Enagic's Kangen water machines are primarily known for their electrolysis process, which produces ionized, alkaline water. Before this ionization can occur, however, the tap water must first pass through the machine's internal filtration system. This initial stage of purification is essential for removing common impurities and odors, though its capabilities are distinct from the advanced filtration offered by additional pre-filters.
The Standard Enagic Filter: What It Catches
The standard internal filter in most Enagic Kangen water machines, such as those in the LeveLuk series, employs a multi-layered design to address basic water quality issues. The composition typically includes granular activated carbon (GAC), calcium sulfite, and a mechanical filtration layer.
- Chlorine: A primary function of the filter, the calcium sulfite effectively removes free chlorine, which is used as a disinfectant in municipal water supplies. The GAC further assists in this process.
- Sediment, Odor, and Taste: The mechanical filtration layer effectively reduces dirt, rust, and other organic material. The GAC's adsorptive properties work to remove unpleasant tastes and odors.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): The GAC also helps to remove a variety of VOCs, which are common man-made chemicals found in tap water.
- Lead: Some high-grade filter models, like those for the K8, are specifically designed to reduce lead that can leach into water from old pipes.
Expanding Filtration with Enagic's Pre-filters
For contaminants not adequately addressed by the standard filter, Enagic offers optional pre-filtration units. These units are installed before the water enters the Kangen machine and are essential for a more comprehensive purification process.
- Ultra-E Pre-filter: This unit significantly enhances the system's ability to remove or reduce a wide array of harmful substances using a patented electroadsorptive media technology. It is particularly effective against:
- Pathogens: Capable of reducing or removing >99.99% of viruses (e.g., polio, rotavirus), >99.99% of bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Legionella), and >99.95% of cysts (e.g., Giardia).
- Heavy Metals: Reduces or removes over 95% of lead, arsenic V, and cadmium, along with ferrous iron, chromium, and mercury.
- Organic/Inorganic Chemicals: Targets residual pharmaceuticals, PCBs, BPA, and additional VOCs.
- Fluoride Reduction Pre-filter: The standard Enagic filter does not remove fluoride. For this purpose, a specialized pre-filter is required, which can reduce fluoride levels by approximately 90%.
Enagic Filtration vs. Comprehensive Purification
It is important to understand that the Enagic machine is an ionizer with a basic filter, not a standalone water purification system. While the standard filter addresses aesthetic issues and chlorine, it is not designed to remove all types of contaminants. More advanced purification methods, like reverse osmosis, remove a much broader range of dissolved solids and chemicals, but can also strip water of beneficial minerals. The Enagic system, by retaining certain essential minerals during the filtration process, differs fundamentally from this more aggressive approach. Therefore, the level of purification achieved with an Enagic system depends heavily on whether optional pre-filters are utilized.
Comparison of Enagic Filter Capabilities
| Contaminant | Standard Internal Filter | Optional Ultra-E Pre-filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | Yes (97.5%+ removal) | Yes | Removed by calcium sulfite and GAC. |
| Sediment | Yes (Reduces) | Yes (Reduces) | Addressed by mechanical filtration. |
| Taste/Odor | Yes (Removes) | Yes | Removed by granular activated carbon. |
| VOCs | Yes (Removes) | Yes (Removes) | Removed by granular activated carbon. |
| Lead | Some models (e.g., K8) | Yes (>95% removal) | Requires specific filter type. |
| Pathogens | No | Yes (>99.9% removal) | Standard filter provides microfiltration, not pathogen removal. |
| Heavy Metals | No | Yes (High reduction) | Standard filter does not target most heavy metals. |
| Fluoride | No | No (Requires specific pre-filter) | A separate add-on filter is needed. |
| Pharmaceuticals | No | Yes (Reduces) | Requires Ultra-E unit. |
Conclusion
The internal filter in an Enagic Kangen machine is a basic yet important component that effectively removes chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds from tap water. However, for those concerned with a wider range of contaminants, including heavy metals, viruses, bacteria, and fluoride, the standard filter is insufficient. A truly comprehensive purification is achieved only by integrating Enagic’s specialized pre-filtration units, such as the Ultra-E or the fluoride reduction filter, into the system. By understanding these distinctions, consumers can make informed decisions about their water treatment needs.
For more information on choosing the right water filtration system for your needs, you can refer to guidance from the CDC on water filters.
