Katadyn Water Purifiers

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I have a Sweetwater Guardian, and I like it.  It’s probably easier to pump than any other filter because of the lever it uses.  I do know (from using at REI) that it pumps easier than an MSR filter with a similar lever.  However, if I were buying a filter for the first time, I would consider an MSR Miniworks or Waterworks or a Katadyn Pocket Filter or Minifilter.  The MSR filters attach directly to a water bottle (or my MSR Dromedary water bag), so there’s no output hose to get contaminated.  The Katadyn filters seem to get the most use out of their replaceable filter elements, if their claims as to filter life are accurate.  All of those filters have the requisite pore size (.2 microns, I believe) to filter out cysts, protozoa, and most bacteria. In any case, check out the monthly panel here about water filters and contaminants, or go to rei.com and find their chart that compares the abilities of various makes and models of filters, to make sure the one you buy removes the things from the water that you want it to.  And remember this is only one opinion (mine) among many.  You may place greater emphasis on other factors in choosing a water filter. A trick to extend the life of any water filter, which I probably read in this newsgroup, is to cover the “prefilter” at the end of the intake hose that goes into the water source with a coffee filter, to strain out the larger contaminants and keep them from clogging the filter element. 

 

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Ultraviolet Water Purifiers

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

After living with intestinal distress for a long time, and driving ourselves insane trying to figure out what could have been causing it, we have finally fixed on tap water as the most likely cause. (We’ve known for a long time that the water here was hard — stains on the toilet attest to that! — and it may be that, or it may be something else.)

Who’s got a water purifier? How much did you pay, and where did you buy? What about ongoing costs — I understand you need to buy a new filter for the things every so often. Am I likely to be able to use one without bringing the wrath of the landlord on myself (that is, does the installation cause problems with existing plumbing)?

My first suggestion is to contact your water company and ask if they’d be willing to test your water. It’s usually free or under $10, and it will quite likely tell you if there’s a problem with the water. If it’s a problem with the plumbing (say, contamination from the pipes, or a backflow problem somewhere between your sewer connections and your incoming fresh water lines) you can put pressure on your landlord to repair it (or install a filtration system) and save your own cash. Check city codes as well – most cities have laws about providing safe water to tenants, and this may be a way to put pressure on the landlord as well if there does prove to be a problem.

Since we rent, we “cheated” and got a Brita container-based system because our water, while perfectly safe, is foul-tasting and smells bad. We recently “upgraded” to the square 2.5 gallon model for about $30 from a local hardware store. The filters are about $6 each and last about two months each, although we got a six-pack for Christmas last year. (Whee!) My only complaint about it is that it’s too heavy for my screwy hands to lift when it’s full, so hubby gets the chore of filling it and replacing it in the fridge.

In the past I’ve also had one of those charcoal water filters that fit on the faucet end, but to be honest I hated it. It was a total pain to replace the charcoal insert, since the hard water really gunked up the screw-threads that held it together. I was also constantly whacking it while washing dishes.

I’d steer away from an under-the-sink system that requires installation unless it’s something you can easily haul out and take with you, or your landlord is willing to deduct the cost of the system and installation from your rent (doubtful!). There’s not much point in improving someone else’s property out of your own pocket. If you can do the repair-and-deduct thing, my grandparents have an Ultrapure system that works well (they have a borderline-safe well) but was rather expensive – a few hundred bucks to install and something in the area of $20/mo. upkeep costs (the replacement filters are proprietary and sold only by this particular company). They’re sold by an MLM and they’re not very “movable” as installation means ripping out some pipes under the sink and putting this big metal canister underneath.

Actually, the best is a system that uses ultraviolet light to kill organisms in combination with some type of filtration.  The system I have sends the water thru the UV light thru a Teflon coil (the coil “tumbles” the water to reach all of the bacteria, viruses, etc.), through types of carbon
filters, and then back out thru the Teflon coil and UV light. It doesn’t waste any water at all, and there isn’t a limit to how many gallons it can produce a day.  And it doesn’t cost anywhere near $800!

Water purification is my father-in-law’s business, and his life’s work.  He produces systems that are in use by the National Institutes of Health, the Peace Corps, and various American embassies.  It’s so very important to get as much information as possible before purchasing  water purification system, as there are so many different systems out there, and they’re not all equal.

