Water Ionizer FAQs

Please feel free to email us any questions that are not covered here.

1. Can alkaline water from an Ionlife water ionizer assist me to alkalize my body?

We are not in a position to make therapeutic claims. We can only refer you to people who have reported health changes to us, or to medical professionals who recommend our products. For example, Dr Theodore Baroody, author of Alkalize or Die, states that he has recommended hundreds of people over a long period of time and continues to do so. So do countless more clinics and medical practices in Japan where water ionizers are sold over the counter in local chemist stores.

In the USA, AlkaViva water ionizers are recommended by many well known health professionals. In general, WHO (World Health Organization) recommends water that is hard (containing a good amount of alkali mionerals) to water that is low in mineral content.

2. Why can't I just drink water?

You certainly can, but if you're like us, you have never really got into the water habit because the water felt too much like a lead balloon. Ionized. alkaline water feels light and you can drink it throughout the day. Our family loves to drink it as do our pets.

You CAN just drink water and you will harvest some of the benefits we speak of, but it still can`t penetrate your cells like hydrogen-enriched, alkaline, ionized water can. This is why this water with its bounty of hydrogen molecules is able to help rid you of acid wastes in your cells. It can go where ordinary water cannot, and it has the ammunition to help neutralize free radicals, the cause of many problems. This is also the fundamental and important difference between water ionizers and so-called bottled anti-aging water that contains no saturation of hydrogen molecules.

3. Why are some waters healthier than others?

People located in the Hunza Districts of Pakistan, Shin-Chan areas of China, the Caucasus in Azerbaijan, and in the Andes Mountains live longer with less health problems. Researchers believe that these waters are very pure and have a negative redox potential caused by either intimate contact with certain native volcanic materials/minerals or by cascading over certain igneous rocks. It is believed that AlkaViva water ionizers are able to produce a very similar effect using advanced technology.

4. Cannot our body heal itself naturally?

We still come across a few practitioners who believe in the old paradigm that somehow the body has a miraculous ability to balance its own pH and heal itself - regardless of lifestyle and food choices. Certainly, in times when we ate more unprocessed food and didn`t repress stress the way we do today, this might have been more so.

However a study of almost 1,000 Americans by Dr Linda Frassetto of the University of California in 1999 has turned this old idea on its head. She found the opposite; that we are now storing acid in our body fat because we have become incapable of eliminating the increased tide of acid wastes that we are now assailed with. This is an evolutionary change never before seen in our evolutionary history, and must be seen in the context of an unmanageable acid tide within.

This report "Diet, Evolution and Aging" is downloadable Here.
To see what other experts in the USA have to say, Go Here.

5. What is acidosis?

Every living cell within our body creates acidic waste by-products. The nutrients from our food are delivered to each cell and they burn with oxygen to provide energy for us to live. The burned nutrients are the waste products. Whether you eat the best of foods or the worst, all foods generate acidic waste products. Foods, when classified as good or bad, are based on the amount and quality of the waste products they produce. Most of our cells go through metabolism and these old dead cells become waste products.

Our body will discharge this waste through urine, feces and perspiration. Basically, all waste products are acidic and that is the reason our skin and urine often has a low pH level. The real problem is that our body does not get rid of 100% of the waste it produces. Our life style, such as lack of rest and exercise plus the types of foods we eat and our environment help produce these waste products, but does not help us eliminate them. In the vast majority of Westerners, diets too heavy in meat, fried foods, carbohydrates, soft drinks, and sweets build up acid salts in the body, as does stress and exposure to environmental pollutants.

What happens to those non-disposed acid wastes? As they build up within our body, these waste products become solid wastes, such as bad cholesterol, fatty acid, kidney stones, etc. This accumulation of non-disposed acidic wastes is called acidosis. This condition accelerates the degeneration of cells, tissues, and the body as a whole. It accelerates the aging process. Drinking alkaline water makes it easier for the body to dispose of acid wastes. Just as the accumulation of wastes accelerates the aging process, the reduction of acid wastes retards the aging process and perhaps - according to Sang Whang -- even reverses it. Alkaline water is not a medicine to treat or cure any diseases but if consumed regularly, alkaline water can reduces acid waste, helping with a natural health improvement.

6. How do I know if I have acidosis or an acid-overloaded system?

Most Westerners do. The pace of life, and the concentration of acid-producing items in our diet means that the vast majority of people are overloaded.

