Every term used in water-ionizer marketing — defined in plain English. Bookmark this page; when a salesperson uses a word you don't recognise, look it up here first.
A
Water with a pH above 7.0. Ionizers produce alkaline water in the range pH 8.5–11.0, with stronger settings producing higher pH. Singapore PUB tap water sits at about pH 7.8–8.5 already, so ionization raises it further.
See also: pH, electrolysis
The byproduct stream from ionization — pH 4–6. Comes out the second spout of the ionizer. Often used externally for skin, plants, or cleaning. Not for drinking.
A substance that neutralises free radicals. In the context of water ionizers, the antioxidant property is measured by ORP (oxidation reduction potential) — the more negative the ORP, the stronger the antioxidant capacity. Hydrogen-rich water with high negative ORP is the main marketing claim.
See also: ORP, hydrogen water
C
Disinfectant added to tap water at the treatment plant. Singapore PUB water carries 0.2–0.8 mg/L residual chlorine — within WHO safety limits but often detectable by taste. Carbon filters remove ~95% on first pass.
D
A sole distributor imports directly from the manufacturer and resells through one retail layer. An MLM distributor uses a multi-level network of independent agents, each earning commission on sales. MLM-distributed units typically cost ~2× equivalent direct-distributed brands.
Examples in SG: Sole distributors include Prime Water (Korean OEM via Prime Water Singapore Pte Ltd) and Kemp (38-year direct retail). MLM examples: Kangen K8 (Enagic distributor network), Life Ionizer M-Series.
See also: MLM, authorised distributor
The concentration of molecular hydrogen gas dissolved in water, measured in parts per million (ppm). The 1.0 ppm threshold is cited in peer-reviewed hydrogen-water research as physiologically meaningful. Better ionizers exceed 1.0 ppm at the highest setting.
See also: hydrogen water
E
The process of using electric current to split water into alkaline and acidic streams. Happens inside the ionizer's sealed chamber. Continuous electrolysis means the current runs as water flows through; non-continuous means batch processing.
F
Replaceable cartridge inside the ionizer that pre-filters incoming water (carbon, sediment, sometimes ceramic). Typical lifespan: 6 months at 20 L/day household use. Costs S$150–250 each depending on brand.
Litres-per-minute of water the unit can produce at the highest alkaline setting. Typical range 2.0–3.0 L/min. Higher flow = less waiting at the tap. Drops at higher alkaline settings because more electrolysis is needed.
H
Singapore's public housing — about 80% of Singapore residents live in HDB flats. Some ionizer installations (especially under-counter) need HDB clearance for plumbing modifications. Counter-top installs always fine.
Singapore's regulator for health products. HSA prohibits marketing claims that any product "cures," "treats," or "prevents" disease unless registered as a medical device. Brands making such claims about ionizers are operating outside the rules.
Water with elevated dissolved molecular hydrogen (H₂), often 1.0+ ppm. The hydrogen is the active component most modern alkaline-water research focuses on. Distinct from "alkaline water" — a unit can produce alkaline water with little hydrogen, or hydrogen-rich water that's near-neutral pH.
See also: dissolved H₂
I
A countertop or under-counter appliance that electrolyses tap water into alkaline + acidic streams. Distinct from a filter (which only removes contaminants) and a hot/cold dispenser (which only heats/cools filtered water).
K
Korea's medical-device regulator. Korean ionizers carrying a KFDA registration number (e.g. "Reg. 5427") are classified as medical devices in Korea — a higher bar than ordinary appliance certification. Verifiable at mfds.go.kr by searching the registration number.
KFDA-registered brands in SG: Prime Water (Reg. 5427, publicly verifiable), KYK Genesis Platinum, Hyundai Wacortec. Brands without verifiable Korean medical-device registration include most non-Korean entrants (Brita, Philips, Mayer, Toyomi etc.) — they may carry other certifications but not KFDA.
M
A sales model where independent distributors earn commission on direct sales AND on sales made by people they recruit. Not illegal, but pricing typically funds the commission ladder — MLM-distributed ionizers cost ~2× equivalent direct-distributed brands. Enagic / Kangen is the most prominent MLM in the SG ionizer market.
See also: how to spot an MLM pitch
N
PUB's ultra-purified recycled wastewater. Makes up about 40% of Singapore's water supply. Meets WHO and US EPA standards. All NEWater is filtered, treated, and mixed into the general PUB supply before reaching your tap.
O
Measured in millivolts (mV). Positive ORP = oxidising (tap water is typically +250 to +320 mV). Negative ORP = reducing/antioxidant (ionizers produce −400 to −800 mV at the highest setting). Stronger negative = more antioxidant capacity. Often correlated with dissolved H₂.
P
A measure of how acidic or alkaline water is, on a scale of 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). 7 is neutral. Pure water is 7. Singapore tap water is 7.8–8.5. Ionizers push alkaline water to 9.5–11.0 at the highest setting.
Number of titanium electrolysis plates inside the ionizer chamber. More plates = more surface area = stronger ionization. Common counts: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13. The 9-plate sweet spot fits most Singapore family households.
9-plate brands in SG (the sweet spot): Prime Water L Series, Kemp ION-X i9, Coral Premium 9, StarWellness L9. See the best 9-plate under S$3k page for the head-to-head.
See also: full plate count guide
Titanium plate coated in platinum. Industry-standard plate material — titanium for corrosion resistance, platinum for conductivity and reactivity. Coating thickness and quality varies between brands; a key driver of how long plates last.
Singapore's national water agency. Treats and supplies all tap water — one of the safest municipal supplies in the world. Publishes an annual Water Quality Report.
See also: PUB tap water analysis
R
Some brands (notably Wells, Cuckoo, Coway) sell access via monthly subscription rather than outright purchase. Typically 36–60 month minimum. Includes installation + filters + monthly service visits. Common for hot/cold filtered dispensers; less common for true ionizers.
S
A single authorised SG retailer that imports a brand directly from the manufacturer. Single markup layer between factory and customer. Opposite of MLM. Prime Water is sole-distributed in Singapore.
T
Total mineral and organic content dissolved in water, measured in mg/L (or ppm). Singapore tap water sits at 40–90 mg/L — considered "soft" water. Ionizers don't change TDS meaningfully.
U
Optional add-on on some ionizers — a UV lamp at the output spout that kills residual bacteria. Adds about S$100–200 to the unit price. Not strictly necessary for PUB-treated water, but adds redundancy.
V
Marketing terms invented by various brands. Not standard scientific terminology. If a brand uses these terms, ask for the actual pH / ORP / H₂ ppm measurements instead.
W
Manufacturer guarantee period. Industry range: 2 years (entry units) to 5 years (premium). Read fine print for what's covered: full unit vs plates only vs parts but not labour. Singapore-distributed brands with local service have meaningfully better warranty outcomes than imported direct.
