Thirst for Water

Water Filters: 15 Reasons Why You Need Them

2011-12-03T19:54:00.001-08:00

Having a suitable water filter at home and office is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Here is why.

Still think that water filters are meant only for health freaks? Think again. Check out the truth about the water you use everyday and learn how your stubbornness may be exposing you and your loved ones to dangerous toxins.

1. The Pure, Natural Water Myth

Stop thinking that pure, natural water exists. It may be around hundreds of years ago, but now with every waterway being polluted, pure crystal clear water is a thing of the past, like the dodo bird. Now, water picks up contaminants like fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and viruses as it flows through factories, farmed lands, coal mines and industrial areas. Rivers and lakes that are far from human reach can also get tainted by acid rain and polluted air that are capable of traveling long distances.

2. Great Polluted Lakes

The five Great Lakes – Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Superior – make up more than 80 percent of the U.S.’s freshwater supply and more than 20 percent of the world’s. But they have been polluted by agricultural, industrial and recreational activities that take place around and within the lakes. Pollutants, such as discharged waste water from factories, untreated sewage and toxic contaminants, enter and get trapped in the lakes, increasing in concentration over time.

3. Declining Wetlands

Wetlands are nature’s water tanks that help to control flood heights and provide natural water filtration. But, in the United States alone, we’ve lost more than half of our valuable wetlands as they were drained and converted to other uses.

4. Perils of Runaway Waters

Non-point source pollution caused by rainfall or melted snow runoff is one of the leading causes of water quality problems. This ‘runaway’ water carries natural and human-made pollutants (like fertilizers, pesticides and residual chemicals from fixtures) and pollutes lakes, rivers, wetlands and our underground sources of drinking water.

5. Water Pollution by Used Oil

Carelessly disposed used oil is one of the major sources of oil contamination of waterways in the United States. Spilled oil from just one oil change can contaminate up to 1 million gallons of fresh water, or a year’s supply for 50 people.

6. Chlorine: Low-Dose Poison

Chlorine is a popular disinfectant used by water treatment plants to kill viruses and bacteria in raw water. But chlorine is also toxic to humans and can form unwanted by-products such as haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes that can cause cancer and reproductive disorders.

7. Chloramine: Deadlier than Chlorine

Recognizing the hazards of chlorine, chloramine is increasingly being used as a replacement for chlorine. It is more stable, does not dissipate from the water like chlorine do, and it does not have the distinct chlorine smell and taste. However, chloramine has been found to create even more harmful by-products than chlorine and it actually increases the leaching of lead from pipes.

8. Dental Additive You Can Do Without

In the name of tooth decay prevention, fluoride is added to drinking water in many countries. But this known toxin, which has been used as a rat poison for decades, is also associated to mass sedation in the last world war, as well as bone diseases in some studies.

9. Leaching from Pipes

Treated water from water suppliers can be further contaminated as it makes its way to our homes — by dissolving unwanted chemicals and substances such as bacteria, viruses, lead and PVC from aging pipes or flaking paint.

10. Rocket Fuel for Drinking

The EPA has reported finding perchlorate, the main component of solid rocket fuel and also a potent thyroid toxin, in public water systems in 26 states and 2 territories.

11. False Security from Lead-Free Plumbing

Even new homes that use lead-free plumbing are not without risk. Brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures can also leach significant amounts of lead into the water, especially in hot water.

12. Unregulated Water Contaminants

EPA regulates some 90 known contaminants in drinking water. But, there are more than 2,100 known drinking water contaminants that may be present in tap water, including several poisons. And there are still many more chemicals and substances that remained unknown to us.

13. No Safe Amount of Arsenic

It’s a fact that water contains some amount of arsenic. Study has shown that arsenic levels which are considered safe by US regulatory body may still pose a serious danger to our health. Long-term arsenic exposure has been linked to increased risk of diabetes and cancer.

14. Seniors & Children Most at Risk

Seniors and young children, as well as people with immune systems compromised by chemotherapy, AIDS and other chronic diseases are most vulnerable to microbial and toxic contaminants in drinking water, even at levels determined safe by the authority.

15. Bottled Water: No Better Than Tap

Many bottled water are found to be re-purposed tap water. But, they are subjected to less regulations than municipal water, and cost at least 40 times more expensive. The leftover bottles also leach toxic chemicals that pollute our ground water.

How to Remove Sucralose From Your Water

2011-10-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sucralose, an artificial sweetener, has made its way into your drinking water, whether you like it or not. Here are some ways you can remove it for good.

A shocking report published in October 2011 revealed that the artificial sweetener sucralose is lurking in the US drinking water supply of more than 28 million people.

Out of the 19 American water treatment plants tested, 15 were tested positive for sucralose in the source water.

But what is even more worrying is that water treatment was unable to remove the artificial sweetener from the drinking water. Treated drinking water from 13 plants contained sucralose, which is marketed as Splenda and other brands.

This discovery adds to the long list of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and hexavalent chromium, that were found in the US water supply in recent years.

What is Sucralose & Why it May Be Bad For You

Sucralose is a laboratory replica of sugar, formed by the selective chlorination of sucrose. Human body is unable to digest sucralose and hence it's touted as a zero-calorie sugar substitute that wouldn't cause weight gain.

However, an animal study conducted by Duke University found that high dose of sucralose can reduce the amount of good bacteria in the intestines by as much as 50 percent. It may also elevate the pH level in the colon, promote weight gain, and affect P-glycoprotein (P-gp) levels to the extent that can cause interference with other drugs.

Although it is highly unlikely that anyone would ingest the amount of sucralose used in the study in a single sitting, the long-term effects of consuming low dose of the chemical over a prolonged period is still unknown.

How Did Sucralose Get Into the Water Supply?

Sucralose cannot be broken down in the gastrointestinal tract. Hence, it is mostly excreted as waste. Interestingly, many waste treatment plants are also unable to remove the chemical from waste water. That's why the artificial sweetener ended up as part of the drinking water supply.

Since sucralose is widely used in many food and beverages, that means more people are consuming it and excreting it as waste. That would consequently increase the concentration of sucralose in drinking water, which in turn cause more people to consume it unwittingly.

How to Remove Sucralose From Drinking Water

One of the best ways to remove sucralose, along with drug residues and chromium-6, is to use reverse osmosis water filtration.

Some carbon-based water filters, such as ZeroWater water dispenser, as well as atmospheric water generators would also work.

But regardless of which filtration system you decided to use, bear in mind that no one system is perfect. Each technology comes with its own benefits, and drawbacks.

Reverse osmosis systems, for instance, waste more water than they filter, while atmospheric water generators and carbon filters that rely on gravity can take a longer time to treat water.

Other than the features, the cost of replacement water filter and long-term maintenance should also be kept in mind by prospective users.

Reusable and Foldable Water Bottle: VAPUR Anti-Bottle

2011-08-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Think water bottles must always be made of hard rigid plastic, or cold stainless steel? This bottle will change the way you look at reusable water bottles.

Are you one of those people who buy bottled water because you find carrying a water bottle too bulky and inconvenient?

Well, you can kiss your excuses goodbye today.

Introducing VAPUR Anti-Bottle, a reusable bottle made of durable, BPA-free plastic that you can fold, roll, or even flatten when empty.

Being made of soft plastic means you can bring a VAPUR Anti-Bottle anywhere where you can easily refill your bottle (like gym and office). Just fold and tuck it in your pocket or purse. Try doing that to a regular bottle!

When filled with liquid, the Anti-Bottle literally stands on its own. And when you're done with it, just dump it in the dishwasher, or wash it with a bottle brush, and it's good as new again.

The Anti-Bottle also comes with carabiner which you can use to clip the bottle to your purse, belt-loop or bag. It's a handy feature that makes this made-in-USA bottle a good companion for sports and long walks.

To sum up, here are a few reasons why we think VAPUR Anti-Bottle is cool:

Pros:

Space-saving Design: The ability to contort makes this bottle a no-brainer accessory to carry wherever you go.
Reusable: Bottled water is a no-no for the environment. If you've been putting off using a reusable water bottle because of weight, VAPUR Anti-Bottle is a serious option to consider.
Washable: Hand washable and dishwasher safe.
Attractive: Comes with attractive colors and even limited edition designer bottles.
Freezable: Freeze your Anti-Bottle for nice cold water, or double it up as an icepack.
Lifetime Warranty: A lifetime warranty that covers manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship.

While we love the ultra-flexibility of VAPUR Anti-Bottle, it also comes with its own quirkiness which we cannot ignore:

Cons:

Small Opening: The opening is about the same size as a regular bottled water. So though it's dishwasher safe, chances are, your dishwasher will not be able to rinse it thoroughly. You can save the trouble of having to re-rinse by skipping the dishwasher and washing the bottle with a bottle brush and liquid soap.
Easy-to-Lose Cap: Since the cap is not attached to the body of the bottle when opened, it's easy to misplace it. So it's probably wise to buy a few extras when you get the bottle.
Small Capacity: If you're looking for a water bottle that can hold 1 liter or more of water, you're out of luck. So far, the largest VAPUR Anti-Bottle can only hold a maximum of 0.5 liter.
Perspiration: When you put cold water into VAPUR Anti-Bottle, it will sweat. Well, so do all non-insulated reusable water bottles made of hard plastic or stainless steel.
Not Recommended for Hot Liquid: I wouldn't put anything hot in a plastic container despite what the manufacturer may say, and this applies to VAPUR Anti-Bottle as well. Besides, filling it with hot water will make the bottle almost impossible to touch.

Should You Get This Bottle?

If you happen to be looking for a space-saving water vessel to bring to your office, or for your overseas trips, sports training or hiking trips, and you don't mind the shortcomings highlighted earlier, then VAPUR Anti-Bottle is something you should consider. Otherwise, if you're already happy with your existing not-as-compact reusable water bottle, then there's really no reason to get another piece of plastic.

Note: When buying VAPUR Anti-Bottles, beware of made-in-China counterfeits!