You can use litmus (or pH) paper to test your urine or saliva and to give you some idea of your acidity. This is not foolproof, however, because your body is always attempting to balance your acid and alkaline levels and could well be getting rid of a load of acid at the time of the test. For more accurate results it is recommended to test at different times of the day over time.

Eating processed foods, chemicals, lack of gentle exercise and stress all create an acid buildup. There are a number of good books on how to become healthy on an alkaline diet. They also come with lists of acid and alkaline-producing foods.

7. Is it ok for children to drink ionized water?

Absolutely - even nursing infants. And since children have usually not accumulated toxins in their bodies, they experience no detoxification symptoms. (A few adults might).

8. I know what I should eat and drink to be healthy, but I can't seem to keep to a consistent program. How will an ionizing filter help me?

Ionized, H₂ rich, alkaline water is perfect for people like you. You only need to drink it to enjoy its many health benefits. Each ionizer has a number of graduated settings of ionization to meet anyone's needs.

9. Are there any cautions about drinking alkaline, ionized water?

You should start slowly. Set the controls to the lowest alkaline level. Assuming the water agrees with you, increase the amount you drink and the level of ionization intensity. Medium levels of alkalinity -- up to 9.5-10.0 -- are best for drinking water; the highest levels can be used for cooking.

In a few individuals, the detoxification effects from drinking this water can cause headaches and diarrhea for a short time. And for some older people, the water can tend, at first, to open the bowels. This is why a slow start is advised. Use the "Purified Water" setting for taking any medications that your doctor advises not to be taken with alkaline water. Do not drink the acid water. Having said all of the above, be aware that millions of Japanese have been drinking this water daily over the last 30 years. The water ionizer has been approved as a household Medical Instrument by the governments of Japan and South Korea. In addition, test results on safety by the Welfare Ministry in Japan reveal no harmful influences on the body.

10. I am told that you claim a lemon will help to alkalize your body, but other people say the opposite. What's the truth?

This is all about a basic misconception most people have about food and its effect on the body.

It is true that if you plunge a pH meter into a lemon it will read as acid. But once you have consumed (burnt up/converted to energy/metabolized) a lemon, what is left is alkaline. It is what is left of all of our foods that determines our acid/alkaline balance, not the pH of the food we are about to consume. This is known as the "ash" of a food.

After food has been completely burned up and converted to energy, the leftover minerals are what makes up our mineral content and therefore our pH or acid/alkaline balance. Unfortunately many other factors affect our pH balance, including pollution, stress and our own body's metabolic wastes.

We are not "what we eat". We are what is left over after we eat.

11. What is a pH saliva test?

In a healthy state, our saliva should be alkaline. However, a large majority of North Americans and Europeans are in an acid condition, and this can be demonstrated. If you're curious as to whether you're acidic, ask for our free pH saliva test. In this simple test, special pH papers are used to measure the acidity /alkalinity of saliva under carefully controlled conditions. This can give you a relative, general picture.

12. I have read elsewhere that I should have slightly acid to neutral body tissue?

It`s not so simple.
Different parts of the body need different pH levels. At a cellular level, there are two factors working together to keep our energy up. The interior of each cell is alkaline. The Mitochondria - the power producer of the body, swim in an alkaline sea inside the cell`s membrane. Outside, the interstitial (between cells) fluid is saline, alkaline and mineralized. This is the fluid that transports nutrition to the cells. The cell allows it in after checking it with its many receptor antennae that swim in the alkaline fluid. Once inside, the mitochondria consume it and converts it to energy - electrical energy. Here's where the minor miracle of life repeats itself billions of times a day. Through the tiny antennae that protrude into the interstitial fluid, and via the actual cell membrane, electrical energy is transmitted. This process permits the cell to pass the energy as electricity from positive to negative, just like a car or household wire passes power! Consider for a moment the effect of poor conductivity. (acid to alkaline) Energy flow would be greatly reduced.

So it's incredibly important for the interstitial fluid to be correctly alkaline because if it's not, the power can't flow, the tiny antennae that detect germs etc can't work properly, and we lose energy.

It's also important to realize that we are never just acid or alkaline. We change by the hour, even the minute, and our body is a marvel of design and engineering as it shunts around alkaline minerals to neutralize excess acids within minutes of them entering the body.

