Before You Buy, What Kind of Water Filter Do You Need - Reverse Osmosis or Microfiltration?

Reverse osmosis is basically the process of separating contaminated water into clean and unclean water using a semi-permeable membrane to filter out waterborne bacteria and contaminants.

Ideal for purifying seawater and brackish water it has been extensively used in industry and smaller units for boating or fishing trips. Purification is achieved by forcing the water, under pressure, through the membrane and effectively dividing it into a pure water side and a contaminated water side.

For best reverse osmosis water purification results several stages are required – 2 levels of sediment filter, 1 activated carbon filter (it’s essential to remove chlorine as it damages the unit), the reverse osmosis cartridge filter, ideally followed by an ultra-violet lamp to disinfect any remaining microbes.

The reverse osmosis membrane needs to be flushed fairly regularly to stop the formation of scale, and very often pre-filtering by a water softening agent, as well as a carbon based product to reduce chlorine, may be required. While reverse osmosis drinking water systems are effective against most microorganisms they may not filter out protozoa such as Cryptosporidium.

In independent testing, on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is the most effective, the microfiltration membrane scored a 1 while the reverse osmosis water filter scored a 2. That one place could mean the difference between allowing a small amount of contamination through, or none at all.

As a point of vital interest - alongside the results for reverse osmosis, bottled water purchased in developing countries scored a 3, possibly due to two critical risks with bottled water purchased overseas 1/ the risk the water has come from local water supplies, either newly bottled or an old bottle refilled, and 2/ the proven build up of bacteria in water bottles that have been transported long-distances, and in high temperatures.

AquaSafeCorp Products Tested and Approved 99.9999% Effective

The unique technology of AquaSafeCorp products traps contaminants, as in  AquaSafeStraw in a 0.2 micron microfiltration membrane. The membrane is reusable up to 500 liters (132 gallons) which may last you several months before needing to be replaced. AquaSafeStraw + and AquaSafeBottle+ in a 0.0.1 micron microfiltration membrane. The AquaSafeStraw + and AquaSafeBottle+ membrane is reusable up to 1,000 liters (264 gallons) which may last you several months before needing to be replaced.The membrane is not damaged by chlorine, though salt and brackish water should be avoided.

AquaSafeCorp products has been tested by National Association of Testing Authorities accredited labs and found highly effective in filtering out Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Giardia, bacteria, serratia marcescens, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and pseudomonas diminuta, eschericha coli, staphylococcus and total coliforms.

AquaSafeCorp products are perfect for backpacking and overseas travel, camping and hiking trips, train, bus or airline travel, are also great to use around the home or for trips to the park and day-trips into the country, and are a more convenient and economical option than a reverse osmosis filtration system.