BTW pure water means many thing to many people.  The most basic definition might be ultra-pure water, UPW (the kind used high pressure boilers).  With UPW there is virtually nothing in the water but good old H2O.  Since there is no ions in UPW to carry electric current it is in fact a very good electric insulator.  Typically raw water is treated by sedimentation, filtration, ioninc exchange (or reverse osmosis), degassing and finally pollishing.  You are unlikely to find a water treatment system this through for home systems.  So even if you purify your water it won’t be ultra-pure.

The next best is a water softener followed by reverse osmosis,RO.  You can get a good quality water softener from Sears.  A good RO unit can cost $800 which will give you about eight gallons per day of drinking water.  The cost usually includes installation of storage tanks and dispensing taps.  Its important to soften the water before it goes through the RO to reduce the loading on RO membranes which need to be replaced periodically (about $140 every five years).  Also, RO isn’t exactly frugal.  For every gallon of water you drink 13 gallons are wasted.

 

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Water Purifier – A Must Have Home Appliance

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We have a Pur water purifier which needs a replacement filter every so often. When we recently went to our local camping store, where the purifier was bought, to buy a new filter, we were told they are no longer allowed to sell these. There are plenty of stocks we were told, but they are not allowed to sell them, or the purifiers. However they cannot or will not say why, or whether this is a permanent or temporary state of affairs. They also refused to tell us how or where to contact the makers of the product!  They say a similar ban applies to the Sweetwater brand purifier. Does anyone know anything about why the purifier & filter are banned, &/or where to contact the manufacturer, or any other relevant information? First, understand that there is a difference between a FILTER and a PURIFIER. The former filters out bacteria and protozoa but not viruses. The latter filters out bacteria and protozoa and kills the viruses chemically. (OK, the latter may also kill any remnant bacteria and protozoa as well.)

I asked Pur what was going on (by email). Summarised, the answer was as follows: There is nothing the matter with the basic (Hiker) filter, and it has NOT been withdrawn. The carbon post-filter used sometimes with the iodine (Voyager) insert was found to be TOO effective. It took all the iodine out of the water before it had killed the bugs and wogs. OK, this seems a very reasonable explanation. If correct, it would seem that someone in Australia, probably the distributor, has got the wrong message and is taking action by himself. My understanding from Pur is that the basic non-iodised filter is still for sale, and the iodine insert may also be still for sale, but the carbon post-filter has been withdrawn while they sort out the quality control on the carbon material. Frankly, I would never use a carbon post-filter with an iodine insert for this very reason. The iodine needs to act for 5-30 minutes (depending on temperature) to get the required kill efficiency. The amount left in the water is extremely small anyhow. Yes, you can SMELL it, but I defy you to taste it.

 

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Water Purifier

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We have a Pur water purifier which needs a replacement filter every so often. When we recently went to our local camping store, where the purifier was bought, to buy a new filter, we were told they are no longer allowed to sell these. There are plenty of stocks we were told, but they are not allowed to sell them, or the purifiers. However they cannot or will not say why, or whether this is a permanent or temporary state of affairs. They also refused to tell us how or where to contact the makers of the product!  They say a similar ban applies to the Sweetwater brand purifier. Does anyone know anything about why the purifier & filter are banned, &/or where to contact the manufacturer, or any other relevant information?

I asked after Pur purifiers in REI (US store) a few months back and they said they had a product recall on the filters (IIRC). Same story re not being allowed to sell them, but if you threatened to take the store to the OFT I am sure you can convince them to tell you how to contact Pur [assuming you bought the purifier there, say]. If you have any original packaging that should their contact details. Failing that, try

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Water Purifier Pointer

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I am posting this info for anyone in the market for a portable water purification system.  I know a guy who has designed and is marketing one that I am considering.  He doesn’t have access to the net and I have no connection with this business, so please don’t write me about it.  Here’s the general info: 

Water Doctor portable water purification system with a 12 volt self-priming pump plugs into cigarette lighter of car and will pump water from eight feet away.  Filters water eight times before U.V. sterilization that kills any and all viruses, bacteria and microorganisms.  Built in 12 volt to 120 volt D.C. to A.C. power inverter will power cellular phone, radio, computer, or other small appliances.  Comes with 2.2 gallon storage tank but will deliver 30 gallons per day.  Optional accessories include solar panels and storage batteries.  Uses no chemicals in process.

