkaline water is to use an alkaline water ionizer machine. These home appliances use your regular tap water supply and convert it to alkaline water.

woman drinking alkaline water

Other methods for making alkaline water at home include using pH drops, baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, coconut, and cucumber. For more information on how to make alkaline water at home – click here. 

ADVANTAGES OF ALKALINE WATER

What are the advantages of alkaline water? Proponents of alkaline water say that drinking it comes with a whole range of health benefits. But, none of these claims are backed up by scientific evidence.

The potential benefits of alkaline water are better skin health, system detoxification, easing acid reflux, and reducing blood pressure. Although, medical professionals point out that there is no evidence to back up these claims.

Best Alkaline Water Machines 2023

• BEST ALKALINE WATER MACHINE – click here

WHAT IS FILTERED WATER?

Filtered water is water that has been treated by passing it through a water filtration device to remove contaminants. 

reverse osmosis filtered water in a glass

Bottled mineral water and most tap water supplies are filtered to remove harmful contaminants to make the water safe to drink and taste better. 

To find out if you’re home water supply has been filtered and is safe to drink you should contact your local water provider.

TYPES OF FILTERED WATER

When covering – what’s the difference between alkaline water and filtered water – we need to take a look at the different types of filtered water.  There are many types of water filtration technologies but the aim of every one of them is the same – to remove contaminants from the water.

lady drinking ionized water

Water filtration is used to make water taste better, look better, and safe to drink. Without water filtration, we would all be drinking dirty water.  The four main types of water filters used in the domestic setting are activated carbon filter, reverse osmosis, ion-exchange, and distillation.

Activated Carbon Filter

An activated carbon filter is the most common type of water filter. It is regularly used in domestic water filtration devices. It uses an ‘activated-carbon’ medium to bind contaminants as the water passes through the filter. 

The contaminants are trapped inside the carbon medium while the water is free to pass through. Carbon filters are effective in removing the taste of chlorine, other chemicals, and a wide range of contaminants in your drinking water.

Ion Exchange

An ion-exchange water filter removes contaminants from water in the form of undesirable dissolved ions by replacing them with harmless ions of the same electrical charge from using an ion-exchange resin.

An ion exchange filter is inexpensive and effective for the removal of dissolved inorganics contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, uranium, and sulfates. They are also regenerable for continuous usage.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis is an incredibly effective way of filtering water. The process removes up to 99% of all water contaminants to produce high-quality clean water.

Reverse osmosis filtration passes water through a semi-permeable membrane with a pore size so small – it allows water molecules to pass but blocks microscopic contaminants.

The pore size of a reverse osmosis filter membrane can be as small as 0.0001 microns. These membranes greatly reduce the presence of harmful metals, lead, mercury, and microbes.

Distillation

A distillation filtration system boils source water into steam before condensing it back into water. As water is transformed to steam it leaves behind its contaminants.

It then travels through the distillation apparatus in its gaseous form before being cooled to condense back into water. The filtered cooled water is then collected in a reservoir.

READ NEXT

COFFEE & ALKALINE WATER – click here

HOW TO TEST WATER HARDNESS AT HOME – click here

WHAT IS TDS IN WATER? – click here

HOW TO USE A PH TEST STRIP – click here

CONTAMINANTS IN DRINKING WATER

What are the most common contaminants found in drinking water? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency there are five types of contaminants in our drinking water: physical, chemical, biological, and radiological.

woman testing water in a lab

Physical – sediment suspended in the water of lakes, rivers, and streams. Often caused by soil erosion.

Chemical – nitrogen, bleach, pesticides, metals, and toxins produced by bacteria, human or animal drugs.

Biological – organisms such as microbes and viruses. Often referred to as microbiological contaminants they include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and protozoa.

Radiological – radiological contaminants are hazardous unstable atoms that emit hazardous ionizing radiation. Cesium, uranium, and plutonium are examples of radiological contaminants. You definitely don’t want these in your drinking water.

frequently asked questions

IS ALKALINE WATER BETTER THAN FILTERED WATER?

