Our Story
Dime Water, Inc. was born from a bold decision, a strong partnership, and a shared dream.
In 1994, Michael Colburn was working at another water treatment company that was preparing to relocate to Florida. Unwilling to leave California, Mike turned to his wife, Dianne, and said, “Di and me—we’re going to start a company, and we’ll call it Dime Water.” That was the beginning.
Starting from scratch wasn’t easy. Dianne recalls, “Mike would handwrite our catalogs, and I would type everything on a typewriter. Coming from the Midwest, it was extremely difficult to start a business in California. We didn’t know anyone, and networking was a challenge. It was a high-risk move.”
But they persevered. With Michael’s engineering background and Dianne’s financial expertise, they laid the foundation for what would become a trusted name in customized, chemical-free water treatment solutions.
Michael also remembers the early challenges of shifting his mindset. “I had a preconceived notion that non-salt equipment wouldn’t work. But one day I got in the truck and started talking to plumbers and contractors. A man told me he was using non-chemical systems. That got me thinking. Soon after, we were building reverse osmosis units for Japan, where salt-based softeners weren’t allowed. That’s when we developed our first non-chemical scale prevention device—and we guaranteed the membrane life at a value greater than our entire company. We risked everything, but the technology worked.”
Working with Japanese customers taught the team a critical lesson: form, fit, and function matter. “They expected our systems to not only work well but also to look like a work of art,” says Michael. This focus on quality, appearance, and reliability became core to Dime Water’s philosophy.
Company Milestones
- June 14, 1994 – First day in business
- March 1996 – Incorporated as Dime Water, Inc.
- September 1996 – Purchased Vista, California facility
- November 1996 – Obtained Aquafer technology patent
- September 1998 – Completed construction of internal test lab
- September 2002 – Doubled facility size to meet growing demand
- January 2003 – Added metal fabrication capabilities to boost production
- January 2004 – Implemented water reuse in commercial RO test area to conserve water
- June 2008 – Completed extensive office renovation
- November 2011 – Transformed test lab into certified water production facility
- March 2012 – Added product display and fill table area
- June 2013 – Launched development of water systems for solar equipment
Yes We Do!!!
Our Capabilities
We, like most companies and individuals, get comfortable with our abilities and assume everyone knows about them. Now, after 30 years in business, we too often hear: “I didn't know you make those.” To put that comment to rest, please see the following brief summary of our capabilities.
Non-Chemical W/ No Drain
- Aquafer units for scale prevention, chlorine/chloramines reduction, heavy metals reduction, and bacteria control. Flows up to 70 GPM.
- ESF units for scale prevention. Flows up to 475 GPM.
- ESF PLUS for 5 micron, chlorine, organics filtration, scale prevention, and bacteria, virus, and cysts inactivation. 11 GPM flow. Ideal for questionable water supplies.
Salt Based Processes
- Single, twin, alternating twin, and 3+ residential, commercial, and industrial systems. 3/4” to 3” service.
- Flows to 275 GPM per tank. Meter, timer, or external signal for regeneration initiation.
- Softening, dealkalizing, nitrate removal, sulfate removal applications.
Filtration Including Adsorption
- Backwashing filters for iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, organics, T&O, and custom media blends. Also includes the MAXI-CURE which has a special scale prevention distributor built-in.
- The BORON systems employ a unique regeneration system.
- CARTRIDGE FILTERS have 1/4” to 1-1/2” in/out, and cartridges from 2-1/2” x 10” through 4.5” x 20” are available for dozens of water issues. A 7” x 40” unit is also available.
Membrane R.O. / Nano Desalination
- We produce four (4) distinctly different models of under-counter drinking water reverse osmosis units — from basic through multi-featured. All produce up to 100 GPD with water efficiencies of 50–76%.
- Commercial, industrial, and agricultural units from 150–75,000 GPD are custom fabricated to source water chemistry and application of treated water.
Whole Home & Water Store
- Whole home systems from 500–15,000 GPD are popular for rural, contaminated well water applications. They are also applied on municipal water supplies where there are security or medical concerns.
- The same gallonage range is offered for water stores. Dispensing/rinse tables are also available.
- We were one of the first 1 or 2 manufacturers of such equipment.
Lab & High Purity & Custom
- Wall-mounted / counter-top lab water systems capable of 90 or 180 GPD, utilizing readily available consumables. High purity loop systems up to 15,000 GPD.
- Design and construction of the unusual is possible.Example: 25,000 GPD emergency water and power mounted on a fire truck located in Florida.
Executive Team
Our team makes all the difference
Our leadership team is committed to our customers, above all. Our team is passionate about building our company and building our talent. This team sets the strategy that guides our business to deliver results and innovate.
Today, Dime Water, Inc. stands as a veteran-owned, family-run company known for engineering excellence, personalized service, and sustainable water solutions. We remain committed to solving complex water challenges with honesty, innovation, and pride in every system we deliver.
