Water is a fundamental component of daily life. The human body is composed largely of water, and water is involved in many biological and environmental processes. Because of this, the quality, composition, and treatment of drinking water are often areas of interest.
This guide provides a structured explanation of how Enagic water ionisers process tap water, including filtration, electrolysis, and output selection. It also explains how this process compares to other common types of drinking water.
Quick Summary:
- Tap water is filtered before processing
- Electrolysis separates water into different streams
- The system produces multiple water types depending on settings
Understanding Different Types of Drinking Water
Before examining how a water ioniser works, it is useful to understand the differences between commonly available water sources.
Tap Water
Tap water in Australia is regulated and treated to meet safety standards. It may be disinfected with chlorine, contain varying mineral content depending on the region, and include sediment or residual taste depending on infrastructure.
- Subject to regulatory standards
- May contain chlorine for disinfection
- Mineral content varies by location
- May include sediment or taste variations
Bottled Water
Bottled water varies in composition and source. It may contain added minerals or originate from municipal or natural supplies. Studies have shown variability in bottled water quality across brands.
- May include added minerals
- Often sourced from municipal or natural supplies
- Packaging and transport impact environmental footprint
Distilled or Reverse Osmosis Water
This type of water undergoes extensive filtration, removing most dissolved substances and significantly reducing mineral content.
- Highly purified
- Low mineral content
- Different composition compared to natural water sources
Well Water
Well water composition can vary significantly and may require regular testing and maintenance depending on environmental conditions.
- Variable composition
- Requires testing
- Maintenance dependent on source conditions
Where Water Ionisation Fits
Water ionisers sit between untreated tap water and heavily purified systems. They combine filtration and electrochemical processing.
For a general overview, visit: What is Kangen Water
What Is a Water Ioniser?
A water ioniser is a device that processes water through filtration and electrolysis. Enagic water ionisers filter incoming tap water, apply an electrical current across electrode plates, and separate water into different output streams.
Video overview: The video below provides a simplified overview of how water ionisation occurs inside an Enagic system.
Official Enagic Australia video explaining the water ionisation process in a short, visual format.
Step 1: Filtration Preparing the Water
When tap water enters the machine, it passes through a high-grade internal filter. This stage reduces chlorine, odours, and fine particles while preparing the water for electrolysis.
- Reduces chlorine and odours
- Filters sediment and fine particles
- Maintains minerals required for electrolysis
Learn more: How tap water becomes Kangen Water
Maintenance details: User Manuals
Step 2: Electrolysis The Core Process
After filtration, water enters the electrolysis chamber. Here, water flows across multiple electrode plates while an electrical current is applied.
This process separates water into hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH"), initiating the transformation process.
The diagram below shows a simplified view of how electrolysis occurs inside a water ioniser, including ion separation and gas formation at each electrode.
Step 3: Hydrogen and Oxygen Formation
At the cathode (negative electrode), hydrogen ions gain electrons and form molecular hydrogen (H ‚). At the anode (positive electrode), hydroxide ions release electrons and may form oxygen (O ‚).
- Cathode: Hydrogen formation
- Anode: Oxygen formation
- Results in two distinct water streams
Step 4: Separation via Internal Membranes
The machine uses internal membranes to separate the two streams created during electrolysis. Each stream is directed to a different outlet.
This separation occurs continuously while the machine is operating.
This internal layout demonstrates how water flows through the system, from filtration through to electrolysis and final output selection.
Step 5: Plate Technology and Model Differences
The number and size of electrode plates vary depending on the model. These plates influence processing capacity and efficiency.
Example product: Leveluk K8
- More plates increase surface area
- Supports stable processing
- Influences output consistency
Step 6: Understanding the Different Water Types
Enagic systems can produce multiple types of water depending on the selected settings.
Kangen Water (pH 8.5 9.5)
- Used for drinking
- Used in cooking
- General household use
Neutral Water (pH 7)
- Used for food preparation
- General consumption
Slightly Acidic Water (pH 4 6)
- Used for cleaning and rinsing
Strong Acidic Water (pH ~2.7)
- Used for cleaning surfaces
- Hygiene-related applications
Strong Alkaline Water (pH ~11)
- Used for cleaning
- Helps remove residues
Step 7: Continuous Flow Operation
Enagic water ionisers operate as continuous flow systems. Water is processed in real time as it moves through the machine, rather than being stored internally.
Step 8: System Maintenance and Care
Routine maintenance is required to support consistent performance. This includes filter replacement and periodic cleaning.
Read the maintenance guide: Maintenance Guide
Additional product context: This video gives a more detailed overview of how the LeveLuk K8 produces Kangen Water and how the internal system works during operation.
Official Enagic Australia overview showing how the LeveLuk K8 operates and produces different water outputs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Kangen Water machine work?
A Kangen Water machine filters tap water and applies electrolysis to separate it into different output streams using electrode plates.
What is electrolysis in a water ioniser?
Electrolysis is the process of applying an electrical current to water to separate it into hydrogen and hydroxide components.
What is the purpose of the plates?
The plates allow electrical current to interact with water, enabling the separation process.
Do all models work the same way?
All models use the same core process, though plate number and capacity vary.
What happens to tap water inside the machine?
Tap water is filtered, processed through electrolysis, and separated into different outputs.