Alkaline water and filtered water are two completely different types of water. Alkaline water is better if you want high pH water with higher than normal alkalinity.

Filtered water is better if you want clean, purified water.  It has been passed through a water filtration system to remove contaminants. Water filtration purifies water to remove harmful substances and make it safe for drinking.

IS ALKALINE WATER JUST FILTERED WATER?

No, alkaline water is not just filtered water. Alkaline water is a special type of water that has an increased level of alkalinity. It is the opposite of acidic water.

Alkaline water has a pH above 7. Some people drink it for its potential health benefits – but there is no evidence to back up these health claims.

RELATED

HEAVY METALS IN DRINKING WATER – click here

WATER SOFTENER vs WATER FILTER – click here

ARE THERE MINERALS IN WATER? – click here

PROS & CONS OF REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER – click here

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

HEAVY METALS IN TAP WATER

Sam Kemper 2 Comments

water in a glass with ice

The main heavy metals found in drinking water are lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, manganese, and copper. These metals are toxic and cause damage to your health. Drinking water is monitored for the presence and concentration of heavy metals.

TOP SIX HEAVY METALS IN WATER

water testing in lab

The six most common heavy metals found in drinking water are lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, manganese, and copper. They are all toxic to the human body. Let’s take a look at each of these heavy metals in more detail.

JUMP TO CONTENT

LEAD  |  ARSENIC  |  MERCURY  

CADMIUM  |  MANGANESE  |  COPPER   

1: LEAD

What Is Lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in small amounts in the earth’s outer crust. It is considered harmful at any dose. Even small amounts of lead in drinking water are dangerous.

Pollution caused by manufacturing activities and the burning of fossil fuels distributes lead through the environment. It is also regularly found in batteries, lead-based paint, and metal pipes.

How Does It Get Into The Water Supply?

Lead enters the water supply through the delivery system. Lead water pipes are the main source of lead in drinking water.

It can pass into water as it passes through lead pipes that make up the water system or as it passes through plumbing inside a home. Even copper pipes leach lead as they get old and corrode.

What Are the Health Effects?

Lead is considered toxic at any level – even in small quantities. It can accumulate in your body over time. It causes damage to damage to your brain, liver, kidney, heart, brain, and bones.

Consuming lead over a period of time can cause nervous system dysfunction, kidney disease, immune system damage, and rheumatoid arthritis. In children, it can lead to developmental damage, seizures, and lower IQ.

How Do I Remove It?

Removing lead from your water supply is usually not feasible due to the source being the water system itself. Therefore you need to treat the water as it arrives in your home.

Your best options are to use a reverse osmosis, distillation, or carbon filter device that has been designed for lead removal. A simple workaround is to flush the tap for 1-2 minutes before collecting drinking water.

2: ARSENIC

What Is Arsenic?

Arsenic is one of the most toxic heavy metals found in drinking water. It is a naturally occurring metal found in the earth’s crust – often the result of volcanic activity.

Arsenic is also produced through human activities such as coal burning, pesticide production, and mining.

How Does It Get Into The Water Supply?

Arsenic can enter the water supply through the natural erosion of rock that contains arsenic. However, it is more commonly the result of human activity.

Manufacturing and agriculture are two key sources of arsenic. The disposal of wastewater from industry, agricultural fertilizers, and the use of pesticides add arsenic to the groundwater supply.

What Are the Health Effects?

Arsenic is highly toxic. Exposure has been linked to cancer, cause neurological problems, cardiovascular disease, immune system disorders, and diabetes. In children, it can result in a lowered IQ.

It is believed to contribute to many types of cancer, including prostate, kidneys, bladder, lungs, skin, and liver cancer

How Do I Remove It?

The best way to remove arsenic is to use a water treatment system that has been specifically designed for arsenic removal. The options include reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration, distillation, and ion exchange devices.

3: MERCURY

water with bubbles

What Is Mercury?

Mercury is a neurotoxin and is highly toxic. It is a liquid metal and is found naturally in rock formations in the earth. It is often found in coal.

Mercury poisoning can result from exposure to water-soluble forms of mercury in your tap water.

How Does It Get Into The Water Supply?

