Water ionizers are seeing a rise in installations thanks to the increasing popularity of alkaline water. Besides producing alkaline water, what are this water treatment system's other advantages and disadvantages?
After 15-plus years of installing and servicing all kinds of water treatment systems in Los Angeles County and its surrounding areas, we've become familiar with the pros and cons of alkaline water ionizers. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we believe in sharing our insider knowledge and experience with homeowners so that they're in better positions to determine whether water treatment systems, like water ionizers, are a good fit for them and their homes.
In the following article, we'll examine the following advantages and disadvantages of water ionizers.
Pros
- Produces alkaline water
- Produces acidic water
- Reduces plastic bottle use
Cons
- Insufficient scientific evidence
- Limited Filtration
Before jumping into the pros and cons of water ionizers, we'll start by quickly reviewing what they are and how they work.
Let's get started.
What Are Water Ionizers?
Water ionizers are appliances that use electrodialysis to change the structure of unfiltered tap water and produce two streams of water, alkaline and acidic. As water enters the system, its molecular structure is affected by positive and negatively charged plates inside the ionizer.
These systems are commonly installed at a kitchen faucet under the sink or countertop. Once installed, the system only needs seconds to produce ready-to-use alkaline water.
Now that you know how water ionizers work, we can start looking at the advantages of these water treatment systems.
What Are the Pros of Alkaline Water Ionizers
The primary function of water ionizers is to produce alkaline water, but there are other pros associated with this system. In the following sections, we'll examine each benefit of owning a water ionizer.
Ionizers Produce Alkaline Water
Alkaline water is popular among health supporters for its various beneficial properties. Health advocates believe drinking alkaline water can provide the following effects.
- Provides antioxidants: Alkaline water contains minerals known as antioxidants that, according to research, can delay or prevent cell damage. One form of antioxidants is hydroxide minerals. Alkaline water has a higher concentration of these minerals than regular water.
- Prevents illnesses: Alkaline water is thought to improve hydration. Staying hydrated has a significant impact on overall health.
- Improves intestinal health: It is believed by health proponents that alkaline water can neutralize the acidity in an upset stomach.
- Maintains pH balance within the body: The human body possesses an internal pH balance. Alkaline water advocates state that drinking alkaline water can help balance pH levels in the body.
Regular water has a pH level of 7, considered neutral, but after it is treated through a water ionizer, its pH level increases to 8 to 9. That's just one stream of specialized water ionizers; as a bonus, these systems can also produce acidic water.
Ionizers Create Acidic Water
Aside from producing alkaline water, ionizers also create acidic water. Acidic water can have a pH level ranging from under 3 to 5.5. Acidic water isn't drinkable but has other natural uses, such as
- Skincare: Advocates for skincare stated that the acidity of acidic water can keep skin feeling hydrated without drying it.
- Hair care: According to some hair stylists, acidic water can help trap moisture in hair and keep it nourished.
- Sterilization: When mixed with salt, acidic water can be a powerful but natural disinfectant used on most surfaces and kitchenware.
- Dental hygiene: Acidic water can be used as a natural mouthwash.
- Antiseptic: Acidic water can also be used as immediate relief for minor cuts, insect bites, and rashes.
This specialized water should never be drunk or used as wastewater. Acidic water can cause copper pipes to oxidize and build up greenish-blue stains. Oxidized pipes can burst due to corrosion.
As long as acidic water is not flowing down your pipes, it can be continued to be used for various reasons. By relying on acidic or alkaline water for cleaning and hydration, people can cut down on plastic bottled products like water and cleansers.
Reduces Plastic Bottled Water Use
Water ionizers can help decrease plastic use. Alkaline water is normally readily available in single or plastic bottle cases. But with an ionizer, homeowners can eliminate the need to go out and buy bottled alkaline water or cleaning products that acidic water can replace.
Recycling plastic bottles can help decrease plastic pollution. Still, a water ionizer installation can help homeowners rely less on plastic bottles and packaging for cleaning products.
A decreased reliance on plastic use sounds nice, along with the other benefits associated with ionizers. Now that you're aware of the pros, we'll focus on the cons of ionizers so that you're in a better position to compare them.
What Are the Cons of Alkaline Water?
Despite having solid benefits, water ionizers have some drawbacks worth knowing about. After learning more about these drawbacks, you'll see how they measure up against the benefits of owning a water ionizer.
Lack of Scientific Research
The health benefits proposed by drinking alkaline water still require more research. Although a few studies claim to prove the beneficial effects of alkaline water, there needs to be more evidence to verify alkaline water's impact on a person's health.
One major claim from some health advocates is that alkaline water can balance out a person's internal pH levels. Published studies have since come out to show that a person's body is already capable of monitoring pH levels to remain between 7.35 to 7.45 at all times. Alkaline water effects will affect each person differently.
Regardless of which brand of ionizer you select, it will always produce alkaline water as intended. Yet, ionizers aren't exactly filtering tap water.
Ionizers Have Limited Filtration
Alkaline water ionizers treat water but do not actively filter it. If an ionizer system states it filters water, it most likely refers to a water filter built into the system before or after the ionization process.
Ionizers treat tap water but don't target some impurities commonly found in tap water. The usual contaminants found in tap water include
- Chlorine and other added disinfectants
- Dirt, soil, rust, and other sediments,
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
Although tap water has trace amounts of these contaminants, it still helps to have some water filtration included with an ionizer to further improve the water quality in your home.
Are Alkaline Water Ionizers Right for Me?
Water ionizers are popular for providing alkaline water. Now that you're aware of the other pros and cons of alkaline water ionizers, you can decide if this system is suitable for you and your family.
Since 2007, we've helped families across Los Angeles and the surrounding communities with water filtration and treatment needs. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we believe in helping homeowners find water treatment options best suited for their home's water needs.
If you have any questions regarding water ionizers or other water filtration and treatment, contact us using one of the buttons below. You can also book an appointment through our water filtration scheduler.
