STRUCTURED WATER 2026 UPDATE
HISTORY
We at Dime Water first released our version of a system to create Structured Water (SW) in June 2019. It was conceived after reading and understanding of The Fourth Phase of Water a book by Dr. Gerald Pollack PhD summarizing years of laboratory experimentation by him and numerous assistants at the University of Washington. Dr. Pollack has an extensive background in engineering as well as physiology and is currently a professor of bioengineering in their college of engineering and UW medicine. The goal of his work appears to be purely academic curiosity with no commercial applications considered.
The unusual state of water observed in the university lab was given the name EZ (Exclusionary Zone) water by them and we chose Structured Water (SW) because this term has been used for almost 100 years by scientists and observers of extraordinary plant growth.
DIME WATER DESIGN ADVANTAGES
Our method of producing Structured Water very closely parallels the process outlined in the laboratory reports so water from the systems has been:
- volume measured
- thickness measured
- photographed
- pH tested
- viscosity tested
- electricity producing properties tested and measured
- density tested.
Production of the SW is accomplished in nature by spreading an extremely thin film of low TDS and low surface tension water on a water loving (hydrophilic) surface and exposing it to infrared energy. Not unlike snow and ice melt water flowing over smooth rocks in a stream bed. This probably explains why 19th and early 20th century observers of larger and higher quality vegetables watered by such sources thought the water to be better structured. It was. To make a product viable for home drinking, cooking and plant watering water we developed a reverse osmosis based appliance that exposes clean, low TDS RO water to almost 450 square inches of hydrophilic surface area for a super thin film of water and then boost the infrared energy with LED based rays. A complete replication of nature’s process available for the home, office, etc.
COMPETITIVE PROCESSES
There are many devices available for sale at exorbitantly high prices that purport to produce Structured Water, but we are unable to find any tests or measurements that validate their claims. One is a magnetic field. The measurable electrical energy produced in the water is due to Faraday’s law and is known to effect hydrogen bonds thus lowering clean water surface tension and altering the formation of some crystals. No indication of SW formation. Unfortunately, it works best on higher TDS water so counterproductive to clean drinking water. Vortex devices are popular, but again, there’s no evidence or measurement of Structured Water.
STRUCTURED WATER BENEFITS
Out of general interest, we did a dive into the technology of the highly advertised pain relief patches by Signal Patch and a lessor known KAILO to see if there was any tie in to water. There is actually mention of EZ water (our description of structured water) because of its negative electrical charge. Their base technology is to reroute electrical pain signals to the ether before they are sent to the brain by picking them up with their patented antenna imbedded in the patch and resending. The pain application was found serendipitously by the original inventors. This ultimately led us to Dr. Pollack’s most recent publications on the health benefits of structured water as well as reports offered by Science Direct and the NIH and ResearchGate. Benefits of structured water include:
- Improved health of cells which has positive effects on our entire body
- Improved hydration
- Improved elimination of waste
- Improved joint lubrication
- Improved absorption of nutrients
- Improved cellular energy
In addition to the benefits for humans and animals, plants also benefit from being watered with structured water. A list of so far documented benefits include:
- Improved plant growth and size
- Improved tolerance to drought and pathogens
- Improved uptake of nutrients from the soil
- Improved soil moisture retention
- Improved germination rates and time of emergence
- Improved use of water
Even the best water purification systems on the market require monitoring for total dissolved solids to ensure the filters and/or membranes are effectively removing the bacteria and unwanted particles from your water. Besides drinking water, where a lower level of TDS (purer water) is preferred, a TDS level is specific for each application and particular usage.
Fish and plants require water with widely varying TDS levels, most of which are higher than what we deem to be healthy drinking water for people. TDS in water supplies originates from natural sources, sewage, and urban/agricultural run-off.
What Are Total Dissolved Solids?
TDS, or total dissolved solids, is the term used to describe the inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter present in solution in water. The principal constituents are usually:
- calcium
- chloride
- hydrogen carbonate
- magnesium
- nitrate anions
- sodium and potassium cations and carbonate
- sulfate
Total dissolved solids are differentiated from total suspended solids (TSS), in that the latter cannot pass through a sleeve of 2 micrometers and yet are indefinitely suspended in solution. Salts used for reverse osmosisad de-icing can also contribute to the TDS loading of water supplies. Concentrations of TDS from natural sources have been found to vary from less than 30 mg/L to as much as 6,000 mg/L, depending on the solubilities of minerals in different geological regions.
Why Should You Measure the TDS Level in Your Water?
The presence of dissolved solids in water may affect its taste. The palatability of drinking water has been rated by panels of tasters in relation to its TDS level as follows:
- EXCELLENT – less than 300 mg/L
- GOOD – between 300 and 600 mg/L
- FAIR – between 600 and 900 mg/L
- POOR – between 900 and 1,200 mg/L
- UNACCEPTABLE – greater than 1,200 mg/L
Parts per million (ppm) is the weight-to-weight ratio of any ion to water.
The EPA Secondary Regulations advise a maximum contamination level (MCL) of 500mg/L (500 parts per million) for TDS. However, numerous water supplies exceed this level and when TDS levels exceed 1,000mg/L it is generally considered unfit for human consumption. A high level of TDS is an indicator of potential concerns, and further investigation should be done. Most often, high levels of TDS are caused by the presence of potassium, chlorides and sodium.
Water with extremely low concentrations of TDS may also be unacceptable because of its flat, insipid taste. Certain components of TDS can influence corrosion or encrustation in water-distribution systems. Excessive scaling in water pipes, water heaters, boilers, and household appliances such as kettles and steam irons can occur with high TDS levels (>500 mg/L). High TDS levels can shorten the service life of these appliances and others. Reliable data on possible health effects associated with the ingestion of TDS in drinking water are not available.
Measuring Water TDS at Home
TDS handheld meters are a great and generally inexpensive way to test the water quality in your home at any given time. They come factory calibrated and are ready to use out of the box, are designed to stay consistent. A TDS meter is based on the electrical conductivity (EC) of water. Recalibration is necessary after prolonged usage and you will need a commercial standard Na-Cl-based solution. Here are a few tips on how to care for your TDS meter:
- always rinse the sensor pins in distilled water and allow them to air dry before replacing the cap
- clean the electrodes to prevent residue build-up after repeated usage in high TDS water
- do not drop or completely submerge the unit in water or dip beyond the maximum immersion level
- do not store the unit in high temperature or direct sunlight
- if the tip is heavily fouled with organic material, soak it in alcohol or bleach; gentle wiping with a soft, non-abrasive cloth may also be acceptable
- make sure that the battery compartment and probe gasket ring are firmly tightened before submerging in water
- pH and ORP electrodes must be stored in a special storage solution
- TDS electrodes should be stored dry
- the batteries may need to be replaced after extended usage or lifespan
- when necessary, clean the electrodes by soaking the tip in an acid (e.g., vinegar or diluted hydrochloric acid) and then rinsing well in water
How Do You Reduce the TDS in Your Water?
Common water filter and water purification systems that have proven to reduce the TDS in water include:
- carbon filtration
- reverse osmosis (RO)
- distillation
- deionization (DI)
Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today!
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