It's probably also obvious to you now that if we use minerals to maintain our balance, they must come from somewhere. This idea of a body miraculously adjusting its balance really makes no sense at all because without a ready supply of alkaline minerals how could it balance anything? These are the same minerals we spoke about in the "lemon" question, and the great advantage of drinking water loaded with ionized alkaline minerals that they get into the body without metabolism occurring - that is, they just go straight to work!

When we hear someone say "being alkaline is no better than being acid" we really do wonder what comic book they have been reading.

13. Can alkaline water help with calcium deficiency?

We have sighted numerous papers and articles that claim so, including the following:

Article 1 (.pdf)
Article 2 (.pdf)
Article 3

14. Are water alkalizers safe for gastric problems?

AlkaViva has delivered thousands of ionizers in the USA. No case of stomach problem has ever been reported.

15. Is alkaline water suitable for livestock and pets?

Alkaline water is used for horses, commercial dairy operations and for dogs and cats.

1. How does a water ionizer work?

All our electric ionizers can be connected directly to the cold water line through your counter top or directly to a diverter valve at the end of your faucet. Connecting directly to your faucet takes about 10-15 minutes and enables your water ionizer to use a two step process. The first task is to help filter out harmful components of the water: chlorine, trihalomethanes, phenols, sediment, odor, taste, organic waste, and bacteria of all kinds. An AlkaViva ionizer achieves this by the use of our USA-made UltraWater filter. Next, a small electrical charge is introduced into the water through platinum-coated titanium electrodes. The process of electrolysis that follows takes place in a patented chamber designed to separate the water into two streams (acid and alkaline) of ionized water. The acid water makes up about 30% of the water and the alkaline water 70%.

Positively charged ions gather at the negative electrode to create "reduced water", which concentrates available alkaline minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium from the source water. This clean, healthy, microclustered, alkaline ionized water is drawn for drinking and cooking, through the main stainless steel spout. This water is ideal for drinking and cooking.

Negatively charged ions gather at the positive electrode to make oxidized water, which concentrates acid minerals such as nitrates, sulfides, chlorides, and fluorides from the source water. This acid, ionized water has a myriad of external uses. It is discharged into the sink when not needed.

A range of pH settings from neutral to very alkaline or very acid is available at the touch of a button. The electrodes are cleaned in an automatic cleaning cycle.

2. Just what is the magic in a water ionizer?

The "magic" is really a simple process called electrolysis, or ionization, something your body has to do every day to make energy available. It is backed up by the high tech ability of micro-circuitry to maintain quality and regular output, plus the ability, through ionization and filtration, to remove harmful chemicals and retain beneficial minerals. This is why Sang Whang, author of "Reverse Aging" calls it REVERSE AGING WATER.

A custom designed motherboard controls all aspects of the process of ionization, including flow rate, water temperature, and a range of four separate pH output settings.

3. What type of water can I use to produce ionized water?

Regular tap water is best. Distilled water or water filtered by reverse osmosis does not have any minerals, therefore it cannot be easily ionized. Water ionizers can be used with most well water. The two most common problems found in well water are hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg, sulfur smell) and high iron or calcium content. Both of these conditions can be remedied with the proper pre-filter (contact us). The mineral content of your source water directly affects the strength of ionized water you can produce. The more minerals, the stronger the ionization: higher alkalinity and higher antioxidant potential. Very high calcium levels in the water can cause scale build up.

4. What advantages does ionized water have over reverse osmosis or distillation?

Unlike Reverse Osmosis (RO) and distillation, which remove all minerals - leaving the water dead and acidic - ionized water concentrates health giving alkaline minerals like magnesium and calcium, after removing harmful contaminants. Water from RO and distillation is very acid (pH 4.5-6.5) and so contributes to the over acidity of our bodies. Alkaline water helps counteract acid / alkaline imbalance. Because RO and Distilled waters are mineral deficient and strongly acid, there are warnings from a number of physicians not to drink them on a sustained basis.

While RO and distilled waters are strongly oxidizing, alkaline ionized water is a proven powerful antioxidant.

Having been completely demineralized, RO and distilled water and most bottled water are understandably flat tasting. The tastiness of water from AlkaViva ionizers is one of its most immediate qualities: it brings delighted responses from everyone! Along with this go superior hydrating qualities due to the ionization. This ionization is also what happens in nature when water is allowed to bounce over rocks and waterfalls.