Mercury occurs naturally in rock formations in the environment. It can seep into groundwater when the two come into contact.

Mercury can also enter the water supply as a result of human pollution. It is found in many household products such as dry-cell batteries, switches, and even fluorescent light bulbs.

The incorrect disposal of these items accounts for 50% of all mercury water contamination according to the EPA, (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).

What Are the Health Effects?

Mercury poisoning is known to cause kidney damage, affect the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and trigger emotional instability and insomnia.

Its effects on children can be even more severe and can damage the brain and nervous system. Children exposed to mercury in the womb can suffer harm to cognitive thinking, memory, attention, motor, and visual skills.

How Do I Remove It?

To remove mercury from your tap water you will have to use a filtration device that has been designed and certified for mercury removal.

Options include reverse osmosis and mercury filtration filter cartridges. Most of these devices use thin-film composite membranes or special filters containing KDF media that reduce mercury levels.

4: CADMIUM

What Is Cadmium?

Cadmium is a soft silver-white metal. It is toxic to the human body. Cadmium is commonly used in metal plating, machinery, and batteries.

Cadmium pollution has have increased dramatically in recent decades. The toxic metal is most commonly found in rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries.

How Does It Get Into The Water Supply?

The most common source of cadmium in the water supply is caused by the improper disposal of rechargeable batteries.

These batteries require specialist disposal but are usually just dumped in the same way as regular household waste.

Cadmium also enters the water supply through impurities in the zinc of water pipes and fittings. It leaches into water as it passes through the pipes. It is also found in some agricultural fertilizers.

What Are the Health Effects?

Cadmium causes cancer in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies cadmium in Group 1. This category is used when there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans

It is also known to cause kidney, liver, and musculoskeletal, bone and blood damage. Acute exposure results in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps.

How Do I Remove It?

Cadmium can be removed from water using specially designed filtration devices. Your options include ion exchange, reverse osmosis, coagulation/filtration, and lime softening cadmium removal processes.

5: MANGANESE

water pouring into a pool of water

What Is Manganese?

Manganese is a silver-grey metal that occurs naturally in rocks and soil. In small quantities, it is good for human health and is an important part of our overall diet.

However, high levels of manganese are toxic and can damage human health. It is used in the manufacture of iron and steel and is found in paints, fireworks, and cosmetics.

How Does It Get Into The Water Supply?

Manganese naturally makes its way into the water supply as water passes through soil and rocks that contain manganese.

For this reason, manganese occurs naturally in surface water such as lakes and rivers, and underground water. This water is then used as a source for our water supply.

It also results from the waste run-off from the manufacture of iron, batteries, glass, fireworks, and agricultural fertilizers.

What Are the Health Effects?

Exposure to high levels of manganese can cause a condition called manganism. The illness is similar to Parkinson’s disease and has been observed in metalworkers that have been exposed to high levels of manganese.

In children, manganese can cause behavioral problems, speech and memory difficulties, lowered IQ, and a lack of coordination.

How Do I Remove It?

There are a number of options available for the removal of manganese from your water source including manganese cation exchange, water softening, filtration, distillation, and reverse osmosis.

You should choose a system that has been specifically designed and certified for manganese removal.

6: COPPER

What Is Copper?

Copper is a metal that occurs naturally in soil, rock formations, plants, and water. It is the most common heavy metal found in water.

Copper is an essential part of your diet and trace amounts are essential for survival. However, if you consume too much it can lead to health problems.

It is used to make electrical wiring, plumbing components, and pesticides.

How Does It Get Into The Water Supply?

Copper becomes a problem when it gets into the water supply in high concentrations. The two main sources of copper in drinking water are copper pipes and human pollution.

The biggest source of copper occurs when water passes through corroded copper pipes. This is particularly a concern for acidic water.

Other sources come from human pollution, namely mining, farming, manufacturing operations that release copper polluted water into the environment.

What Are the Health Effects?

High levels of copper exposure can cause harmful effects such as irritation to the mouth, nose, and eyes, diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and nausea. Infants under one and people with Wilson’s disease are particularly sensitive to copper.