Get your VAPUR Anti-Bottles from Amazon.com »

10 Potential Carcinogens Found in Your Tap Water

2011-05-11T00:52:00.000-07:00

A report released by the US President's Cancer Panel warned that environmental carcinogens, including those present in the water we use everyday, are highly underestimated.

The April 2010 report, Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now, found that exposure to potential environmental carcinogens in the US is widespread.

Below are some possible waterborne carcinogens highlighted in the report:

Potential Carcinogens Found in Your Water

1. Pesticides. The use of pesticides, which include insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, is widespread in commercial farming and residential landscaping. These agricultural chemicals contain substances such as arsenic that are either known or suspected carcinogens that disrupt the endocrine system.

Pesticides don't just contaminate the foods we eat, they also taint the soil and found their way into groundwater, rivers and streams. Some of these chemicals break down very slowly and are persistent in the environment, even in non-agricultural areas.

2. Fertilizers. Synthetic fertilizers are another group of chemicals commonly used in agriculture to increase crop yield. But fertilizer by-products, formed as a result of natural chemical processes, are carcinogenic and are one of the major sources of water pollution.

For instance, the nitrogen in fertilizers gets converted into nitrate that seeps into groundwater. When ingested, nitrates formed nitrosamines which have been found to cause tumor growths in animal studies.

3. Veterinary Drugs. It's now an open secret that animals raised in feed lots and battery farms are regularly given antibiotics, growth hormones, and feed that may consist animal tissues that itself are tainted with veterinary pharmaceuticals.

When excreted, these medications become part of the toxic run-off from agricultural operations. Tainted animal wastes used as fertilizers also contribute to the contamination of groundwater.

4. Water Disinfection By-products. Although disinfecting water supplies with chemicals like chlorine and ozone has dramatically cut the occurrence of waterborne illnesses and related mortality, research indicates that long-term exposure to disinfection by-products may elevate cancer risk.

There are hundreds of disinfection by-products identified, but only a handful of them are monitored, let alone tested for carcinogenicity. The most common ones are trihalomethanes, which formed when chlorine and/or bromine come in contact with organic matter in the water, and haloacetic acid, also a chlorine by-product.

5. Pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals have become a major source of environmental contamination as more people are prescribed with drugs to treat all sorts of medical conditions. These drugs enter the water supply when they are excreted, or improperly disposed of by manufacturing plants as well as the general population.

Among the drugs found in water supplies are antibiotics, anti-convulsants, hypertension and diabetic medications, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy substances, steroids, non-prescription pain relievers, chemotherapy drugs and heart medications.

It's important to note that water treatment plants generally cannot remove dissolved medications that enter the water supplies after being excreted or poured into household drains or toilets.

There's also no safety limits established by the government to monitor the amounts of pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Little research has also been done to investigate the long-term effects of multiple drug exposures of this nature.

6. Perchlorate. A rocket fuel component and by-product of rocket and missile testing, perchlorate has spread from numerous manufacturing sites into drinking water systems. This chemical is now so prevalent that it has been detected in the urine of people in all parts of the US. Long-term exposure to perchlorate has been shown to induce thyroid cancer in rats and mice, though its effect on human cancer risk is still unclear.

7. Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene. Trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene, which are solvents commonly used in the dry cleaning industry, are known carcinogens.

According to the President's Cancer Panel report, people living at or near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, consumed water contaminated by these two chemicals at levels more than 40 times higher than the current permitted limit for 30 years. High incidence of cancers, birth defects and illnesses have been attributed to this massive water pollution.

8. Arsenic. Inorganic arsenic, a highly toxic substance, naturally occurs in drinking water. But activities such as the use of pesticides containing arsenic, mining, ore processing and burning of fossil fuels also increase the levels of arsenic in water.

Inorganic arsenic in drinking water has been linked to many types of cancer, including lung, skin, bladder, kidney and prostate cancer.

9. Chromium. Hexavalent chromium is an essential element in the manufacturing of dyes and pigments, wood preserving, leather tanning, steel production and more.

But long-term exposure to chromium compounds has also been known to cause lung, nasal and nasopharyngeal cancers.

Besides occupational exposure to chromium, improper disposal of the chemical by manufacturing plants have also exposed the general public to chromium through drinking water.

In fact, according to a 2010 study commissioned by the Environmental Working Group, water supplies in 31 out of 35 American cities were polluted with hexavalent chromium.

10. Bisphenol-A. Despite the many reports about the dangers of bisphenol-A (reproduction disorder, cancer, obesity etc.), this chemical is still found in many consumer products. It's no wonder that BPA is detectable in the urine of some 93 percent of Americans.

Is Bottled Water The Answer?

Bottled water isn't necessarily cleaner than the water from your tap.

Some bottled water are simply tap water packed into bottles and did not undergo further water filtration.

Bottles made from BPA plastic may also leach BPA into the water when they are improperly stored or left on the shelves for an extended period of time.

A study cited by the President's Cancer Panel also found that some brands of bottled water were no better -- and in some cases worse -- than tap water.

What The Panel Recommends

When it comes to water, the President's Cancer Panel recommends filtering home water to reduce exposure to known or suspected carcinogens and other potentially harmful drugs and chemicals.

It also recommends the use of stainless steel, glass or BPA- and phthalate-free bottles and containers to store and carry water.

Remove Hexavalent Chromium-6 with ZeroWater

2011-04-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

A study found measurable amount of chromium-6 in the tap water of 31 American cities. Find out more about this contaminant and how you can remove it.

In 2010, the Environmental Working Group commissioned a study to test the tap water in 35 US cities. The laboratory results revealed that water from 31 of them was polluted with hexavalent chromium (or chromium-6), out of which 25 cities had levels that exceeded the safety limits proposed by California regulators (no more than 0.06 ppb).

The cities with water containing the highest levels of chromium-6 are:

Norman, Oklahoma (12.9 ppb)
Honolulu, Hawaii (2.00 ppb)
Riverside, California (1.69 ppb)
Madison, Wisconsin (1.58 ppb)
San Jose, California (1.34 ppb)

What is hexavalent chromium and why should you be worried about the quality of the water you're drinking and using every day? Let's learn more.

What is Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium-6)?

Hexavalent chromium, or chromium-6, is one form of the natural-occurring element chromium. As it is an essential component in the production of stainless steel, dyes and pigments, leather tanning, wood preservation, anti-corrosion coatings and many other industrial products, large amounts of chromium-6 are produced each year. In fact, according to the Wikipedia, some 136 million kg of hexavalent chromium were produced in 1985 alone.

Hexavalent chromium should not be confused with trivalent chromium (also known as chromium-3), the most stable form of the element. Chromium-3 is an important nutrient required by the human body to metabolize fat, protein and sugar. Nowadays, researchers believe that chromium helps insulin to bring glucose from the blood into the cells for energy. But we only need a very small amount of chromium-3 from foods each day, about 25 to 35 mcg for healthy adults (men need slightly more than women). Extremely high levels of intake of chromium-3, however, can have potentially dangerous side effects.

What are the Health Effects of Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium-6)?

Chromium-6 is a highly toxic chemical. It can cause cells to mutate, increasing the likelihood of the development of some cancers.

Animals fed with high dose of chromium-6 were found to be at higher risk of gastrointestinal tumors.

Breathing high levels of chromium-6, as those working in chromate-containing industries do, can also cause breathing problems (such as asthma, coughing and shortness of breath), nose ulcers, runny nose, and increases the risk of lung cancer.

Skin contact with some hexavalent chromium substances can also cause skin irritation and skin ulcers in susceptible populations.

In view of the toxic effects of chromium-6, the US EPA, the Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Reseach on Cancer have listed hexavalent chromium compounds as known human carcinogens.

How did Water Get Contaminated with Chromium-6?

The Environmental Working Group claimed that hexavalent chromium is commonly discharged by industries that produce or use the chemical in their manufacturing facilities.

As chromium-3 also occurs naturally in soil and rock, it can also leach into ground water when soil and rock are eroded.

How to Remove Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium-6) from Tap Water?

Water utility companies in the US, and possibly other countries, do not test for levels of hexavalent chromium in their water supply. So, if you're living in the US, chances are you'd have been exposed to this form of chromium in your drinking water.

As such, it's imperative to filter water before consumption. When looking for a suitable water filtration system, look for one that has been certified to remove chromium-6 by independent testing bodies such as NSF International.

Water filters bearing NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for Chromium certification are able to reduce chromium level to no more than 0.1 mg/L.

One example of a water filtration system certified with NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for Chromium is the filters made by ZeroWater.

Its range of inexpensive water filters include a 5-stage filter that uses ion exchange technology to remove more contaminants than simple carbon. Besides reducing chromium-6 and chromium-3, it has also been certified to reduce lead, mercury, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, iron, zinc and aluminum.

What's unique about Zero Water is that, every purchase of any of its filtration system comes with a pen-like electronic water tester, which is used for detecting the total amounts of dissolved solids in the water.

The company claimed that water treated by its products will produce a reading of '000' on the meter, indicating zero total dissolved solids. Customers are encouraged to test their tap water with the device before and after filtration to see the difference. And when the meter reads '006', customers should replace the filter, says the company.

The water filters produced by ZeroWater are available in various forms:

Sources

Cancer-Causing Chromium-6 Pollution in US Tap Water, 2010, the Environmental Working Group
ZeroWater Product Certification by NSF International
The expression of RKIP, RhoGDI, galectin, c-Myc and p53 in gastrointestinal system of Cr(VI)-exposed rats, Tsao DA, Tseng WC, Chang HR. Journal of Applied Toxicology 2011 Mar 25. doi: 10.1002/jat.1621
Toxicological Profile for Chromium, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Hexavalent chromium, Wikipedia

Use WaterSafe Water Test Kit to Check Your Water Quality Instantly

2011-03-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Been wanting to check your water quality but put off by the high costs that professional laboratories charge? Here are two home water test kits to do the job at a fraction of the cost.

In an earlier post on how to select the right water filters for your home or office, we mentioned it's important to identify the water contaminants present in your water before heading to the stores. Clearly, this will make the process of getting a suitable water filter easier and faster. It's pointless as well as wasteful to get a sophisticated water filtration system when you've no need for the bells and whistles that come with it.