Finally, let's compare the ongoing costs: In home RO water is approximately 20% more expensive than ionized water. In-home distillation is 700 - 1000% more expensive than ionized water. Bottled water is more expensive than RO or distilled water.

5. Why does the water ionizer filter leave some minerals in and not others?

The filter (depending on model) filters up to 0.01 microns and is efficient at removing solid particles. However it does not filter out the essential alkalizing minerals that are in solution.

These essential alkalizing minerals remain present in water that passes through a water ionizer in a natural bio-available dissolved form.

7. Is this just another new, unproved fad?

Water ionizers have been in use worldwide for more than 25 years. The same concept has been used for home and industrial applications. In Korea, it has been approved by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Millions are already in use in Japan. In the USA large companies such as Costco are now beginning to use commercial alkaline water ionizers for bottling water. Our manufacturers makes water ionizers in Korea for companies suich as Samsung, Hyundai and LG.

8. So what if water is easier to absorb?

With the addition of hydrogen molecules into the water, it is more readily absorbed into your body and gives a natural anti-oxidant effect. Your skin and hair becomes significantly softer. In addition, it can enhance the absorption of vitamins and minerals into your body. It also may help clear up some wellness issues.

9. What are the various levels of alkalinity and acidity (pH) for?

AlkaViva water ionizers provide, at the push of a button, water that varies from mildly alkaline to highly alkaline. This enables you to accustom yourself gradually to higher levels of alkaline drinking water (e.g. pH 9.5 to 10). You should start slowly at the lowest alkaline setting and work your way up o to higher levels and amounts. If you experience any discomfort from detoxification, just move back to the previous level or smaller quantities. It also allows different members of the family to dial up their preferred level. The highest levels of alkalinity are also used for cooking.

In addition there is a button for water that is "purified" only - filtered but not ionized. Its pH level will be close to the level of your regular tap water. This water is for those taking medications which should not be combined with alkaline water.

As for the various levels of acid ionized water, you will probably use the most acid level for the long list of uses for acid water.

Remember: the pH level of ionized water will vary with the pH of your source, i.e. your tap water. In addition, if you wish to make the water more alkaline or more acid, simply slow down the flow of water, and the pH level will change by approximately a value of 1. A simple to use free pH test kit is provided free with every AlkaViva water ionizer, if you wish to occasionally check pH levels for yourself.

10. Do I need a plumber to install my water ionizer?

No. They come with a diverter kit that fits all standard kitchen faucets, and installs easily in minutes. Many of our models also have the option of connecting directly to the water mains. For this you may need a plumber, if you don`t have simple plumbing skills.

If you wish to install a Melody water ionizer under the sink, we can supply you with an Under-the-Sink Conversion kit.

11. Can it go under my counter?

We have installed some water ionizers under the kitchen counter. There are even a couple installed in mobile vans for nomad Aquarius style customers.

Remember that it needs somewhere for the acid water to flow to. It can go into the dishwasher inlet on the S-bend, but it is valuable water and you`ll probably want to keep it to use. A water ionizer is not a pressure unit so it doesn`t have to be plumbed in line with your other taps. Your ionizer can be fitted to some existing filter systems - please check with us on this one.

12. How do I get my ordinary tap water once it's attached?

The diverter has a lever which swaps your water flow from tap water outlet to alkaline water outlet. It has an incorporated aerator for your tap water.

13. How do I know when the filter needs replacing?

An LED or counter indicator on the front panel gives an approximate indication of remaining filter life. Generally the standard Biostone filter lasts about 9 months and the Ultra fine Biostone filter lasts about 8 months. But this depends on the source of water and the amount of use. For example, if your tap water contains between 0.4 and 1.0 ppm (parts per million) of chlorine, a filter can last 12 months for one person`s use. If greater than 1.0 ppm, the filter may last 9 months. A family of four on a typical North American water supply will use a filter about every 9 months. By changing your filter at regular intervals, you are assured of the inner hygiene of the filter.

14. What is the cost of the replacement filter?

$89 for the regular .1M Biostone Plus filter and $99 for the .01M UltraBiostone filter. The UltraWater filter is $109. All filters except the .01M are made in the USA.

15. How do I change the filter?

Open the front, grab the filter, press down a little, and pull it out. After installing new filter, run the system for a few minutes to clear away any loose charcoal.

