A. Most outdoor water sources contain microorganisms that can make you sick. Ingesting just one microorganism may cause illness. Wilderness medicine experts advise always treating water to protect against waterborne microorganisms.

Q. Why can’t I just use iodine tablets?

A. For many years, iodine tablets have been used as an inexpensive method for killing microorganisms. However, recent studies conclude that iodine tablets alone are not effective against Cryptosporidium, a common waterborne protozoa.

Q. It takes time to kill Giardia. How do PUR purifiers work instantly?

A. Giardia has a protective shell. Time is required for the iodine to penetrate this shell. PUR removes Giardia and Cryptosporidium by filtering vs. iodine. No time is required.

Q. Do I need a purifier or a microfilter?

A. This depends on your risk level. Microfilters remove most microorganisms – Purifiers remove all microorganisms. Microfilters cannot reliably remove viruses because of their small size. Common thought is to protect against viruses and bacteria any time people or animals may have been upstream from your water supply.

Q. How important is chemical reduction?

A. Any microorganisms or chemicals in your drinking water is not desirable. However, the primary concern for outdoor enthusiasts are microorganisms. Even a small dose can make you sick. In general, waterborne chemicals have low parts per million and it takes long-term ingestion to become a health hazard. For added safety, all PUR purifiers include a Carbon Stop Top to reduce chemicals.

Q. How do I store my unit?

A. Like all equipment, the better you care for it, the longer it lasts. For long-term storage, mix one liter of tap water with two teaspoons of household bleach. Pump contents through your unit. Upon completion, pump unit dry and store. Before your next outing, pump a liter of tap water though your unit to flush the system. See instruction manual for complete details.

Q. Is my unit repairable?

A. Yes. PUR has a full service repair shop with trained technicians. Contact the Tech Service department at 800-PUR-LINE. (800-787-5463)

This article is sponsored by PUR

Related posts:

1. Water Purification Tips
2. Baby Steps for Beginning Hikers

Tips for maximizing Water Purification performance:

1. After purchasing your Purifier/Microfilter, familiarize yourself with the unit before your back country trip. Learn how the unit works, feels, and the amount of water that it produces. Read the user manual and understand how to trouble-shoot.

2. Slow even pumping strokes will produce more water with less effort. Fast, hard or erratic pump strokes will cause cavitation that will result in lower water output and possible damage to the filter or unit.

3. Lakes or still-water generally have less suspended particulate matter and are easier on your filter. Fast moving streams and rivers agitate sediment and can cause your filter to clog prematurely. If possible, keep your prefilter off the bottom to avoid drawing sediment directly into the filter unit. The middle of the lake is ideal.

Important Note about Water Purification and Filtration

In heavily sedimented water, wrap a disposable coffee filter over the prefilter and secure with a rubberband. Replace as needed. Some people use bandanas and/or pieces of a t-shirt.

Draw a container (cooking pot) of lake water and let sit over night. Filter water from top of the container.

4. For an added precaution, separate your intake hose from your output hose. Minimizing cross-contamination helps reduce the risk of ingesting microbiological contamination. Use a reclosable food bag to keep your hoses separate, and to keep your pack dry.

another Important Note:

Surface water is one of many sources for becoming sick from microbiological contamination. Unfortunately there are many avenues for contamination.

Examples include: improperly stored food, dirty food utensils, unclean cookwear, unclean water bottle / bladder, washing-up in a stream, and not exercising good personal hygiene. For these reasons, it is important to maintain proper sanitary conditions in the back country. A water treatment system is only one part of the equation.

5. Make sure the black or red shipping caps are removed from your filtration unit before the intake and product water hoses are installed. Yes, even experienced users have made this mistake.

6. When you change your filter cartridge, take the unit apart and rinse / wipe off any visible sediment. Grease o-rings with provided silicon. Apply liberally, but do not over-grease.

7. If you’re going on an extended trip, or going with a large group of people, be sure to take along a spare filter cartridge.

8. When using filtration device in freezing temperatures, thaw the unit before pumping water. After processing water, pump the unit dry. At night, wrap unit in a plastic bag and store in bottom of sleeping bag.

Related posts:

1. Water Purification Facts
2. Tips for a Great Family Camping Trip