Although municipal water suppliers like those in the US provide customers with a once-a-year water quality report, most in other countries don't.

Further, tests done by the utilities are done on water that comes directly from the supplier, not the water that flows out of your tap. As we know, water can get contaminated as it travels through pipes from the treatment plant to your home.

And if your water comes from a private well, you can't count on anyone to test your water. It's your responsibility to ensure that the water which you drink and bath in each day is of the highest quality.

Ways to Test Your Water

The best way to test your water quality is to send samples to a professional water testing laboratories. However, a comprehensive test that checks for a number of known contaminants can set you back by as much as $300! Obviously, it's not something you can afford to do every quarter or whenever you see the need to.

A better solution is to use DIY home water testing kits. They are much cheaper (less than $25 for a one-time use kit) and they give a pretty accurate gauge of your water quality. Save for the bacteria test, you usually get the water test results in 10 minutes or less, not days as you would when you engage a water testing lab.

Besides, a water test kit can also be a low-cost preliminary test to help you decide whether you need a more thorough test by a laboratory.

But, for the price you're paying, it's important to know that water test kits have their limitations. Firstly, they do not give you the exact amount of the contaminants that have been detected. They only give you a broad range.

Secondly, they can only check for the specific impurities that they have been designed for. That is, if the test kit you bought is meant for detecting lead, iron and copper, it obviously cannot tell you whether there's chromium in your water.

To know exactly how much impurities there are in your water and to check for impurities that require special equipment to detect, you'll need the service of a water test lab.

Otherwise, to get a quick and general idea of the health of your water, a water test kit is often more than enough.

For the rest of this article, we'll look at two water test kits from WaterSafe: WS-425W Well Water Test Kit and WS-425B City Water Test Kit.

WaterSafe WS-425W Well Water Test Kit

WS-425W Well Water Test Kit tests for the following:

Bacteria (preferably zero),
Lead (preferably less than 15 ppb),
Pesticides (preferably below 3ppb for Atrazine and below 4ppb for Simazine),
Copper (preferably less than 1.3 ppm),
Iron (preferably less than 0.3 ppm),
Nitrates and Nitrites (preferably below 10 ppm for total nitrates + nitrites, and below 1.0 ppm for nitrite alone),
Chlorine (preferably less than 4 ppm),
pH (preferably between 6.5 to 8.5), and
Hardness (preferably 50 ppm or less)

Note: ppm stands for parts per million, and ppb is parts per billion. If you like to know the difference, check out this handy pdf report from national Environmental Services Center.

What's Inside

Inside the test kit, you will find:

01 X Bacteria Test Vial,
01 X Lead / Pesticide Test Packet,
01 X Nitrate / Nitrite Test Packet,
01 X pH / Hardness / Chlorine Test Packet,
01 X Copper Test Packet, and
01 X Iron Test Packet

Note: Some packets in the test kit are meant for detecting more than one contaminants. Each packet is only meant for one-time use only.

WaterSafe WS-425B City Water Test Kit

WS-425B City Water Test Kit tests for the following:

Bacteria (preferably zero),
Lead (preferably less than 15 ppb),
Pesticides (preferably below 3ppb for Atrazine and below 4ppb for Simazine),
Nitrates and Nitrites (preferably below 10 ppm for total nitrates + nitrites, and below 1.0 ppm for nitrite alone),
Chlorine (preferably less than 4 ppm),
pH (preferably between 6.5 to 8.5), and
Hardness (preferably 50 ppm or less)

What's Inside

Inside the test kit, you will find:

01 X Bacteria Test Vial,
01 X Lead / Pesticide Test Packet,
01 X Nitrate / Nitrite Test Packet, and
01 X pH / Hardness / Chlorine Test Packet

Note: Some packets in the test kit are meant for detecting more than one contaminants. Each packet is only meant for one-time use only.

What's the Difference Between WS-425W & WS-425B Water Test Kits and Which One Should You Get

The two test kits contain almost the same things, except that WS-425B City Water Test Kit is missing two tests for detecting copper and iron. I'm not sure why the manufacturer thinks that city water is safe from copper and iron contamination, and hence the need to create two different kits.

Although these two minerals may be more of a problem for people using private wells, corrosion of copper, iron or steel pipes or other components of the plumbing system in cities is not unheard of, especially in old neighborhoods.

Since the price difference between WS-425W & WS-425B are almost negligible (less than $5), I suggest you get WaterSafe WS-425W Well Water Test Kit even though you may be using it on city water.

WaterSafe Water Test Kit Safety Precautions

Keep the water test kit out of reach of children and pet when not in use.
Store test kit at room temperature (60-86 F).
Do not ingest anything from the test kit.
Do not drink the water sample used for testing.
For all tests, use cold water only. Also, do not use water containing bleach detergents.
Do not open packets in the test kit until you are ready to perform the tests.
Each test kit is meant only for one-time use. Do not re-use any part of the test kit.
Read and follow all instructions in the test kit carefully.

WaterSafe Water Test Kit Useful Information

How to Test for Bacteria

Put the Bacteria Test vial (small bottle) on a flat surface.
Turn on the tap to a very slow trickle.
Remove the cap of the vial and fill it with tap water to the 5 ml line.
Note: Do not overfill, and do not spill the bacterial growth powder inside the bottle.
Replace the cap and close tightly. Shake the vial vigorously for 20 seconds.
Leave the vial undisturbed in a warm place (70-90 F) in an upright position for 48 hours.
After 48 hours, check the color of the water without opening the bottle. You'll get either one of the two results:

# Purple Color: No bacteria were detected.

# Yellow Color: Potentially harmful bacteria were likely to be detected.
How to get rid of the water sample after testing:
If bacteria were detected, add bleach to the water sample before discarding it into the toilet. Dispose the bottle in the trash and wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

If no bacteria were detected, the sample may be poured directly into the toilet. Discard vial in the trash.

How to Test for Lead & Pesticide

The lead test is able to detect dissolved lead in water at levels below the EPA permissible level of 15 ppb.

The pesticide test can detect two of the most common pesticides used in the US -- Atrazine and Simazine -- at or below the EPA maximum contaminant level (3 ppb for Atrazine, and 4 ppb for Simazine).

Open the Lead / Pesticide packet. The packet contains a test vial (small bottle), a dropper, two test strips, and a moisture absorber (to be discarded).
Using the dropper, place exactly two dropper-fuls of water sample into the test bottle. To pick up the sample, tightly squeeze the bulb at the end of the dropper and place the open end into the water sample. Release the bulb to pick up the sample, then squeeze again to expel the sample into the vial.
Swirl the bottle gently for a few seconds. Place it on a level surface.
Now insert both test strips into the test bottle, with arrows pointing downwards.
Wait for ten minutes. Do not disturb the strips and the bottle during this time. Gradually, blue lines will appear on the strips.
Take the strips out of the bottle and lay them on a flat surface with the arrows pointing to the left. Compare the results with the diagrams below:

If you only see a blue left line (next to number 1), that means the test is negative.
Negative result: The left line (next to number 1) is darker than the right line (next to number 2)

Positive result: If the right line (next to number 2) is darker than the left line (next to number 1), or both lines are equally dark, that means the test is positive. That indicates that your water sample may contain toxic levels of lead or pesticides.

Note: If no lines appear, or both lines are very light, that means the test was not carried out properly and the test result is not valid.

How to Test for Nitrates & Nitrites

Remove the test strip from the Nitrate / Nitrite Test packet.
Immerse the reagent pads into the water sample for two seconds and remove.
After one minute, match the colors with the diagrams below.
Colors are stable for one minute.

Total Nitrate and Nitrite (as N) (end pad)

Nitrite (as N) (pad nearest handle)

How to Test for Copper

Collect a fresh water sample.
Open Watersafe Test Kit and remove the Copper Test Strip from the foil packet.
Dip the test strip into the sample for 30 seconds, gently swirl it in the water.
Remove the test strip and shake once to remove excess water.
Wait for two minutes, and then match the result with the color chart in the instruction manual.

Note: This test is only available in WaterSafe WS-425W Well Water Test Kit

How to Test for Iron

Collect a fresh water sample.
Open Watersafe test kit and remove the Iron Test Strip from the foil packet.
Dip the test strip into the sample for five seconds, gently swirl it in the water.
Remove the strip and shake once to remove excess water.
Wait for two minutes, and then match the result with the color chart in the instruction manual.

Note: This test is only available in WaterSafe WS-425W Well Water Test Kit

How to Test for pH, Hardness & Chlorine

Remove the test strip from the pH/ Hardness/ Chlorine Test packet.
Immerse the reagent pads into the water sample and remove immediately. Hold the strip level for 15 seconds.
Match pH, Total Hardness and Total Chlorine Pads (in that order) to the diagrams below.

pH (end pad)

LR Total Hardness (middle pad)

Total Chlorine (pad nearest handle)

Get WaterSafe WS-425W Well Water Test Kit from Amazon »

BPA Exposure May Cause Male Infertility

2010-11-15T01:47:00.000-08:00

Study found workers exposed to high BPA in the workplace had low sperm count and poor sperm quality

Are you still using those old BPA-laced water bottles, thinking it's a waste to discard them? Then, these recent findings might be what you need to make up your mind.

A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that Chinese workers with detectable BPA in their urine are four times more likely to have low sperm count than men with no BPA detected.

Those with measurable urine BPA also had three times the risk of lowered sperm concentration and more than twice the risk of lower sperm motility. Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperms to work their way towards the eggs.

Poor sperm quality and low sperm quantity are some of the leading causes of male infertility.

The study, however, found no linkage between BPA and semen volume and abnormal sperm shape.

What Is BPA?

BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical compound used to make plastics and resins. It can be commonly found in the inner epoxy resin lining inside most food and beverage cans, as well as polycarbonate plastic consumer products, including water bottles.

