Testing Hydrogen PPM in Your Water: What You Need to Know

When it comes to testing hydrogen in water, a few methods are available—but not all are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the options and what to keep in mind for each.

Gas Chromatograph Instrument

• How it works: This method directly measures hydrogen molecules in the water, making it the most accurate way to determine hydrogen levels.
• Why it’s the gold standard: Unlike other methods, it provides precise results without interference from external factors like pH or other chemicals.

At Echo Water, we partner with H2 Analytics to ensure our systems meet rigorous standards using this advanced technology. All Echo Water H2 reports are attached to your digital user manual.

Electronic Meter

• How it works: These meters measure the water's ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) and then estimate hydrogen levels based on that reading.
• Limitations:
  • The measurement is indirect and doesn’t account for actual hydrogen molecules so hydrogen PPM readings can be inaccurate.
  • pH interference: The water’s pH can skew ORP readings, making it harder to pinpoint hydrogen levels.
  • Calibration issues: Proper calibration is essential for accurate readings. Using outdated or contaminated calibration solutions, skipping regular calibration, or improperly storing the meter can result in significant errors. To ensure the best results, meters must be regularly and correctly calibrated.
  • Other substances: Chemicals in the water can also impact the ORP measurement, further reducing accuracy.

For context, reverse osmosis (RO) systems often produce “dead water” with no electric properties. Running RO water through a hydrogen generator can create negative millivolts (mV), which is a sign of increased hydrogen. However, this doesn’t replace the need for a direct measurement method.

Blue Reagent Test

• How it works: This test detects the presence of hydrogen in water but cannot provide a precise measurement.
• Challenges:
  • Age of the drops: Older drops may lose effectiveness over time, reducing reliability.
  • Distribution of metal in drops: Uneven distribution can lead to inconsistent results.
  • Water temperature: The temperature of the water can significantly impact the chemical reactions.
  • Stirring speed: Stirring too quickly or too slowly can alter the outcome.
  • Water source: Variations in water composition from different sources can affect accuracy.
  • Elevation matters: Higher altitudes result in lower readings due to reduced atmospheric pressure.
  • Environmental factors: Copper pipes and chloramine in the water can also distort results.
  • Here is some more information about testing hydrogen using blue reagent

While blue reagent tests can confirm hydrogen’s presence, these variables make it difficult to rely on them for precise measurements.

Why We Use Gas Chromatography

To maintain top-tier quality in our hydrogen water systems, Echo Water relies on H2 Analytics, a third-party tester, to measure hydrogen levels using gas chromatography. This ensures accurate results and guarantees the performance of our devices.

Understanding the limitations of different testing methods is key to ensuring you get the most accurate picture of your water’s hydrogen content.

Note: After-market testing tools, including blue reagent kits or ORP meters, are not accepted for warranty purposes due to their inability to accurately measure hydrogen levels.