16. Can I store the water? For how long?

Yes, alkaline ionized water is best kept in an airtight glass or quality plastic container. It can be refrigerated or kept in a cool place. Avoid storage in metal, especially aluminum containers. The alkaline properties can be retained for up to 1-2 weeks, but alkaline water is always strongest when fresh (on a day-by-day basis). The antioxidant properties (amount of dissolved hydrogen molecules in water) start to diminish after 18-24 hours. So for the best benefits, drink it within a day or so. If using plastic please check to see that the plastic container used is good quality. Bottled water is usually stored in cheap plastic that leaches chemicals.

Factors that affect how long the pH and -ORP will be maintained are heat, movement, type of container and light. Because of this there are no set numbers.

If water is stored in a cold dark place in a glass container then that is the best.

17. Can I cook with alkaline, ionized water?

Yes, in fact your food will taste better and your body will assimilate the nutrients more readily. You will notice the difference especially at the most alkaline settings (higher pH): your greens will be greener, rice fluffier, tea and coffee tastier.

18. What can I use the acid water for?

Acid ionized water is destructive to bacteria and is astringent. As a result it has found widespread application commercially in: nurseries, surgeries, food preparation areas, sprout and wheatgrass growers, florists, hospitals, etc. In the home it is an excellent cleansing and sterilizing agent, with uses in the kitchen, for hair and skin care, extending the life of flowers, promoting plant growth and many others.

The acid water is a `free` bonus. It is excellent for all manner of skin complaint. We use it as an astringent face wash last thing at night, we fill the fountain with it and at last the fountain doesn`t go green in 3 days, it`s excellent for acne, sores, bench top and more. Hardly a week passes without a call from a client who has found a new use for it.

We collect it in the sink and after rinsing our dishes we dip them into the acid water to sterilize them before putting them away. We also put it onto our house plants because it closely resembles rainwater.

19. Why does the ionizer split the water into acid and alkaline?

The splitting of the inlet H₂O is the proof that the ionizer does what it says it does. The process of splitting causes the following:

a. Approximately 70% of the H₂0 input is molecularly rearranged into OH- and hydrogen molecules or alkaline, negatively charged water.

b. Approximately 30% of the input H₂O is molecularly rearranged into HO, or acidic water.

Some companies sell units that just use magnets or magnetic rock to affect the water. Products that claim the benefits of water ionizers but do not electronically split the water will not hold the negative charge long enough for it to be of any real value, or will not be able to exert enough magnetic power to cause the water to become negatively charged. The water will reunite very quickly back into ordinary H₂O.

20. What about these no-filter backwash systems?

There is only ONE backwash system made by a small Japanese company and promoted by an American company with the help of an advertising agency. Backwash systems come and go but have never caught on because they have never been able to match their claims. Industry experts will tell you that even in commercial systems, backwashing is a risky hygiene decision simply because unfiltered water is used to back flush the filter, thereby compromising its cleanliness. Imagine the state of your sink, over the years, if you used hot water only (without scrubbing).

Extravagant claims have been made over the years about longevity using backwash, but in the systems we have tested, we have found that the effectiveness of the devices seems to diminish within as little as a couple of years. The other problem of backwashing systems that `emit` minerals is that no filter has ever been able to uniformly emit, leach or add minerals to output filtered water. Whilst they may emit beneficial added minerals when you purchase them, there is no guarantee that they will continue to do so, and the longevity claims make this even harder to substantiate. The longer all water filters work, the less efficiently they work. If part of their promise is uniform delivery of beneficial minerals, then only time will tell. Unfortunately for purchasers of these systems, there is no way to tell if they are delivering what they say they do without expensive laboratory tests.

21. Is it necessary to test my water or body to determine what the pH currently is so I adjust the machine appropriately?

No - we are almost all too acidic due to poor food, environmental pollutants, lack of gentle exercise and stress.

Even if not too acidic, our bodies will continue to benefit from alkaline foods and water. When beginning to use alkaline water start at a low (gentle) alkaline setting. This water really does work and change lives and as a result for first few days there may be symptoms of detox such as mild headache, mental confusion and diarrhea. Once these symptoms past then it is fine to go up to a level that feels comfortable.

Ionizer performance varies with the mineral content of the source water. We include a free pH reagent kit with each unit so you can test the output water at the various settings. We also sell pH test strips for testing your body pH. Please note that diet, stress and environmental factors all have a significant effect on our body pH.