Considering the prevalent use of plastics and cans, it's not surprising that almost all of the 2,517 participants in a 2003-04 survey conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have detectable BPA in their urine.

In recent years, a number of studies have highlighted the potential serious health effects of BPA on humans, especially to the brain development and behavior of fetuses, babies and children.

BPA has also been linked to obesity, altered gene expression, breast cancer, prostate cancer and reproductive disorders.

In September 2010, BPA is officially classified as a toxic chemical in Canada, the first and by far the only country to curb its wide use.

How to Know Whether Your Water Bottle Contains BPA

Plastics are classified into seven different classes, with each identified by a number known as plastic identification code. Look for the number at the bottom or at the side of the plastic water bottle you're using. If it bears the number 3 or 7, then it may contain and/or leak BPA.

To reduce your exposure to BPA from these water bottles, swap them with stainless steel water bottles or bottles made with other BPA-free materials.

Note that some metal water bottle may also contain epoxy resin lining that can potentially leach BPA. A prime example happened in 2009 when SIGG, a Swiss-based aluminum bottle manufacturer, admitted that its bottles made before August 2008 were lined with a epoxy liner which contained trace amounts of BPA.

Personalized Water Bottles that Ooze Style

2009-11-15T01:55:00.000-08:00

We answer a question about how to customize a water bottle without having to purchase 100 of them in this Q&A

Q: Is there any website that customizes a single stainless steel water bottle without having to buy in bulk?

Yes, there is! Bottle Wraps is one such company that allows you to customize your water bottle, stainless steel or plastic, any way you want it by applying a vinyl wrap around your bottle. The good news is the vinyl wrap is waterproof, dishwasher safe and tear resistant! And each wrap only costs US$9.95 (excluding shipping) -- an affordable price that won't break the bank.

Design Your Bottle the Way You Want It

You can design the vinyl wrap by mixing and matching a wide variety of free design elements provided, or you can choose to upload your own photos or design. All these are done through Bottle Wraps' intuitive online customizer.

Once you've come out with the design you want, pay online and voila! Your very own bottle wrap will be printed and shipped to you in about five working days. Shipping time depends on where you live. If you're in the US, it'll probably take another 7 to 10 working days to get to you. (As of writing, shipping is free for orders that are US$30 or more!)

There's a catch though. The vinyl wraps can only be used on water bottles of these sizes: 1, 0.6, 0.4 liter (metal bottle), or 32oz plastic bottle. In addition, they can only be applied to bottles with straight sides. That means, if your water bottle has a sexy curvy shape, then the vinyl wrap can't be applied onto your bottle.

How to Apply the Bottle Wrap

After receiving your personalized bottle wrap, applying it to your bottle is a breeze, especially for those who are familiar with applying screen protector onto their phone or PDA. Here's how you do it:

Screw the bottle cap tightly and clean the outer surface of your bottle with a mild soap to remove all dirt and stains. Then, dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
On your vinyl wrap, look for the small "BottleWraps.com" logo in the middle. This logo indicates the bottom of the wrap.
Peel off 1 inch of the wrap from the backing paper. Do not pull too hard on the vinyl wrap as it will stretch and deform the design if you apply excessive force.
Carefully line the skin edge up with the bottle. Make sure the skin is straight. If the bottle has measurment lines, use them for alignment.
Start to press the skin onto the bottle. The backing will gradually peel off as the skin is applied onto the bottle. If creases or large air bubbles appear, peel the Wrap a little off the bottle and reapply.

Can I Buy a Bottle with Customized Design?

If you want to save the hassle from applying the wrap yourself, you can also buy a water bottle with a full color wrap from Bottle Wraps directly. There are two types of bottles to choose from: a 1 liter SIGG aluminum bottle (US$34.95) or a 32oz BPA-free plastic bottle (US$22.95) which is comparable to a Nalgene.

After choosing the type of bottle you want, you'll follow exactly the same steps as mentioned earlier to design your bottle wrap.

Great Marketing Tool for Business

If you're a company thinking of coming out with free giveaways for trade shows or marketing campaigns, or new memorabilia to sell, water bottles that bear your company slogan or logo (not too big and in your face, please) are great items to consider. People carrying these personalized water bottles will be constantly reminded of your brand and they will also become your walking billboards! :) I'm sure that if you buy in bulk, you'll be able to get a lower price per bottle.

Whether you're an individual looking to infuse your water bottle with your unique personality, or a company looking for a way to raise brand awareness, personalized water bottles definitely have something for everyone. Click here to customize your water bottle >

Clear2Go Invites You to Win a Ride with Lance Armstrong

2009-10-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Want to have a chance to ride with Lance Armstrong, the world champion cyclist? Find out how Clear2Go could make your dream come true

Clear2Go, maker of the portable, reusable water bottle with filter, is inviting you to win a ride with seven-time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong.

Starting from 26 October to 7 December, 2009, simply visit Clear2Go's Facebook page and be a fan to enter in the Ride with Lance Sweepstakes. No purchase is required, but you must be 18 years or older and be a legal US resident.

To up your winning chances, upload photos of yourself engaging or posing in specific activities to earn extra sweepstakes entries. These include photos of you doing your bits to preserve the planet, watching a game, striking a victory pose, or simply posing outside a store that sells Clear2Go sports filter bottles. Check out the above mentioned Facebook for details of the sweepstakes rules and photo entry themes.

And if you happen to be the grand prize winner, you will get to bring one lucky friend for an all expense paid trip to Lance Armstrong's hometown of Austin, Texas where you will get a one-on-one bike ride with Lance, your very own TREK bike (worth US$750) to ride and keep, as well as US$500 of spending money!

One last thing, do you know that Clear2Go reusable water bottle with filter reduces chlorine taste & odor, removes 99% of microbial cysts and filters up to 100 gallons of water? That is equivalent to 757 less plastic bottled water polluting our planet.

Get Clear2Go Reusable Water Bottle from Amazon Now

Remove Metallic Taste from Stainless Steel Water Bottle

2009-10-27T01:44:00.000-07:00

Does the drink from your stainless steel bottle taste metallic and sharp? Find out what you can do about it

Q: How do I get rid of the metallic taste from my stainless steel water bottle?

Lingering metallic taste and smell is a common complaint by those who use water bottles that are made of stainless steel, especially new users.

When you got a new bottle, or you have an existing one, try the method below to see if it helps:

Wash your stainless steel water bottle thoroughly with water, some mild soap, plus 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
You may even want to soak the bottle overnight with water and the same amount of baking soda.

Alternative Ways

If the cap on your bottle is made of stainless steel, switching to a BPA-free plastic sports cap may help to reduce the perceived metallic taste and odor.

Note that the taste and smell of water in a stainless steel bottle is quite different from that of plastic bottle. Plastic is used so extensively in our lives that most of us have adapted to it over time. Likewise, users of stainless steel bottle, especially first timers, would also take some time to adapt to the peculiar taste and smell of steel.

But the good thing is, unlike certain plastic, stainless steel does not leach harmful chemicals into the water.

Final Recourse

If after trying all these ways and you are still unhappy with the metallic scent and taste from your stainless steel bottle, then perhaps you should return your bottle back to where you bought it from and ask for your money back.

When it comes to taste and smell, every individual's sensitivity is different. There's no right or wrong. So, if the metallic taste really bothers you, then there's no reason why you should put up with it, no matter how good the bottle may be.

Good luck!

Hot Drink in Stainless Steel Water Bottle

2009-10-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Thinking of sipping hot chocolate from your stainless steel bottle? Not so fast. Be sure to read this Q&A first before landing yourself in hot soup!

Q: Can I put hot drink in my stainless steel water bottle?

If your stainless steel water bottle is single-walled, that is made of only one layer of stainless steel, then it's not a good idea to put piping hot drink into it.

It isn't because the hot liquid will melt your bottle, but due to safety reasons. (In case you're curious, the melting point for stainless steel is above 1,500 degree Celsius; boiling water is only around 100 degree Celsius.)

Stainless steel being a metal conducts heat much better than poor conductor of heat, such as plastic. So, when a bottle made of stainless steel is filled with hot liquid, it'll heat up in a fairly short period of time. And if you touch the bottle before it cools down, you'll likely burn your hands, drop the bottle and potentially end up with some major burn on other parts of your body as well.

Smart Work Around

Having said that, it doesn't mean there's no way to work around this limitation of stainless steel bottle. You can get an insulated tote, which is basically a bottle carrier made of thick fabric. And the good thing is, an insulated tote works both ways. That means, it can keep hot liquid warm, and it can also keep cold drinks cold for longer period.

Another commonsense way is to let the liquid in the bottle cool down to a more comfortable temperature first before manhandling the bottle.

Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Alternatively, if you find yourself having to fill your bottle with hot drinks often, you may want to get yourself a double-walled stainless steel bottle instead, such as those from ThinkSport.

Double-walled simply means there are two layers of stainless steel instead of one. The vacuum in between the two walls acts as an insulator and makes the bottle works very much like a Thermos flask. With this layer of insulation, the outer layer of the bottle will not get heated up as much and the bottle will remain safe to touch even if you fill the bottle with very hot liquid.

Difference Between 18/8 and 18/10 Stainless Steel Water Bottles

2009-10-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

We solve the cryptic 18/8 and 18/10 codes often seen on marketing materials for stainless steel water bottles in this Q&A

Q: I saw that some water bottles are made of 18/8 stainless steel, while others are 18/10. What is the difference between 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel? Which is better?

A: Before answering the question, let us first understand what exactly is stainless steel.

To qualify a metal as 'stainless steel', it must satisfy the following conditions:

Contains steel, which itself is made of mostly iron with a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1%.

Contains at least 10.5% of chromium, which makes stainless steel resistant to staining, rusting and corrosion.

But metal manufacturers may also add additional elements such as nickel, molybdenum and manganese, or increase the amount of chromium in the basic recipe for stainless steel to achieve specific properties that they want. That's why you can find more than 100 different types of stainless steel being used for a wide range of purpose.

18/8 versus 18/10 Stainless Steel Bottles

Now, let's decipher what do 18/8 and 18/10 mean.