How Do I Remove It?

Copper can be removed from water using reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration, distillation, and ion exchange methods. Just make sure you use a filtration system that has been designed and certified for copper removal.

CHECK OUT

• BEST ALKALINE WATER MACHINE 2024

WHAT ARE SAFE LEVELS OF HEAVY METALS IN DRINKING WATER?

woman testing water in a lab

So, what are the acceptable levels of heavy metals in drinking water, and who sets the standards?

In the US the EPA defines the criteria for acceptable levels of heavy metals and other pollutants in drinking water. The EPA is an independent agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters.

At a global level the WHO, (World Health Organization), sets the standards for drinking water and sets guidelines for the acceptable level of contaminants in drinking water.

See the table below for the EPA and WHO heavy metal safety limits in drinking water.

heavy metal safety limits in drinking water - EPA & WHO

HO TO TEST FOR HEAVY METALS IN WATER

If you want to test your water supply for the presence of heavy metals you should contact a professional water testing lab. A quick google search will provide you with a list of suitable labs in your area.

These labs use a testing technique called spectrometry to test for the presence of heavy metals in water. Spectrometry is the measurement of interactions between light and matter.

Several different types of spectrometry are used when it comes to testing for heavy metals, these include:

  • Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry
  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

CHECK OUT:
• Best Water Ionizing Filters

• Best Alkaline Water Pitchers

• Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filters

• Test Water Using a PH Test Strip

• What Is Total Dissolved Solids in Water?

• Are There Minerals in Water?

• Difference Alkaline Water vs Filtered Water

 

frequently asked questions

FAQ – Heavy Metals in Water

What Is a Heavy Metal?

Heavy metals are metals that have high densities and are toxic at low concentrations. Examples of heavy metals include lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu).

Heavy metals occur naturally in the earth’s crust and get into our bodies via the water we drink, the food we eat, and the air we breathe.

Are There Heavy Metals in Tap Water?

Yes, heavy metals are regularly found in tap water. The types of heavy metals and their concentration varies depending on the water source.

Heavy metals are toxic and represent a danger to your health. Some of them get into the water supply naturally as it passes through the earth’s crust. Others are the result of human activity and pollution.

Tap water must be continually tested to monitor their presence for safety purposes. Consuming heavy metals when you drink tap water has a negative effect on your health.

Do Doctors Test for Heavy Metals?

Yes, you can get a blood test done with your doctor. The test is known as a heavy metals panel or a heavy metal toxicity test.

It is a group of tests that measure the levels of heavy metals in your blood. The metals most commonly tested for are lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.

How Does A Heavy Metal Blood Test Work?

Testing for heavy metals can be performed using a blood, urine, hair, or fingernail sample.  All you need to do is go to your doctor and request a heavy metals panel or a heavy metal toxicity test.

The actual test will be performed in a laboratory and the results will be sent to your doctor.

How Do Heavy Metals Affect the Brain?

Heavy metals harm brain health. Two heavy metals, in particular, are known to affect the brain – lead and mercury.

Lead damages brain cells, triggers nervous system dysfunction, and causes developmental problems in children.

Mercury damages the nervous system, triggers emotional instability, and causes insomnia. Its effects on children are even more severe.

What are the Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity?

The symptoms of heavy metal toxicity in water are:

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Heart Irregularities
  • Nervous System Abnormalities (e.g. tingling sensation or numbness)

Can Heavy Metals Be Removed From the Body?

Yes, heavy metals that pass naturally through the body are excreted in your urine. Other heavy metals can be removed using a treatment called chelation.

Chelation therapy involves the injection of a chelating agent into the body. This agent binds to heavy metals in the bloodstream and removes them from the body in your urine.

How Do You Cleanse Your Body of Mercury?

If you have suffered serious mercury poisoning your doctor will recommend chelation therapy. This treatment involves the injection of a chelating agent into the body that binds to mercury in your blood and removes it from the body in your urine.