22. Is it necessary to test the water to determine which contaminants are before I buy a machine?

Not necessary unless you have untested well water or water from a private source. The filter in an AlkaViva ionizer does an excellent job of removing what is not wanted while allowing the essential alkalizing minerals in solution to pass through. You can also look at your water report online if using city water. If there is an unusually high concentration of any pollutant we carry all types of pre-filters.

23. Is there a cost for such tests? Is it necessary to periodically test the water?

To test water there is a cost - for pricing ask your local water authority for a company that tests water and go from there. We offer a free analysis of any test result. If you are using well water that has not been tested it is recommended that tests be done for organisms, nitrates, nitrites, TDS, pH, hardness and any other known local issues. You can also get a comprehensive professional water test done at wholesale price - see under "water tests" in drop down menu.

24. What is ORP?

ORP is "Oxygen Reduction Potential".

Potential energy is energy that is stored and ready to be put to work. It`s not actually working, but we know that the energy is there and we can measure it. Another word for potential might be pressure. Blow up a balloon, and there is air pressure inside. As long as we keep the end tightly closed, the pressure remains as potential energy (when released it becomes kinetic energy). In electrical terms, potential energy can be measured. When we use the term "potential" in describing ORP, we are actually talking about electrical potential or the stored electrical tendency as expressed in voltage. In the case of ORP, this energy is measured in millivolts with an ORP meter. We are reading the very slight voltage in water which is actually measuring the presence of oxidizing and reducing agents, thus Oxidation Reduction "Potential". High pH water has more "reducing" agents (-ORP) and low pH water has more oxidizing agents (+ORP).

Normal tap water in the USA exits the tap at +200 to +600mv. Ionized water demonstrates the most health benefits with an ORP of -250mv or lower. This is what produces the "antioxidant" effect in the water through the creation of OH- or the negative hydroxyl ion.

For more on ORP go to: http://www.ionizers.org/water.php or http://www.ionizers.org/orp.php

A good -ORP ashows the presence of H₂ (hydrogen molecules in solution) which are a natural antioxidant and can more easily penetrate to the cellular level to heal the body by removing acid toxins. When water becomes stagnant by staying in dams, pipes and bottles the ORP becomes very positive. When water bounces over rocks or a waterfall the ORP becomes negative. The ORP of mineral rich water from where the Hunza people live (for example) is very negative.

25. Can you use this machine in an RV, on a boat or in a cabin where there is no AC power?

Yes as long as there is a reliable source of 110V DV power and a transformer.

1. Do you sell both residential and commercial water ionizers?

Yes. Our manufacturers also makes the most extensive range of commercial water ionizer available. These commercial water ionizers range in cost from about $10,000 to $500,000.

2. What is so different about AlkaViva water ionizers?

Water ionizers are far, far more than just a filter.

Initially, the filter inside the ionizer functions effectively using silver activated granulated carbon to purify the incoming water, just like 99% of household filter systems. What separates it from ordinary water purifiers are 4 important additional benefits. These benefits are what makes your water clean AND healthy.

Benefit One:

The filter in the your water ionizer while taking out what is not wanted allows the essential alkalizing minerals to pass through. These essential alkalizing minerals include calcium for the bones and magnesium for the heart. Our ionizer filtesr are manufactured in the USA and have been independently verified to remove 99.9% of virtually all contaminants.

Typical water companies use Reverse Osmosis to take out all that is bad AND good then use ozone to get rid of the taste and smell. By doing this the water becomes very acidic and difficult for the body to absorb.

Benefit Two:

The water in a a water ionizer is (not surprisingly) ionized. Water that comes from dams, pipes and bottles is "dead" and stagnant water. This can be measured by an ORP (oxygen Reduction Potential) meter. For water to be healthy and easy to be absorbed and utilized by your body it needs to carry a strong negative charge and thus contain a good amount of molecular hydrogen. This happens in nature when water bounces over rocks or moves in rivers and streams and is recreated by science in a water ionizer.

Benefit Three:

The water in a water ionizer is split into two streams - an acid and an alkaline stream. We use the alkaline water for drinking and cooking. The acid water is a "free" bonus and can be used for sterilization, skin, and plants. Poor quality food, unclean air, stress and lack of rest and gentle exercise all increase the acid levels in our bodies leading to a gradual breakdown in our physical condition. Benefit Four:

With AlkaViva's UltraWater filtration technology you can enjoy your water knowing that 99.9% of most contaminants have been removed. These results were fron an independent EPA certified lab and can be viewed on our site.