The first number actually refers to the percentage of chromium in the stainless steel, while the second number indicates the amount of nickel.

So, 18/8 means that 18% chromium and 8% nickel have been used in the production of the stainless steel. You can probably guess what's in 18/10. That's right, 18% chromium and 10% nickel!

Does the extra 2% of nickel matter? Yes, it seems. First of all, extra nickel enhance the corrosion resistant of the metal to acidic and alkaline solutions. So a stainless steel graded 18/10 is more corrosion hardy than one that is 18/8.

Secondly, extra nickel also means higher cost. It may not be a lot for one stainless steel bottle, but when you think in terms of tens of thousands of bottles, the extra few cents can add up to quite a lot.

Having stated the differences, note that in terms of strength and weight, there is virtually no difference between the two grades of stainless steel.

Besides, when you are comparing stainless steel bottles, the grade of stainless steel used shouldn't be the only factor in mind.

The thickness of the metal which will affect the durability and its resistance to knocks and falls, the reputation of the company, the warranty given, the design and how user friendly is the bottle, as well as how attractive the bottle looks are also some factors you should consider.

You can get a 18/10 stainless steel bottle, but if it leaks whenever it's not in an upright position, then you're going to have nightmares using it no matter how corrosion resistant the bottle may be.

But if everything being the same, I'd say go for a stainless steel bottle that is made of 18/10.

Have fun shopping!

Paint Off Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle

2009-10-17T02:39:00.001-07:00

We address a 'peeling' problem from a user of Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle in this Q&A.

Q: After using my Klean Kanteen stainless steel bottle for a few months, I found that the paint starts to peel off around the mouth of the bottle. I've only used the bottle with cold and non-boiling water so far. I'm afraid I might have swallowed some of the paint. Any idea whether it is harmful to my health?

A; According to Klean Kanteen's website, the layer of paint on the outer surface of your stainless steel water bottle is an acrylic, resin-based finish that's made of mostly water. There's no lining inside of the bottle unlike aluminum bottles such as SIGG. The paint on your Klean Kanteen bottle is declared to be free from any toxic chemicals or heavy metals, like lead, by the maker. So it should be pretty safe, even if you've inadvertently ingested some.

But, it's not normal to find a Klean Kanteen bottle shedding its coat so quickly, not unless you have the habit of chewing its lip or subject it to some brutal knocks. If neither applies to you, count yourself lucky to have gotten a defect.

I suggest you bring your water bottle back to the retail shop and ask for an exchange. If you bought your bottle directly from Klean Kanteen, you can ask for a replacement from its website, though you may have to bear your own shipping charges. Every Klean Kanteen product is covered by a one-year warranty against manufacturer's defects. And peeling paint qualifies as one.

If the fear of flaking paint lingers, try asking for a replacement water bottle with a brushed stainless finish this time around. Usually retailers are willing to oblige if only to keep you as a customer.

What's a brushed stainless steel finish, you say? It simply means a naked, almost blank (save for a Kanteen logo) stainless steel bottle clad in its natural color: metallic silver. With a naked bottle, you don't have to worry about flaking paint and what the paint may do to your health.

Should you need further clarification about the exchange, email the friendly people at Klean Kanteen at: customerservice@kleankanteen.com. I'm sure they'll be happy to clear your doubts.

Water Purification: Why You Need It More Than Ever

2009-10-05T01:57:00.000-07:00

Too many people are putting blind faith in their water supply, expecting their utility to supply them with the best water. Find out the truth lurking in our drinking water and learn why water purification is now more important than ever

Clean water is one of those things that many of us have taken for granted. We turn on the tap and use the water without ever doubting the quality of the water. After all, clean water is the responsibility of the government, not citizens like us, right?

Wrong. Research has revealed that about one in 10 Americans have been exposed to toxic water or water that doesn't meet standards set by the government. And who knows for how long we have been drinking water that contains hazardous chemicals.

This isn't some developing country that we are talking about. It's United States, one of the most advanced countries in the world. If a superpower has such a dubious water supply, what more can we expect of third world countries?

The Ugly Truth about Our Drinking Water

The current state of our water appear to be a combination of pollution by industrial, agricultural and mining activities, weak enforcement of Clean Water Act, inconsiderate dumping of wastes by the public, as well as aging sewage system that is falling apart.

As a result, all kinds of toxic substances are seeping into our water sources, turning them into pools of chemical soup where we get our drinking water from.

So is it any surprise that we find a mixture of pesticides, manure, antibiotics, prescription drugs, heavy metals, parasites, bacteria and viruses in varying degrees swimming inside our water?

But, we can't see them, we can't smell them and we can't even taste them. So we assume they are not there. Besides, there's chlorine in our water that will take care of all the other toxic stuff in our water, so we thought. That's how we usually rationalize and comfort ourselves. But who are we trying to kid?

Chlorine itself is a toxic chemical used by municipal water purification plants. You may think that the amount you're ingesting is too small to be of any concern. But if you consider how often and how much you drink each day and multiply that by the number of days and years you've lived, the amount suddenly doesn't look that small anymore.

Do you also know that chlorine can combine with some of the organic substances in the water to form new contaminants like trihalomethanes that can cause cancer and reproductive problems.

Report after report have warned us about the unsafe chemicals in our water and their potential dangers, and yet we refused to believe. Even real-life cases of water poisoning aren't enough to make us act because we thought it will never happen to us. What make us so sure?

It'll take another decade or more for the government to clean up their act. Water supply is a huge problem that will take plenty of time, resources, and most of all determination to see through.

Even if the government has fixed all the teething issues, controlling industrial and agricultural pollution to the absolute minimum (which is hard to believe really), it will take even more time to educate people not to flush wastes like their expired pills down their toilets.

The water purification done at water treatment plants cannot effectively remove all contaminants because it's simply not possible. Imagine trying to purify huge volume of water to a pristine condition. It will take too much time and money, and will drive up the cost of water to a level which most people can't afford.

Chlorine will remain the cheapest way to disinfect tons of water in treatment plants in the foreseeable future. Perhaps there will be better and more economical technology in the future that can filter away every single impurity in the water.

But in reality, a compromise between providing good water quality and cheap water for the masses will always be something we have to grapple with constantly.

Water Purification is Your Responsibility

A more effective method is not to assume that the water flowing out of your tap is safe. Choose reliable water filtration systems and conduct your own water purification before using the water for any purpose.

It's also important not to rely on a single water purification product for all your water needs. Frankly, no one product is perfect regardless of how fantastic or glamorous the brand may appear. Most products are geared towards removing a small set of contaminants and not every impurity. Some activated carbon filters, commonly found in water filtration system, have even been found to leach arsenic, a known carcinogen.

A better way is to use a combination of products, if you can afford it. One possible scenario at home is to install a whole house water filtration system for general purpose, an under-the-sink water filter for cooking needs, a water filter pitcher to further purify water from the tap and a shower filter.

At work, besides having a whole house water filtration system, you can also install an atmospheric water generator that produces water from air, or a water filter dispenser or cooler (like filtration system from Zero Water) to provide a constant supply of clean water.

In this way, even if you forgot to replace an expired filter cartridge, you'd still have other safety nets to fall back on. You will also complement the strengths of each water purification product and fill up their gaps by mixing and matching them.

But of course, you should always replace used filters because an overused filter can further contaminate instead of purify your water.

If your workplace doesn't provide filtered water, you can also carry a portal water filter bottle with you. In this way, you won't have to buy bottled water and prevent one less bottle from polluting our environment.

Water is essential for our survival and is even more important to our health. Don't leave it to chance, or your government.

Zero Water Filter Review

2009-10-04T03:39:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to have Karen from ecokaren to give us a hands-on review of Zero Water filtration system.

Like most Americans, I used to have bottled water delivered to my home and bought disposable water bottles to carry.

That was a few years ago.

Of course, now I know better so I don't buy bottled water anymore but I don't drink water straight out of the tap either. Why?...because my tap water is contaminated. No, I don't live in a third world country without clean water. In fact, my water supply is treated so well that it passes all standard guidelines established by the EPA and the State Health Department every year. But according to my Water and Sewer Department, (by the way, you can request a report about your water or read it on line) my tap water still contains organic and inorganic particles as well as microbes. In addition, in order to meet those standards, it gets disinfected and treated with chemicals like chlorine and sodium hydroxide. And fluoride is also added for our dental "benefit." (oohhhh, that's another post in itself.) Yeah, uh huh.

Well, I don't need any of those chemicals in my body so I filter my water for drinking and in the shower. If you read my older post, "what's under your kitchen sink", you know I have two cartridge filters under my kitchen sink; one for sediments and one for finer particles.

Time to change filters under the sink. Yuk!

And boy, do the filters get clogged very quickly, hence, more evidence that there are stuff in my water that I don't want. I am satisfied with the filtered tap water for cleaning and cooking but when I drink straight from the tap, I want to make sure that I don't taste the chlorine, but more importantly, that I don't ingest any other chemicals. So, my DH (Dear Husband) bought a new filter system from Home Depot for our water cooler (from the bottled water days) called Zero Water. By the way, I have a chlorine eliminating filter attached to my shower head. My thinking is, if I am not happy with drinking chlorine, why would I want my skin, the largest organ in the body, to absorb all that chlorine? Did you read about how swimming can exacerbate asthma and allergies in kids because of chlorine? I digress…Back to Zero Water.

Zero Water (ZW) is a filter system that combines easy and non messy way to replace filter cartridges to produce clean drinkable water. This great filter system fits on top of any water cooler machines. Just add water to the top of the jug and the cooler dispenses clean water. It even comes with a hand held meter that measures Total Dissolved Solids (TDS.) TDS is any detectable dissolved solid particles in the water that you can taste. The electrode on the tip of the TDS meter detects ions in the water and converts the parts per million readings to a number on the meter.

Zero Water Filters

Just to compare, I tested my tap water before I filtered it through ZW and the reading was 47. Mind you, that tap water already went through TWO filters under the sink! And then, I tested my old brand of bottled water, and the reading was 26 – better than my tap but still not Zero. My unfiltered bathroom faucet's reading was in the 90's!

