An apparatus subjects water to waves from an RF plasma. This allows
continuous production of "activated water" characterized by cluster sizes
below about 4 molecules per cluster, substantially bacteria free water
and controlled pH. The basic frequency of the plasma is preferably
between 0.44 MHz and 40.68 MHz, and the plasma is preferably modulated at
a frequency between 10 kHz and 35 kHz. Flow rates typically range from 20
l/hr to about 2000 l/hr. Activated water can be used for many purposes,
including antimicrobial treatment of drinking water, antimicrobial
cleaning of worktables, floors, walls, knives, and other surfaces, for
example, in meat processing facilities and hospitals.