3. Why did it take so long to introduce water ionizers to the West?

Manufacturers made a decision to concentrate its design and marketing efforts in its domestic area before moving internationally. However the AlkaViva brand has taken America by storm and is the most popular ionizer in many countries. There are, incidentally, a number of health-oriented individuals who have owned water ionizers for some time having imported them privately.

Unfortunately the West is still very biased against Asian research. Although Japan translates over 90% of Western scientific papers, the West only translates 10% of Japanese scientific papers. If they had bothered, they would have unearthed an amazing phenomena; a million water alkalizers sold in Japan every year, by major manufacturers like Panasonic, Akai and Toyo.

They would have also found that alkaline water is used throughout Japan and Korea in hospitals and clinics. The would also have asked Japan for more scientific reports than are currently available.

Today South Korea is the world leader, manufacturing over 40,000 alkalizers per month for domestic consumption only. The technology, however, was originally Russian but was taken up by Japan in 1980. Japan began to have them made in Korea, and Korea took up the challenge to make a better unit. Our manufacturers have been making water alkalizers for over 30 years and are by far the largest mamufacturers in Korea and now the world.

4. Where are the AlkaViva water ionizers made?

All our ionizers are made in Korea and Japan. All our ionizer cells are manufactured in Japan.

5. Why are AlkaViva water ionizers not available in stores?

Frankly, most stores need margins well above those we work on. We also decided that if people are to sell our water ionizers they should be users, so they can advise people based not upon brochures but on actual experience. If you need to find a local user to check out our products, please contact our Head Office.

Our manufacturers are Korea's largest Ionizer manufacturers and export to 23 countries. Millions of Asian and now many American families use this amazing, proven product. Way back in 1992, for instance, 130,000 domestic ionizers were sold in Japan alone - this was before any water ionizers were sold in the USA.

6. Will you be here in 5 years time?

We have no plans on escaping to New Zealand at this moment. If you want to take USA as an example, sales of microclustered water have grown from a trickle to a torrent. We believe in what we do and plan to be around because we have found a business that helps people. AlkaViva is now a multi-million dollar a year business and is committed to on-going quality, caring customer service. We have now been in business over 15 years and have been selling ionizers longer than any other importer has been selling his brand.

7. How do I get support before, during, or after purchase?

Call us Toll Free or email. We`re happy to help you.

8. Why are ionizers expensive?

Frankly, they are not. When compared with other units on the market, we have to say that our water ionizers are exceedingly good value. Further, compared to bottled water solutions, it is both economical and environmentally preferable.

We are happy to forward you a comparison feature-by-feature to demonstrate that you get the same or more than you do with higher prices units. Even our lowest priced units use platinum coated titanium electrodes.

9. How soon do you ship products?

In-stock products will normallly ship the same business day if purchased before 2pm Pacific Time. In-stock products purchased after that time or on the weekend will ship the next business day.

10. What maintenance do they require?

All models have automatic self-cleaning reverse polarity systems.

11. How do I install and maintain my unit?

With our counter top ionizers you have 3 choices of installing.

Choice One:

This way is easy and fast. You get your input water through tubing attached to a diverter valve that is attached to the end of your faucet. Installation time is about 15 minutes.

Choice Two:

Not hard but may need a good handyman or plumber. You run your water line from your ionizer through the counter or sink to a T-junction piece below the counter top that is installed in your cold water line.

Choice Three:

Usually needs a plumber for about 1 hour. Your install your ionizer below the counter top (out of sight) using the optional extra "Under Sink Conversion Kit". Above the counter all you see if a separate dedicated faucet in your color choice.

12. Are your units electrically approved?

They are. All our models have US "UL" approval plus US NSF approval. See our international certificates Here

13. What warranty do you offer?

All AlkaViva water ionizers come with a limited lifetime warranty. The warranty is void if the unit has been tampered with, altered, or subject to improper use. Alkaviva ionizers account for the majority of all ionizer retail sales in the USA.
Warranty Page.

14. What is your return policy / guarantee?

We offer a 60 day refund Risk-Free trial period for AlkaViva water ionizers. If you are not satisfied, return the unit to us for a refund. Call us first for shipping instructions and to receive a Return Authorization #.

