Device for the removal of ions from a polar liquid, e.g. water, including at least one compartment which includes at least one inlet for an entering polar liquid flow and at least one outlet for an outgoing deionized liquid flow, in which the compartment an electrochemically regenerable ion-exchange material fills a zone through which zone a liquid flow is able to pass, the device including one sensor of at least one dimensional change of the ion-exchange material. The sensor can include a photo-sensor or a sensor of mechanical stress. Preferably an apparatus connected to the sensor is able to analyze this dimensional change and to control the electric current. Also disclosed is a method of using the device, whereby the electrical current applied to the device is controlled according to the expansion of the resin.