List of Heavy Metals in Drinking Water

The heavy metals most commonly found in water are:

  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Mercury
  • Cadmium
  • Manganese
  • Copper

CHECK OUT:

• Pros & Cons of Alkaline Water
• How To Test Water Hardness
• Is Alkaline Water Good For Coffee?
• Pros & Cons of Reverse Osmosis Water

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

WATER SOFTENER vs. WATER FILTER – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Julie Woods 2 Comments

ionized water in a glass

What’s the difference between a water filter and a water softener?  A water softener and a water filter are two very different devices.  A water softener reduces the hardness of water by removing dissolved calcium and magnesium. While a water filter purifies water by removing contaminants such as microbes and heavy metals.

IS A WATER SOFTENER THE SAME AS A WATER FILTER?

lady drinking ionized water

No, a water softener and water filter are two different devices that perform two different roles. A water softener is used to soften hard water – and a water filter is used to purify water by removing contaminants.  So, what’s the Difference Between a Water Softener & a Water Filter?

WHAT IS A WATER SOFTENER?

A water softener is a device that reduces the hardness of water. Water hardness is caused by the presence of dissolved calcium and magnesium in your water source.  A water softener removes these dissolved minerals as the water passes through it and ‘softens’ the hard water.

water ionization

Water becomes hard naturally as it passes through the earth and comes into contact with rocks. As it brushes against the rocks it absorbs calcium and magnesium. It is the accumulation of these materials that makes water hard.

Hard water has no negative impact on your health. Drinking it is not bad for you. In fact, it may be healthier than soft water due to its high mineral content.

However, it causes difficulty around the house – negatively affecting plumbing, kitchen appliances, and even laundry.  This is why many people install a water softening device to reduce the hardness of their water source.

HOW DOES A WATER SOFTENER WORK?

A water softener uses a mechanical process called ‘ion exchange’ to soften hard water. Hard water is funneled through an ion exchange chamber and emerges the other end as softened water.

So, what exactly is an ‘ion exchange’ and how does it work?  An ion exchange is simply a chamber that has been tightly packed with specially designed resin beads that hold an electrical charge.

When hard water flows through the chamber it brushes up against these beads making physical contact. The electrical charge of the beads attracts dissolved calcium and magnesium towards them and then locks them in place.

The water then emerges from the softener with a reduced level of calcium and magnesium. By reducing the level of calcium and magnesium minerals the water is softened.

The process uses sodium to create the electrical charge and remove the dissolved minerals. So, the downside to using a water softener is increased levels of sodium in your water.

WHAT IS A WATER FILTER?

A water filter is a device that improves the purity of water by removing contaminants such as particles, microbes, heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals.  Water filters are used to provide clean water for many uses, including – agriculture, commercial industry, and public drinking water.

glass of ionized water sitting on a rock

They can use any combination of four methods to remove contaminants from a water source – sieving, adsorption, ion exchanges, and biofilms.

In the home setting, there are four main types of filters to choose from – mechanical filters, absorption filters, reverse osmosis filters, and sequestration filters.

The most popular type is an absorption filter called an activated carbon filter. Activated carbon filters are great for removing chemical pollutants, microbes, and particulates.

The best water ionizing machines and alkaline water pitchers come with an activated carbon filter installed.  Check out the best ionized water filters of 2024 – click here.

HOW DOES A WATER FILTER WORK?

young family enjoying fresh filtered water

Each of the five domestic water filter types work in a different way.

MECHANICAL FILTERS

Mechanical water filters are the simplest of all. They use a physical barrier to remove sediment and suspended particles. They take the form of a mesh or a ceramic structure that physically blocks objects as the water passes through.

ABSORPTION FILTERS

Absorption filters work differently. They usually use activated carbon – a substance that has an enormous surface area. As water passes through the absorption filter it moves through a maze of contact areas.

Contaminants bind to the carbon and are held in place as the water moves through. Most domestic absorption water filters use granular activated carbon, ‘GAC’. It is an excellent filter choice for removing unpleasant tastes and odors.

REVERSE OSMOSIS FILTERS

Reverse osmosis (RO) filters are used to remove dissolved inorganic solids from a water source. It uses a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants.

