Bacteria and algae that pass through the water conditioner's ring of ferrites become charged by the Hydropath signal. This charge forms a hydration layer of pure water around the cell. Osmosis forces water into the bacteria and algae, creating osmotic pressure that ruptures the cell membrane, causing the cell to perish.

Other bacteria and algae deactivation mechanisms include

1. Cell Lysis: The Hydropath signal is believed to encourage cell lysis, a process where cells are broken down or destroyed by an external force or condition.
2. Irreversible Electroporation: This process uses high-voltage localized electric current to induce cell death without thermal-induced coagulative necrosis. The Hydropath signal is thought to cause this in single-cell waterborne pathogens.

As the Hydropath signal travels along a pipe, it disrupts the bacteria and algae clinging to the inner surfaces, gradually releasing biofilm over time.