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Water Purifier Filter

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We are ready to winterize our unit (2001 27F Terry) and cannot figure out how to disconnect/remove the water purifier filter.  The purifier is a separate spigot next to the kitchen faucet.  The owner’s manual doesn’t list any details and the “pamphlet” from the mfg.. lacks any kind of replacement directions.  I know the filter has to come off somehow.  They are supposed to be replaceable.  Does anyone have a built in water purifier and know how to remove this filter? There are several types.  I believe that the “popular” type is a cartridge filter that is a bit over an inch in diameter and about 10 inches long.  You need to remove it and replace it with a bypass hose.  It has either quick connect or screw type fittings.  The filter manufacturer makes a hose that is exactly the same length as the filter.  If you did not get one with your RV, with a few readily available parts from the plumbing department of your favorite building supply store it’s a simple job to make a bypass up.

What ever you do, don’t fill the filter with antifreeze; store it in a warm place since it will have water in it; and, don’t forget to replace it every year.  I’ve read that they are a wonderful breeding ground for strange stuff as they age. when I picked up my 2000  terry this spring, they had just ran antifreeze through my filter. (it sat on the dealers lot over the winter. I had to replace the filter already one time this season because it started to stink, so I replaced it with a full size “ice maker” filter.  All I had to do was shorten the plastic hose under the counter so the new filter would fit.  (I think I also had to use the inlet and outlet fittings off the original filter). My plan is to just run antifreeze through the filter, then replace the filter  in the spring. the bigger filters are less then $10.00 if you shop around for them, and its probably time for a new one anyway.

 

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UV Light/ Water Purifier

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We just bought a house that has well water.  The sellers were all gung-ho about a system the house has where the water runs through a clear tube past a  UV light (about the lenght of a regular fluorescent light).  It is supposed to kill the bacteria.  I am a Med Tech who has been working in Micro for 15 years and  I am not impressed.  Am I missing something here? I know UV light will kill bacteria and we use these lights in our hoods to decontaminate.  However, I thought that this killing took a little time. These bacteria are going to just wash right past this light in a flash.  Are they really zapped that fast?   I was wondering what fellow Microbiologists think of this??  I don’t  think it is worth replacing the $80 bulb once a year.  The state water test certificate came back with no coliforms.

There is a market, in fact a fairly large commercial market, for these things and some studies I have seen show appreciable drops in viable counts as a result of the exposure.  However, like you, I still have major reservations.  UV does not pass through regular glass so, unless the clear tube in your system is fused quartz, it is not likely that much UV exposure of the water is occurring. Still, large companies *do* purchase these things for treatment of their water supplies.  Someone must know something that I don’t!

Similar devices are available for industrial HVAC systems where the flow rates must mean that contaminated air spends but a brief time exposed to the UV. Nevertheless, the company blurbs contain impressive data on microbial killing purportedly carried out by independent labs.  In my limited experience some bugs are more susceptible to killing by UV than others.  We used to routinely kill high concentrations of Listeria (a billion/ml) by exposing them to UV for 10-15 seconds, whereas Salmonella typhimurium used to take several minutes to kill.  Of course if your drinking water or air were that contaminated then not even gamma radiation would help much.

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Under the counter Water Purifiers

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I would like to know other’s experiences, both good and bad, with under-the-counter water filters. Specifically, I’d like to know what brand you purchased; whether you think you got your monies’ worth; and last, how difficult was the installation? I installed an Everpur brand filter this past weekend.  Purchased it from Camping World for just under $90.  It seems to work fine so far. Installation was somewhat complicated by the fact that I could not use any of the parts included for connecting into my water line. 

My TT uses 5/8 inch semi-hard tubing and the kit included parts for smaller diameter tubing.  Luckily, my dealer, Funtime RV in leburne, TX. was only 30 miles away and he fixed me up with the necessary parts. So what should have been a one-hour project, turned into a half day project? Oh well! IMHO, you bought one of the best under counter filters made for RV use. Now, it’s only good as long as you follow the instructions that came with it. It has to have chlorinated water and the filter must be changed on a regular schedule.  That’s what the test kit is for.  Watch the flyers, because C/W will have a twin pack of filter replacements for it at a reduced cost when compared to singles. 