Reverse osmosis is a highly efficient method of filtering water and achieves great results. It is often used in combination with other filter types to achieve the highest level of water purity.

SEQUESTRATION FILTERS

These filters work by chemically isolating a substance. They are not as popular as absorption filters and rarely seen in domestic appliances. They use polyphosphate to sequester calcium and magnesium minerals to reduce limescale and corrosion.

However, they do not reduce the ‘hardness of the water. To reduce water hardness a water softening device should be used.

CHECK OUT:

• BEST ALKALINE WATER MACHINE 2024 – More Here
• WHAT IS ALKALINE WATER – More Here
• HOW TO TEST WATER HARDNESS – More Here
• IONIZED WATER vs. DEIONIZED WATER – More Here
• WHAT IS TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS? – More Here
• COFFEE & ALKALINE WATER – More Here
• HOW TO USE A PH TEST STRIP – More Here
• ALKALINE WATER & FILTERED WATER – More Here

Water Softener vs. Water Filter FAQ

frequently asked questions

Which Is Better – A Water Softener Or A Water Filter?

It depends on what you are trying to do. If you have hard water and want to soften it – use a water softener. If you are concerned about the purity of your water source and want to purify it to remove contaminants – use a water filter.

Does a Water Softener Filter Water?

No, a water softener does not filter water. It is used to soften water.  That means it reduces its level of hardness.  To achieve this it removes dissolved calcium and magnesium but it does not filter out harmful contaminants such as microbes, chemicals, or suspended particles.

Does A Water Filter Soften Hard Water?

No, a water filter does not soften hard water. A water filter cleanses water by removing harmful pollutants such as microbes, chemicals, and suspended particles. Water filters are used to create clean safe water for industry, agriculture, and public use.  To soften water you need to use a specialist water softening device.

CHECK OUT:

• HEAVY METALS IN YOUR DRINKING WATER – more here

• TOP UNDER SINK RO WATER FILTERS – more here

• COUNTERTOP REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER FILTERS – more here

• ARE THERE MINERALS IN WATER? – more here

• BENEFITS & DISADVANTAGES OF REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER – more here

 

 

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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IONIZED WATER AND DEIONIZED WATER?

Sam Kemper 3 Comments

water pouring from a bottle

Ionized water has been through an electrochemical process to create alkaline and acidic water. Deionized water is a type of purified water that has had impurities called ions removed. They are two completely different types of water.

Don’t confuse ionized water with deionized water. They are two very different types of water. Ionized water is used to create alkaline and acidic water. While ionized water is a type of purified water that has had electrically charged molecules called ions removed.  Below we explore everything you need to know about ionized vs deionized water.

WHAT IS IONIZED WATER?

And, what’s the difference between ionized and deionized water?  Ionized water is used to create alkaline water and acidic water. It uses a process called water ionization to turn regular water into ionized water.

glass of ionized water sitting on a rock

It is a process used to create alkaline water and acidic water. These are collected separately and used for a range of popular household applications.

ALKALINE & ACIDIC WATER

Alkaline water has a high pH, falling between 7 and 14 on the pH scale. Alkaline water is popular for its potential health benefits which include better skin health, detoxification, and treating acid reflux.

Acidic water has a low pH, falling between 0 and 7 on the pH scale. It is used for household cleaning, sterilization, and skincare.

WHAT IS DEIONIZED WATER?

Deionized water is a popular form of purified water. It involves removing impurities in the water called ions. The process is called water deionization.

deionized water

For processes requiring purified water, these ions are regarded as impurities and need to be removed from the water. This is where ion removal or deionized water comes into play.

Ions are small particles that have an electrical charge. There are two types of ions in water, positive ions and negative ions. Positive ions are called ‘cations’ and negative ions are called ‘anions’.

WHAT IS IONIZED WATER USED FOR?

Ionized water can be split into two groups – ionized alkaline water and ionized acidic water. Each of these has a distinct range of applications.

flow of water

Applications of Alkaline Water

  • Drinking-Water
  • Potential Health Benefits
  • Cooking Vegetables
  • Making Tea & Coffee
  • Dyeing Fabrics

Applications of Acidic Water

  • Household Cleaning
  • Dish Washing
  • Watering Plants
  • Disinfecting Utensils
  • Skin Care

WHAT IS DEIONIZED WATER USED FOR?

