Which Water Works Best for Electrolysis?
The type of water you use directly affects hydrogen concentration and electrode longevity. Here's a practical guide.
Best: Filtered Tap Water (TDS 50-200)
Standard filtered water with moderate mineral content provides the ideal conductivity for electrolysis. A basic carbon or reverse osmosis filter removes chlorine and impurities while retaining enough minerals for efficient hydrogen generation.
Good: Mineral Water
Natural mineral water works well but may cause slightly faster scale buildup on electrodes due to higher calcium/magnesium content. Run the self-clean cycle more frequently if using mineral water daily.
Acceptable: Purified / RO Water
Reverse osmosis or distilled water has very low TDS (under 30), which means lower conductivity and slightly reduced hydrogen output. It still works but may take longer to reach peak PPB. The upside is minimal scale buildup.
Avoid These
- Hot water (above 60°C) — damages the PEM membrane
- Carbonated/sparkling water — CO2 interferes with electrolysis
- Alkaline ionized water (pH > 9) — may degrade electrodes faster
- Water with additives (lemon, vitamins, flavoring) — can damage internal components
- Hard water (TDS > 500) — rapid scale accumulation, reduced lifespan
Quick Reference
- Ideal TDS range: 50-300 ppm
- Ideal temperature: room temperature to slightly cool (15-35°C)
- Ideal pH: 6.5-8.5 (neutral range)
For the best long-term experience with your Fulmor bottle, a simple carbon-filtered tap water is the sweet spot between performance and electrode longevity.