BUT…when I tested the water from the cooler, you guessed it, the reading was 0. Zero!! Hence, the name of the product, Zero Water.

How does it work?

I recommended Zero Water to a friend, John, who is a tropical fish aficionado. He researched high and low to find the easiest method to generate clean water for his fish tank and learned a lot about water filters in the process. Although he doesn't use ZW for his fish tank because he already had installed a reverse osmosis system before I told him about ZW, he was astonished that it can generate such clean water, in such a compact and efficient way. According to John, these filters work similarly to reverse osmosis. He said that the cartridges are actually a five-stage water filter system, putting the water through sediment, carbon, and De-Ionizing (DI) resin. So the system is like a compact Reverse Osmosis (RO)/DI water filter without all the plumbing and water waste like RO. RO typically generates one drinkable gallon for every four gallons of water it wastes. I did not know that. Not very environmentally cool nor very efficient since the pipes and plumbing that are required are complicated to install. So if this system is good enough drinking water for John, I figured, it's a pretty amazing system.

I love having Zero chemicals in my water. But I was not sure if "not tasting chlorine" was same thing as "not containing chlorine". (Blame it on my Type "A" personality…) And I couldn't find any information about whether Zero Water filters fluoride so I contacted the company and this is what a customer service representative wrote back.

1. Does your system filter out fluoride?

When it comes to water there are 4 types of contaminants found, organic, inorganic, radiological, and micro biological. Zero Water filters have the technology to reduce organic, inorganic, and radiological elements out of water. The TDS meter included will test for inorganics in water such as salts, metals, minerals, chlorides, fluorides, etc. Fluoride is an inorganic and is treated with Zero Water. Zero Water is best compared to distilled water, minus the distilled water taste.

2. When the system was certified for "Chlorine taste and odor", does that mean it filters out chlorine?

Yes, we filter out chlorine to an undetectable level on a parts per million basis, the water tester test on a parts per million basis, so when you see a reading of 000, you know it's only H20.

3. If the system has the patent to filter out microbes, why isn't it filtering out microbes?

That's not available for U.S use yet, we look to release it in the near future.

So that means, if TDS meter reading is Zero, there are no detectable solids in the water; no chlorine and no fluoride. I love that!…especially since there has been so much news about pharmaceuticals ending up in drinking water. That doesn't mean we should switch to bottled water; it just means we should filter our drinking water. What's more, ZW will take back your used cartridges to recycle them. So you don't have to throw out the used plastic cartridges. Just send them back to the company. How great is that?

Pros

Pretty simple to use. The cartridges fit in the top water well. Pour water in the top water well and it filters down to the cooler. You can dispense water from water cooler.
Better for the environment since there's no waste of water to generate drinkable water, unlike Reverse Osmosis filters.
Eliminates complications of changing filters under the sink.
The filter system fits any water cooler.
Now, there is a portable pitcher model available if you don't have room for a water cooler.
Replacement filters may seem costly but Amazon sells cartridges at $50 for 4 cartridges. It uses 2 cartridges at a time and needs to be replaced at our house about every 3 months – so just under $10/month. Pretty inexpensive, if you ask me. But remember, I put in filtered water as I pre-filter through the under the sink filters before I put it into the Zero Water. Your cost may vary.

Cons

Sometimes, leaks can occur when the seal between the cooler and the top water well is not tight.

Overall

I love ZW filters so much that I have recommended it to friends and family. I don't know if Home Depot had Zero Water pitchers when we bought our filters but now they are available. Cool! In fact, when I contacted ZW about the questions above, they were nice enough to send me some coupons for my readers. Uber cool! I have six $10 coupons for Pitchers (sorry, all coupons have been given out). If you are the first six readers to leave comments here, I will mail them to you. As a bonus, I will include coupons for filter cartridges too. I believe the pitchers are available at Walgreens now.

Meanwhile, check out Zero Water website for more technical information on how their filters work. When water tastes this good, you'll never want to drink any other filtered water or bottled water or just plain tap water. Ever!

I give this company my FIVE green hearts for making my tap water taste so good and recycling used plastic cartridges!

Get ZeroWater Filtration Water Cooler (Electronic Tester and Filters included) »

Stainless Steel Water Bottles You Can Trust

2009-09-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Still using plastic or aluminum water bottles? Find out why stainless steel bottles are better choices for your health and the environment.

With increasing awareness about the adverse effects of plastic bottles and the environmental impact of bottled water, more people are opting for reusable water bottles that are eco-friendly and free from Bisphenol A (BPA).

Luckily, there is no lack of good choices to choose from. Ranging from BPA-free plastic to recyclable metal, there's a water bottle for almost everyone. More manufacturers like Nalgene are also slowly phasing out their reusable water bottles with BPA as more people become more environmental and health conscious. That's a good case of how consumers' demand can collectively exert a positive pressure on manufacturers.

In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of stainless steel water bottles, as well as the stainless steel bottles available in the market. (If you spot any product that is worthy of mention but not listed here, please feel free to let me know in the comments. Thanks in advance!)

Advantages & Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Stainless steel water bottle has some inherent qualities that make it attractive to many people:

No BPA. Stainless steel is naturally BPA-free.

Tough. Stainless steel bottle is strong, durable and can withstand knocks and falls.

No lining required. Stainless steel is inert and does not require an inner coating of lacquer.

Dishwasher safe. Most stainless steel water bottles are dishwasher-friendly.

Eco-friendly. Stainless steel can be re-melted to made a new stainless steel products. The caps and tops are also usually made of recyclable material.

Long-lasting. Stainless steel bottle is reusable and can potentially last for a very long time.

Odor and stain resistant. Stainless steel bottle typically does not retain odor and is stain resistant.

But like everything else in life, stainless steel water bottle also has its disadvantages:

Hot & cold. Since stainless steel is a type of alloy, it can get hazardously hot if you fill it with hot water or put it under a hot sun. Likewise, the bottle will also sweat if there is cold drink in it. But, the good news is some stainless steel bottles come insulated which help to reduce these issues. Plus, insulated bottles can also help to keep hot liquid warm and cold drink cool longer, acting like thermos. Alternatively, if your bottle is not insulated, you can use an insulating tote or a bottle carrier to hold your bottle.

Higher Cost. Due to the cost of the raw material, reusable stainless steel bottle usually costs more than its plastic or aluminum counterparts.

Metallic taste. Stainless steel water bottle may impart a slight metallic taste to the water they hold. But this problem usually resolves itself after a couple of times of thorough washing.

Not transparent. If you prefer a see-through bottle, a stainless steel bottle will obviously make a poor choice since it's opaque.

Stainless Steel Bottle Galore

Here's a list of stainless steel water bottles you can find on the web. Note that the prices below are subjected to manufacturers' or retailers' change:

CamelBak Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Capacity: 12 / 16 / 24 ounces (0.40 / 0.50 / 0.75 liters respectively)

Weight: 8 / 8 / 13.6 ounces (225 / 225 / 386g)

Prices: US$20.00 - $30.00

Type of stainless steel: 18/10
(What's the difference between 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel?)

Type of cap: Primarily polypropylene, with other plastics that are all BPA- and phthalate-free. The bite valve is medical-grade silicone for long life and taste-free performance. The straw is made of polyethylene, the same material used in milk jugs.

Features: Available in an assortment of colorful styles. Contains a flippable CamelBak Big Bite Valve which acts like a straw to provide easy drinking and spill-proof safety. The 0.50L bottle is double-walled to provide insulation, while the 0.4L and 0.75 L version are single-walled with no insulation.

Earthlust Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Capacity: 13 / 20 / 33.8 ounces (0.38 / 0.59 / 1.0 liters respectively)

Weight: 3.6 / 4.9 / 7.7 ounces (102 / 139 / 218g)

Prices: US$16.00 - $21.00

Type of stainless steel: 18/8

Type of cap: Plastic loop cap

Features: Available in an assortment of limited-edition designer prints. Each bottle comes with a carabineer.

Note: Only available in narrow-mouth. Lighter and less durable than other stainless steel bottles.

Guyot Designs Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Capacity: 24 / 24 / 32 / 38 ounces (0.71 / 0.95 / 1.12 liters respectively)

Weight: 7.9 / 10.0 / 12.3 / 12.9 ounces (225 / 280 / 350 / 365g)

Prices: US$24.95

Type of stainless steel: 18/10

Type of cap: Glass reinforced nylon

Features: Wide-mouth, easy to clean, resist tastes and odors. The lid has an adjustable sterling climbing rope cable. The company also offers other useful accessories such as the Splashguard, which helps to prevent spilling, to go with the bottles.

Note: Nalgene is also distributing Guyot Designs stainless steel water bottles.

Innate Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Capacity: 15 / 24 / 26 / 29 / 40 ounces (0.44 / 0.73 / 0.77 / 0.85 / 1.20 liters respectively)

Weight: 5 / 7 / 7.7 / 5.6 / 7.7 ounces (140 / 200 / 220 / 160 / 220g)

Prices: US$10.00 - $15.09

Type of stainless steel: 18/8

Type of cap: Polypropylene lid and collar

Features: Unique lid design allows easy carrying and clipping onto a pack. Wide mouth, easy to clean.

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Capacity: 12 / 18 / 27 / 40 ounces (0.35 / 0.53 / 0.80 / 1.18 liters respectively)

Weight: 6 / 8 / 8 / 11 ounces / (170 / 226 / 227 / 312g)

Prices: US$9.95 - $29.95

Type of stainless steel: 18/8

Type of cap: Choice of BPA-free polypropylene or stainless steel

Features: Available in a wide range of sizes and colors, wide and narrow-mouth and different types of tops and caps; one-year manufacturer's warranty

New Wave Enviro Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Capacity: 12 / 20 / 33.8 / 40 ounces (0.35 / 0.60 / 1.00 / 1.18 liters respectively)

Weight: 4.0 / 5.2 / 8.0 / 10.0 ounces (113 / 147 / 227 / 283g)

Prices: US$9.00 - $17.50

Type of stainless steel: 18/8

Type of cap: Stainless steel or polypropylene

Features: Multi-colors; carabineer included for easy attachment to belt or backpack.