Deionized water is a popular form of purified water used in many commercial and household applications. It is used in settings that require a relatively cheap and readily available form of purified water.  See below for a list of its most common applications.

water pouring into a pool of water

Automotive
Deionized water does not contain any salts.  This makes it a great choice for automotive applications. Salts can damage engines, so deionized water is used in windscreen wash, radiator fluids, and anti-freeze formulas.

Aquariums
It’s clean, fish-friendly, and a great water for aquariums and marine tanks.

Beauty Products
It’s the go-to water base used in the production of shampoos, moisturizers, and skin cleansers.

Hospitals
Deionized water is a popular choice for cleaning jobs in hospital settings where water purity is vital.

Industry
Frequently used in industrial settings as a water rinse due to its high purity and very low salt levels. Salt corrodes and damages metallic equipment and fittings.

Laboratories
Many laboratory procedures require the use of deionized water in bench work and for cleaning utensils.

PH
Deionized water Ph is in the range of 6.0 to 6.4.  This makes it mildly acidic.

We can see, ionized water vs deionized water are two very different types of water.  They’re made in different ways and serve very different purposes.  Don’t get the two mixed up.

HOW IS IONIZED WATER MADE?

Let’s take a look at how to de ionize water.  The easiest way to make ionized water is using a water ionizer. This a machine that takes regular tap water and converts it to ionized water.

lasy drinking a glass of alkaline water

The device used an electrochemical process to ionize the water and convert it into alkaline and acidic water. All you need to do is add water to the machine and let it get to work.

Using high conductivity electroplates it separates water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. If there are a greater number of H+ ions than OH- ions the water is acidic.

If the number of OH- is greater than the number of H+ then the water is alkaline.  Check out the Best Alkaline Water Ionizers  – see here.

HOW IS DEIONIZED WATER MADE?

Deionized water is made using an ion exchange resin. These resins contain tiny beads that have electrical charges that are used to attract and remove the ion impurities contained in water.

ionized water in a glass

The positively charged beads are used to attract and remove the negative ions in the water. And, the negatively charged beads remove the positive ions in the water.

As the water passes through the filter resin both types of ion are held in place and purified water flows from the filter.

Ion exchange filters have a limited lifespan and lose charge as they purify water. They need to be replaced and regenerated when they reach the end of their life cycle.

WHAT ION IMPURITIES ARE REMOVED?

Regular water is full of ions that it picks up as it moves through rocks and passes through pipes. It collects these minerals naturally as it brushes up against them. Deionization removes these minerals using their positive (cation) or negative (anion) molecular charge.

woman testing water in a lab

Cation Impurities Removed

  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Manganese
  • Hydrogen
  • Sodium

Anion Impurities Removed

  • Sulfates
  • Nitrates
  • Chlorides
  • Carbonates
  • Hydroxyl
  • Silica

THE BOTTOM LINE – THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IONIZED WATER AND DEIONIZED WATER?

Don’t confuse ionized and deionized water. One is used to create alkaline and acidic water while the other is a form of purified water.  Deionized water vs ionized water – are two very different things.

lady making a hand gesture and smiling

Ionized alkaline water is a popular form of drinking water. While deionized water is used in many settings as a safe and cheap form of purified water with a very low salt content.  It is often used in the automotive industry.

What About Deionized Water vs Tap Water?

Regular tap water contains many ions.  Mostly from the soil and pipe network it passes through.  The most common ions found in tap water are sodium, calcium, magnesium, and metal ions that have leached into the water from water pipes.

Deionized water has no such ions – only water ions.  We can define deionized water as water that has had all non-water ions removed.

RELATED:

• The Best Ionizing Water Filters 2024 – over here
• Top Reverse Osmosis Under Sink Water Filters – over here
• Pros & Cons of Reverse Osmosis Water – over here
• What Minerals Are in Water? – over here
• Are Alkaline Water Machines Dangerous? – over here

 

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