An electrolytic membrane valve and method of its manufacture are provided. The valve includes a substrate comprising an opening and a conductive membrane impermeable to a conductive media and sealing the opening, as well as a cathode on the substrate and in communication with the membrane through the conductive media, and an anode on the substrate directly contacting the membrane. The anode is at least partially protected from electrochemical corrosion, and upon application of an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode, the membrane ruptures to allow flow of the conductive media through the opening.