Thinksport Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Capacity: 12 / 25 ounces (0.35 / 0.75 liters respectively)

Weight: 6.6 / 13.8 ounces (187 / 391g)

Prices: US$15.99 - $21.99

Type of stainless steel: 18/8

Type of cap: Polypropylene spout

Features: Insulated bottle with double-wall. It has a dual-opening lid with small and large screw-tops. The larger one conceals a removable internal mesh filter to block ice or tea leaves when you drink from the small spout. Wide-mouth and easy to wash. Available in black and silver colors.

Zero Water Filter Versus Other Filters

2009-09-08T02:30:00.000-07:00

How's does Zero Water filter compare with similar products in the market? What's its unique selling point? Check out this video for the answers

The major difference between Zero Water filtration system and those in the market is the TDS water tester that comes with every Zero Water filter.

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. In the video below, you'll see the Zero Water Electronic Water Tester being used to measure the amount of total dissolved solids in tap water, water filtered by other filters as well as water purified using Zero Water pitchers.

It's very smart of Zero Water to include a water tester in every product it sells. The tester gives consumers an easy way to measure the water they are drinking and it also tells them whether it's time to change the filter cartridge. When the meter reads 006 or more, you should replace the old filter with a new one.

More importantly, the TDS tester also gives people a peace of mind knowing that there is no detectable dissolved solid in their water. With other products, it's a guess work and requires faith on the manufactures' words. But with the Zero Water tester, you actually get to see it for yourself.

Now here is a commercial from YouTube comparing Zero Water filters and pitchers with other similar products. Seeing is believing.

Buy Zero Water filters from Amazon >

Turn Air to Water with Atmospheric Water Generators

2009-09-06T04:58:00.000-07:00

Unlike your usual water filters, atmospheric water generators actually produce clean, pure water out of thin air.

Imagine being able to generate drinking water out of thin air. Sounds like a dream? Not at all. There are electronic devices that can actually make your thirsty dream come true.

Commonly known as atmospheric water generators, these devices work somewhat like air dehumidifiers. They pull in air through an air filter, condense the air into water and then purify it to give you clean water that is free from chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals and pharmaceuticals. Due to the way they work, atmospheric water generators also double up as effective air dehumidifiers.

In order for atmospheric water generators to work well, the humidity and temperature of the environment should be relatively high. Ideally, the humidity level should be 50% or higher and temperature between 23 to 35 degrees Celsius (73.4 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). For places with low humidity and temperature, these generators will still work but they will take longer to produce the same amount of water as compared to putting them in places with higher humidity and temperature.

There are a number of atmospheric water generators available in the market that use different technologies to purify and filter the water collected. In this article, we will look at seven of them which are suitable for use in homes and offices.

Note: The prices and information on this page are subjected to manufacturers' change.

Air2Water Dolphin/dragonfly T16

Water Storage Capacity: 14 liters (3.7 gallons)

Dimensions: W 14" x D 16.5" x H 42"

Weight: 50 kg (110 lbs)

Operation Power: 950 - 1150 W

Filtration System: Hyflux Proprietary Ultra-filtration with UV light for sterilization

Estimated Filter Replacement Schedule: Hyflux filtration cartridge: 1 year; UV lamps: 1 year.

Cost: US$1,200

Note:
- Dispenses cold and hot water.
Air2Water Dolphin 2/dragonfly M18

Water Storage Capacity: 7 liters (1.5 gallons)

Dimensions: W 15" x D 16" x H 27.5"

Weight: 35 kg (77 lbs)

Operation Power: 523 – 635 W

Filtration System: Hyflux UF Membrane Cartidge with UV light for sterilization

Estimated Filter Replacement Schedule: Hyflux filtration cartridge: 6 months (about 1,500 liters); UV lamp: 1 year.

Cost: US$899

Note:
- The device can also be connected to water pipe to filter tap water.
- Spout can be rotated to a maximum of 30 degrees for easy dispensing of water into bottles and large containers.
- An optional UV lamp can be added to enhance sterilization.
AquaMaker The AM10 Water Dispenser

Water Storage Capacity: 35.6 liters (9.4 gallons)

Dimensions: W 16.2" x D 15.6" x H 45.3"

Weight: 43.5 kg (95.9 lbs)

Operation Power: 650 watts

Filtration System: AquaMaker’s proprietary water purification system

Estimated Filter Replacement Schedule: 1 year.

Cost: US$1,799

Note:
- Dispenses hot and cold water
- Unlike other devices that use UV lamp for sterilization, AquaMaker uses an oxidation filter to remove microbes, viruses and bacteria
- The AM10 has a recycle timer that can be customized to ensure the water in the tanks remains fresh.
- An automatic defroster melts any ice that accumulated during the regulated defrost cycle, preventing the unit from shutting down.
EcoloBlue 28 Atmospheric Water Generator

Water Storage Capacity: 12.5 liters (3.3 gallons)

Dimensions: W 16" x D 16" x H 44 "

Weight: 41.2 kg (91 lbs)

Operation Power: 450 - 500W

Filtration System: Multi-stage water filtration system, including carbon filtration, reverse osmosis and UV lamp sterilization.

Recommended Filter Replacement Schedule:
- LF2 carbon filter: 6 months
- Pre-carbon filter I: 6 months
- Pre-carbon filter II: 6 months
- Reverse osmosis filter: 24 months
- Post-carbon filter: 6 months
- UV bulbs: 12 months or when UV warning light flashes
Cost: US$1,350

Note:
- The device can also be connected to water pipe to filter tap water.
- An automatic defroster kicks in when the temperature is too low.
Element Four WaterMill

Water Storage Capacity: 11 litres (2.9 gallons)

Weight: 15.9 kg (35 lbs)

Dimensions: Size of a football sliced in half.

Operation Power: Unspecified

Filtration System: Activated carbon filter with UV light for sterilization.

Estimated Filter Replacement Schedule: Unspecified

Cost: US$1,020 (introductory price)

Note:
- The device can be placed outdoor.
- It can also be connected directly to the sink, an existing bottled water system, refrigerator, or a custom dispenser.
- Only available in September/October 2009; Pre-order available.
Planet's Water PWG-1

Water Storage Capacity: 12 litres (3.2 gallons)

Weight: 41.2 kg (90.8 lbs)

Dimensions: W 15.4" x D 15.6" x H 43.3"

Filtration System: Multi-stage water filtration system, including carbon filtration, reverse osmosis and UV lamp sterilization.

Operation Power: 480W

Estimated Filter Replacement Schedule:
- Activated carbon filter: 6 months
- Reverse osmosis filter: 24 - 36 months
- Bio-ceramic filter: 12 months
- Resin filter: 6 months
- UV lamp: when UV lamp breakdown indicator is flashing
Cost: US$1,250

Note:
- Dispenses cold and hot water.
- The device can be connected to water pipe to filter tap water.
Sustainable Village The "Rain Cloud" Atmospheric Water Generator

Water Storage Capacity: 25 liters (6.6 gallons)

Dimensions: W 16" x D 19" x H 43"

Weight: 50 kg (110 lbs)

Operation Power: 471 watts

Filtration System: Six step SLO FLO™ water & air filtration systems with UV light for sterilization.

Estimated Filter Replacement Schedule: 1 year.

Cost: US$1,399

Note:
- Dispenses hot and cold water.

What You Don't Know About Bottled Water

2009-09-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

Still not convinced that bottled water is just expensive tap water in plastic bottle? This video might do the trick

What Can Zero Water Filters Remove?

2009-08-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

Wondering what Zero Water filters can or cannot remove from your water? Find out in this one-glance list

Here is a list of impurities that Zero Water filtration system can reduce or remove:

Aluminum
(certified by WQA)
Iron
(certified by WQA)
Chlorine Taste & Odor
(certified by NSF)
Chromium
(certified by NSF)
Zinc
(certified by WQA)
Hydrogen Sulfide
(certified by NSF)
Lead
(certified by NSF)
Mercury
(certified by NSF)
Chloramine
Fluoride
May remove some Uranium
May remove some Pharmaceuticals

Below are the impurities that Zero Water filters cannot reduce or remove. Note that Zero Water can only be used to treat municipally treated, potable water, and not micro-biologically unsafe water:

Arsenic
Microbiological Contaminants
Examples: parasites (like cryptosporidium) and bacteria
Oxygen
Phenol

Common FAQs about ZeroWater filters:

Do plastics used in ZeroWater products leach into the water?

Due to the extensive testing required for our certifications, we know that our plastic does not leach into the water above the allowable level.
Does bacteria build up in the filter?

The Zero Water system contains specific materials which inhibit the growth of bacteria within the cartridge.
Are your filters recyclable?

We are proud to have started the first recycling program in the U.S. among leading pitcher manufacturers. For more information on how you can participate in this program, please click here for more information.
Why is the pitcher certified and not the bottle?

Testing is a expensive, lengthy process. The filters used in both products are the same, so the substances reduced are the same in both systems. Both systems have the same filtration characteristics.
How often should I measure the TDS level in my water?

The TDS meter that comes with your system is provided so that you can measure your TDS on an ongoing basis – perhaps every other day. This is especially important if you have high TDS water (over 300), as your filter will need to be changed more often. By using the TDS meter to frequently measure your filtered water, you will know it is time for a filter change before it has gone too far past 006
What can’t the Zero Water tester or meter detect?
The meter cannot detect uncharged particles such as organic contaminants. It also cannot detect undissolved particles such as bacteria.

Buy Zero Water filters from Amazon >

No-frills Water Filter that Lasts (Almost) Forever

2009-08-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

Looking for a simple, no-hassle water filter to remove that awful chlorine taste? Here's one option you can consider

You must be thinking this is some fancy marketing trick to get you to click. No, it's true. There is really a water filter that can last up to a decade.