I get really confused when people talk about water purifiers.  In most cases, they are nothing more than water filters, which I nderstand do not necessarily purify.  Because of all the concerns, I installed an ultraviolet unit which both filters and conditions ith ultraviolet light to kill all the bad stuff (technical term!).  Bought it thru West Marine but Boat US also has the same unit.  If you are really concerned about the safety of the water you drink (as I am), check out this equipment.  Same UV as used in hospital emergency rooms.

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Water Purifier Info…

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A water purifier is very different from a water filter. Figure out what you need. A purifier may be a desalinizer, such as a reverse osmosis membrane that removes salt from sea water. these will be more expensize to buy and keep up (replace membrane cartridges).

A filter is meant to remove particulate matter from water. Look at the pore size rating. To remove pathogens such as Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocytes, get a filter with an absolute pore size rating of 2 microns or below. To take care of bacteria, you need a tighter rating, on the order of less than 1 micron. Most commercially available filters will not remove viruses (you need a filter with an absolute pore size of less than 0.01 micron). Iodine will not kill giardia or cryptosporidium but can kill bacteria and viruses. Using granular activated carbon will remove unpleasant tastes and odors as well as organic matter (pesticides as well as naturally occurring organic matter) and will remove iodine, heavy metals (lead, arsenic, etc).

I have a Pur hand held filter with an add-on carbon cartridge. The Pur filter has a rating of <1 micron and also an iodated resin to kill viruses. The carbon then removes the unpleasant iodine taste. I have read up on the Pur filter and have been impressed with their testing. There are other very good filters out there — Sweet Water, Katadyn, etc.

There’s a difference between water filters and water purifiers. Filters remove taste, odor, bacteria, cysts, protozoans and organic chemicals. Purifiers also remove (kill) viruses. Natually, purifiers are more expensive. If you’re going to be travelling in the US or Canada, a filter is sufficient. PUR, Katadyn, MSR and others make suitable filters and purifiers. Check out backpacking suppliers and magazines for information. Backpacker Magazine’s Gear Guide would be a good place to start.

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Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Purifier

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I am contemplating purchasing the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Purifier and would like to hear opinions people have of this product.  Does it really work?  I live in the Chicagoland area so the water is hard and basic, so I would like to lower the pH of my water to about 6.5-7.0. 

I used to live in the Chicagoland area and know exactly waht you mean.  The water is terrible.  I have tried using and not using the purifier and now I stand by it.  You may be able to get away without using it if you have a freshwater setup.  However do to the sensitivity of salt water fish the purifier is an excellent choice.  I have a 55g Saltwater and a 10g freshwater.  While I could use the regular tap water in the freshwater tank, I use only purified water.  One more thing, I use to get a lot of ick infections while using tap water that was adjusted to match the temperature of the tank water.  After suggestion from my fish store I only used cold water and then slowly warmed it up in the microwave.   Apparently the hot water dissolves minerals in the pipes and in the water that can help ick thrive! 

I live in Chicago and I measured the pH to be about 7.4-7.6.  Also, the hardness was 150ppm (I guess that measures a certain solute).  In other words, the water is slightly basic and hard. 

Since the water is hard, you will have a difficult time lowering the pH because of the buffering capacity of the water.  Maybe someone will give you advice about peat or reverse osmosis stuff…but IMHO it is much better to use the water “as is” out of the tap.  You would be surprised at the diversity you can maintain with Chicago tap water. I have a 55gal with zebra danios, black-lined tetras, tiger barbs, giant danios, and cardinal tetras.  All are doing fine.  I plan to add serpae tetras, cory cats, and maybe a pleco. 

You have not stated how hard your water is.. If it is very hard then a cartridge for a tap water purifier will filter less than 15 gallons of water. This would amount to about $1.00 per gallon. If your water is relatively soft than you might get the advertized gallons at a much more reasonable cost. You can buy RO water at many grocery stores for $0.25 per gallon, a pain to have to buy all that water. Or for about $200.00 you can purchase a RO unit. The maintanence cost would be about $0.15 or less per gallon if you did bought your own RO unit. Try the tap water purifier but check your water first and be warned you may get about 15 gallons of water for an initial cost of greater than $25.00-$35.00 depending on where you buy the thing. It would be nice if the manufacturer would publish the capacity of the filter so users could be made aware of the small capacity of the unit. 

 

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