15. What are some of the harmful chemicals removed by the UltraWater filters?

Chlorine, trihalomethanes, suspended solids, cryptosporidium, organic compounds, heavy metals and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the ionization process that follows filtration reduces the amount of acid minerals (such as sulfates) in the alkaline water. It also has the effect of greatly reducing fluoride concentration.

16. How reliable are AlkaViva ionizers?

Our models are built to last. Our manufacturers have been manufacturing water ionizers for over 23 years, longer than other manufacturers in Korea or Japan. By keeping quality at the highest level and prices reasonable; and by their determined commitment to Research and Development, our manufacturers have set a standard by which others measure themselves.

AlkaViva water ionizers have a less than 1% defect rate, the lowest in the industry. The platinum coated titanium electrodes, which are the heart of the ionizer, are built in Japan to last at least 20 years. The manufacturing plants have been granted over 20 patents and been approved by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare for every Medical Device Certification they have applied for. Their water ionizers have been awarded the status of Health Product by the Ministry of Health, a designation difficult to achieve.

We sell filters to the models brought into the USA well over 10 years ago.

17. Does the unit come with a manual?

All units come with a user manual.

A twenty minute DVD instruction video is also included for free. To view some of the older videos go Here:

18. Is there additional detailed information available for purchase?

AlkaViva trained staff are available to answer any questions at 775-324-2400.

19. Does the manual include detailed information about the PH balance and how the machine helps the water to become PH balanced?

For more information on how to achieve a pH balance we recommend buying one of several books we sell such as Alkalize or Die". Or visit our Site Map page to choose from many interesting articles.

20. Should I get a .01M upgraded filter with my ionizer?

The UltraWater or Biostone filter is of excellent quality and suitable for most households. The .01M upgrade is recommended when using potable well water, where there is a need for extra precaution. The .0M filter is the same size as that used in kidney dialysis and is helpful with micro-organisms.

21. How long will a filter typically last for one person, or a family of 10, using the machine?

One filter produces about 1000 gallons (or about 3,800 liters) of water. We estimate for an average family of four with average daily consumption using treated water, a filter will last about 8 to 9 months.

23. Would love a picture set by a kitchen sink where I could get a visual perspective of the size of the unit.

Please see the picture at bottom left of home page at http://www.ionizers.org/melody.php

24. Is the machine heavy? Fragile?

Not heavy (about 14lbs). If looked after will last up to 20 years but not meant to be dropped or turned on side when in use.

25. Is there a built in surge protector? Is a surge protector necessary?

No need for surge protector as they have in-built fuse. A surge protector may give added safety although we are yet to have one returned from a surge problem.

26. How long are the hoses that are included with the machine? Can I purchase extra long hoses if needed for my setup?

Extra hose available - more than enough included (about 6 feet).

27. Do I need a special nozzle to attach it to the sink?

Your water ionizer comes with an adapter kit which will fit most traditional outlets but will not fit some of the designer taps which have pull out handles with a flexible hose. Give us a call and have a talk about your requirements before ordering.

It is actually simpler than most water ionizers and far simpler than a VCR! You attach the sturdy diverter valve to your faucet, attach the supplied hose to the diverter, and the other end to the inlet valve. Another hose attaches to the ionizer to allow the astringent (acid) water out of the Filter.

28. How do I get my ordinary tap water, once the ionizer is attached to the tap?

By the flick of a lever on the diverter.

29. Is it easy to install, even for a mechanically challenged person? Are the instillation instructions designed for the same mechanically challenged person?

Yes - we successfully sell many units to older people and those with little practical ability. If a problem arises AlkaViva is a call away. Also please view the videos available for free on the web before you purchase to see just how easy it is. Click Here:

30. Can you explain the difference between the units and what the benefits are of each unit? Why should I spend the extra money for the expensive unit?

For differences please see Here

In general more expensive units:

a) Utilize two new patented features which produce a better range of pH, ORP and H₂ on all levels.

b) Have latest technology and micro-circuits

c) Have longest warrantees (limited lifetime)

d) Look better

e) Have more options

f) Have a new patented cleaning device which will eliminate mineral scaling due to hard water, This improves performance and the life expectancy of your investment.

g) Clean the water properly from contaminants before water is ionized.

The statements enclosed herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your family doctor.

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