Rightfully named as the '10-Year Water Filter' by Hammacher Schlemmer, it is a filter that purifies up to 25,000 gallons, or approximately 95,000 liters of tap water -- without requiring you to replace any cartridges. That is the amount consumed by a family of four over a period of 10 full years! If there are only two people in your household, this could very well last for 20 good years.

The 10-Year Water Filter uses a patented five-stage filtration system to remove 97.3% of chlorine and is certified by NSF International for chlorine reduction.

Although it may be able to remove other water impurities besides chlorine, don't count on it. Because filtration systems that can remove more contaminants in the water usually require more frequent change in filter cartridges. So, if chlorine is the only offending thing in your water, this is an attractive option you should consider.

But how do you know what's in your water? Ask for a free water quality report from your water utility to identify what are the contaminants you should remove.

How the 10-Year Water Filter Works

Literally an install-once-and-forget-forever water filter, the 10-Year Water Filter connects directly to the mouth of the faucet via a hose and comes with a diverter valve that let you re-direct water to the filter for clean, filtered water. If you want to use the faucet, say for washing, simply turn the valve off.

About the size of a bottle of hand soap, the filter can be set up on a counter-top or sink ledge to supply long-term purified water that doesn't slow down to a trickle over time.

It costs US$69.95 and is available for sale at Hammacher Schlemmer's website.

Activated Carbon Filters Leach Arsenic, Group Says

2009-08-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

An environmental group claimed that some water filters are contaminating the very water they are meant to purify with arsenic

The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a non-profit group that campaigns against the use of toxic chemicals, claims that activated carbon filters from some companies are leaching arsenic into water and the companies are not warning consumers about it.

Arsenic is a known carcinogen that can cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive problems, and it has also been linked to diabetes.

The companies identified in the suit are Multipure International; Omnipure Filter Co., Inc.; PUR Water Purification Products, Inc.; and The Proctor & Gamble Co., as well as other as-yet-unidentified individuals or companies.

According to a Courthouse News Service report dated 6 August 2009, the complaint was filed not just against manufacturers, but also against distributors and sellers of activated carbon water filters in the state of California.

What is Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, has been used widely by water filtration manufacturers to remove industrial contaminants such as volatile organic compounds and trihalomethanes from water.

It is produced from carbon-rich materials like coconut shells, coal and wood. But low levels of impurities such as arsenic may be left in the carbon and can be discharged into filtered water. The levels of impurities vary widely depending on the type and brand of activated carbon.

Details of the Complaint

The complaint states: "Arsenic is present in the activated carbon used in the filters and replacement filters of defendants' drinking water filtration systems. ... People who use the products, including children, consume water from the products after arsenic has leached from the products into the water."

The CEH alleges that the companies violate California's Proposition 65 by failing to warn consumers about the risks of cancer and birth defects from the arsenic.

Proposition 65 prohibits the release by businesses with more than 10 employees of any listed carcinogen or reproductive toxicant into any drinking water source. It also requires that any person exposed to one of the chemicals on the list first receive a warning that the state has determined that the chemical may cause cancer and/or reproductive toxicity.

The complaint seeks injunctive relief and civil penalties of $2,500 per day for every Proposition 65 violation.

For more details, please refer to the full report.

Sun-Powered Portable Water Purifier that Needs Some Work

2009-07-29T02:28:00.000-07:00

Most portable water filters available now are in the form of a cylindrical bottle. Check out this highly unusual water purifier that breaks the mold

I stumbled upon a cool looking product concept from Yanko Design called AquaIris, which is a shortlisted entry from Austria for the James Dyson Award.

It is a portable water purifier that uses solar energy as well as a small detachable media to filter water. Housed in an unusual transparent container, this design concept is full of sexy curves, and is small and light enough to be wore around the neck with an attached lanyard.

Featuring a card-sized reusable water filter that is inserted into a slit in the middle of the container, the graded plastic mesh filters big particles in the water.

Water will then pass through converter crystals at the base which make use of ultraviolet C rays to kill germs, bacteria and viruses.

The concept is pretty interesting and is clearly design-oriented. However, in my opinion, it can only be used to enhance water from a safe and clean source. Because evidently, graded plastic mesh and solar rays are not sufficient to remove chlorine, heavy metals as well as pharmaceuticals that have come to contaminate our water supply.

Perhaps with some modifications to the filter media, this project idea may stand a chance as a viable alternative to bottled water or water filter bottles.

About James Dyson Award

Administered and run by the James Dyson Foundation, the James Dyson Award is about encouraging young people to fulfil their dreams to become designers or engineers.

Anyone who is studying or is a recent graduate of industrial design, product design and engineering from universities of participating countries can enter the James Dyson Award.

Currently, the participating countries are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,Holland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Spain,Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, and USA.

Reusable Water Filter Bottles Galore: A Feature Comparison

2009-07-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

Check out these portable water purification bottles that let you enjoy clean filtered water any time, anywhere

You know that bottled water is no safer than tap water, plastic bottles last longer than you and your next four generations, and now even the government is ditching bottled water for tap water. Isn't it high time to switch to a cheaper and greener way to quench your thirst while on the go?

Look to multi-use water bottles that come fitted with water filters. They come with a range of water purifying capabilities and features, and are easily available on the Internet.

Why not stick to a plain stainless steel or Bisphenol-A free plastic bottle instead, you ask?

With a water filter bottle, you can simply go to any water source and fill up the bottle without ever worrying about running out of water mid-way. By combining a drinking bottle and water purifier in one, you get ultra portable water purification device and a peace of mind.

Here's a compilation of some filtered water bottles that you can get your hands on. Prices quoted are all in US dollars and are subjected to manufacturer's change without notice.

Clear2Go™
Filter Bottle Capacity: 24 oz

Filter Life: 100 gallons

Filtration Media: NanoCeram® NASA-derived filter technology

Filter Features: Reduces chlorine taste & odor, removes 99.9% of microbial cysts (cryptosporidium & giardia)

Other Features: Bisphenol-A free and easy to squeeze plastic bottle (no sipping required)

Cost of Filter Bottle: $16.99

Cost of Replacement Filter: $11.99 (2-pack)
Fit N Fresh LivPURE™
Filter Bottle Capacity: 20 oz

Filter Life: 75 gallons

Filtration Media: Granular activated carbon.

Filter Features: Reduces chlorine taste & odor. Also inhibits the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria

Other Features: Bisphenol-A free plastic bottle, and easy to open spout

Cost of Filter Bottle: $12.99

Cost of Replacement Filter: $7.99 (2-pack)
Katadyn Exstream Purifier Bottles
Filter Bottle Capacity: 20 / 28 oz

Filter Life: 26 gallons

Filtration Media: Cyst filter, with penta iodide iodinated resin, activated carbon granules

Filter Features: Removes bacteria, protozoa, viruses, cysts. Reduces iodine and chlorine, improves smell and taste.

Other Features: Bisphenol-A free plastic bottle

Cost of Filter Bottle: $39.95 (20 oz) / $49.95 (28 oz)

Cost of Replacement Filter: $19.95 (cyst filter replacement 2-piece pack) / $34.95 (virustat kit)
Lifesaver
Filter Bottle Capacity: 25 oz

Filter Life: 1,056 gallons / 1,585 gallons / 3 Years

Filtration Media: Activated carbon and ultra-filtration membranes

Filter Features: Removes bacteria, viruses, cysts, parasites, fungi and all other microbiological water-borne pathogens

Other Features: Unlike other bottles which can only be used with municipal and treated water, Lifesaver can be used to filter micro-biologically unsafe water. Fail-safe cartridge that cut-off water when it reaches end-of-life. Bisphenol-A free plastic bottle. Read more about the Lifesaver Bottle.

Cost of Filter Bottle: $150 (4 liters) / $180 (6 liters)

Cost of Replacement Filter: $100 (4 liters) / $130 (6 liters)
Pure Water 2GO
Filter Bottle Capacity: 16 / 20 / 28 oz

Filter Life: 40 / 80 gallons

Filtration Media: Carbon composite (level 1 & 2 filter). A sub-micron filter

Filter Features: Reduces chlorine, bad taste & odors (level 1 filter), reduces lead, mercury, copper, VOCs, and PCBs (level 2 filter) and removes bacteria, cysts, cryptosporidium, and protozoa parasites (sub-micron filter)

Other Features: Bisphenol-A free plastic bottle

Cost of Filter Bottle: $12.95 (16 oz bottle with level 2 filter) / $7.95 (20 oz bottle with level 1 filter) / $15.95 (28 oz bottle with level 2 filter) / $34.95 (27 oz bottle with sub-micron & level 2 filters )

Cost of Replacement Filter: $7.95 (2-pack of level 1 filter) / $12.95 (2-pack of level 2 filter) / $29.95 (2-pack of level 2 filters and 1-pack of sub-micron filter)
Wellness H2.O
Filter Bottle Capacity: 22 oz

Filter Life: 150 gallons, or 1 Year

Filtration Media: Micro-filter impregnated with coconut carbon. The cartridge is also enhanced with rare stones such as quartz and high gauss magnets to improve water quality and for better absorption.

Filter Features: Reduces chlorine, offensive tastes, odors, silt, sand, sediment, industrial volatile organic compounds, and lead

Other Features: Bisphenol-A and Phthalates free plastic bottle

Cost of Filter Bottle: $49.95

Cost of Replacement Filter: $20.00
Back to the Tap
Filter Bottle Capacity: 16 / 27 oz

Filter Life: 80 gallons (basic filter); 160 gallons (replacement filter)

Filtration Media: Basic filter is made of carbon composite. A more advanced sub-micron biological filter is available separately

Filter Features: Reduces chlorine, lead, mercury, copper, as well as pharmaceutical impurities. The more advanced filter can remove up to 99.99 percent of cysts, bacteria and protozoan parasites, such as giardian and cryptosporidium

Other Features: Bisphenol-A free plastic bottle

Cost of Filter Bottle: $20 (16 oz) / $25 (27 oz)

Cost of Replacement Filter: $25 (2-piece of basic filter) / $40 (2-piece of sub-micron biological filter)