At $999, the Watershed AQ500 is one of the top choices for water ionizers without breaking the 4-digit price barrier - and it,s a performer.  Your PH range is from 4.0 on the acid side to 10.0 on the alkaline side with a max negative ORP at 500 (that's -500 ORP).  As with all water ionizers your results will vary depending on your source water and other factors.  Remember, unless you are under the direction and supervision of a health care provider, consuming water at PH levels above 9.5 or with an negative ORP higher than 350 (that's -350 ORP) is not recommended.

The Watershed AQ500 is pretty simple and straightforward to use.  There are 7 pre-set buttons including 4 alkaline, 2 acidic and one "neutral" setting with additional function buttons to adjust within the preset levels.  The LCD screen displays your filter life and changes color at each level of alkalinity.  The red screen and the beeping mean that the unit is either running its cleaning cycle or you have set your machine to an acid setting.

Orignally sold under the KYK brand as the "Harmony,"  this model was the first water ionizer to feature the switched mode power supply system.  An SMPS system allows for consistent and optimal current run through the machine.  Unlike transformer based power systems, "switched modes" are more energy efficient by design and their ability to maintain consistent and optimal current is a large part of why SMPS is used in computers and high definition television sets.  They operate more efficiently and without the heat output of transformer power systems which extends the life and performance of your product.

Plate size can be an important factor in a water ionizer's ability to produce ionized water at the desired levels.  The Watershed AQ500 uses plates that are larger than a many water ionizers on the market today - in many cases twice as large.  The greater the surface area that the water comes into contact with the more efficiently and effectively a water ionizer will stands to perform.  This 135 inches of total plate surface area combined with the 200 watts running through the AQ500's SMPS system combines to make this machine a true performer.  The AQ500 features flat plates which can be helpful if your source water is hard and untreated.

The AQ500 is a single filter machine.  This is a seven-layer filter including high quality activated carbon, anti-fungal felt and calcium.  The activated carbon is known to effectively remove VOC's and most chemicals.  In tests, the Watershed AQ500 filter was proven to effectively remove bacteria, chlorine, mercury, aluminum and pesticides from tap water.  The standard AQ500 filter is good for 7,000 liters and will cost you $59 - $89 to replace, depending on which grade of replacement filter you choose.  It takes the average user 9 to 12 months to run through 7,000 liters.  It is recommended that you change the filter at 12 months regardless of your usage.  Your AQ500 always displays where you are on your filter life in liters.

The only downside to the AQ500 unit is the cleaning cycle.  Like many other water ionizers, the Watershed AQ500 has an automated cleaning cycle that happens every 12 hours.  Every 12 hours when you go to get water from your unit, your screen will turn red and a beeper will sound indicating that the unit is in its cleaning cycle.  This usually lasts around 60 seconds and during that time acid water is flowing through the machine out through the dispenser.  Your options are to wait 60 seconds for the cleaning cycle to end - at that time the unit will default back to your last alkaline setting and you will be able to pour water to drink - or do what many people choose to do... use the acid water for wiping down/sanitizing your sink and counter area or give your hands a good sanitizing wash.  If you're first cleaning cycle starts when you turn your machine on at 6pm, your next will happen when you turn your machine on again around 6am.   Most women will wash their face and remove make up in the evenings and wash again before applying their make up and moisturizer in the mornings... Take advantage of the automated cleaning cycle to see the benefits that washing with acid water can make on your skin!

As far as bang for your buck in water ionizers, we feel good recommending the Watershed AQ500.  It's easy to use, it becomes a super-affordable under-the-sink faucet-style water ionizer with the purchase of the faucet-style adapter kit, and for $1,199 it's hard to find more machine for your money.  Watershed backs the AQ500 with a 30-day money back guaranty and a full five year warranty.  As with all water ionizers, the customer is responsible for return shipping charges and with Watershed products, should you decide to return the unit your refund will be less an 8% restocking fee.

The company does all repairs in the United States within a reasonable amount of time and certainly well within the warranty repair policies of most water ionizer companies.

The Watershed AQ500 retails for $999 however we recommend that you check with us here at Water Ionizer Authority.  Some special offers may be available which often includes a free portable water ionizer unit for travel and a copy of Bob McCauley's book "The Miraculous Properties of Ionized Water" to help you realize the full potential of your AQ500.  Just contact us and ask if we have specials available on this product.

For more information on the Watershed AQ500 or special offers on this unit, call us at (866) 649-4380, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm Eastern Time or contact us by e-mail.

To go directly to the Watershed AQ500 store page, click on the image below.