THE WATER FILTER
Water Filtration is something Nature has been doing this for millions of years. As water travels through the earth is gets filtered through various types of material such as dirt, sand, and rocks.
Manmade water filters use that same technology, incorporating different types of media to filter out harmful substances from the water. Depending on the type of contamination, different media can be more effective.
Microfiltration, is one such filtration method utilized by the Water Filters we use. The Filters are created by Sawyer, and incorporate 0.1 micron microfiltration through a series of hollow fiber membranes packed tightly inside the filter. This allows for a high flow rate, while requiring minimal maintenance to keep the filter running.
Learn how the filter works below.
Each filter has the ability to filter thousands of gallons over many years.
The filters do not require replacement parts, and are lightweight, compact, and versatile.
The Filters can last many years and with proper cleaning and handling, the filters can provide clean drinking water to communities for a life time.
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THE WATER FILTER
The Sawyer Filter is a compact, handheld filter that can be used to filter millions of gallons of water over a number of years, making water that was once harmful to people, drinkable! It's design requires no replacement parts, and instead just requires proper care and cleaning to ensure it's longevity. The filter is very versatile and can be used a number of different ways
HOW IT WORKS
The Sawyer Filter uses a 0.1 micron hollow MicroFiber Membrane Technology that allows water, and only water, to pass through the filter. Bacteria, Pathogens, dirt and debris get caught in the fibers, resulting in clean drinkable water.
Dirty Water
Clean Water
WHAT IT REMOVES
Bacteria which cause:
Cholera, Botulism, Typhoid, Amoebic Dysentery, E. Coli, Coliform Bacteria, Streptococcus, Salmonella
Microplastics
Protozoan (Cyst):
Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora
Disclaimer: This type of technology works for microscopic organisms such as bacteria, cysts and pathogens, however, it may not filter out manmade chemicals, such as certain pesticides or mining runoff, that might be found in certain contaminated water sources. Before using the filter, please check what the contaminates at the water source are and if the 0.1 Micron Sawyer Filtration system will be sufficient.
USING THE FILTER
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The filter can be used in various ways and can be attached to various water systems depending on what is available and needed.
water
bottle
water
pouch
plastic
bucket
Rainwater catchment systems
FILTER SETUPS & SYSTEMS
WHAt you'll need
BUCKET SYSTEM
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Using the Drill Bit (13/16) drill (with hand or electric drill) a hole into the bottom about 1" from the base
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Put the adapter through the hole and using the washers tighten to the bucket. Attach hose to adapter and filter to other end of the hose.
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Fill bucket with dirty water and let gravity pour the clean water out.
To help keep the filter cleaner, you can place a clean cloth on top of the bucket to filter out larger debris
WHAt you'll need
Bottle/Pouch
SYSTEM
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Fill Pouch or Water Bottle with dirty water
Water bottle or sawyer water pouch (included)
Water FILTER
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Screw on the filter to the top of the bottle or pouch
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Squeeze bottle/pouch to pour out clean water
WHAt you'll need
GRAVITY POUCH
SYSTEM
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Fill Pouch with dirty water
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Screw on the filter to the top of the pouch and place inside mesh bag
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Hang the Mesh bag with filter secured inside and let gravity start the flow of water
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CLEANING
Cleaning the filter is one of the most important parts of the process. If cleaned correctly and maintained, these filters can last for a very long time. Please remember to only clean filter with clean water!
CLEANING THE FILTER
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Using Cleaning Syringe, suck up CLEAN WATER into syringe. Fill the entire plunger. The water must be clean for this to work.
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Remove the white cap from the filter and attach the syringe with clean water into the top of the filter (opposite of the flow)
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x3
Push the water through the filter to get rid of dirt and debris. This is called BACKWASHING. Repeat AT LEAST 3 times.
Repeat these steps 3 times (min)
WHAt you'll need
Water FILTER
Cleaning syringe
Clean water
CLeaning setup
DISCLAIMER: IT IS IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS KEEP THE CLEANING PLUNGER CLEAN AND FREE FROM CONTAMINATION.
How often should the filter be cleaned?
The more the better! However, it depends on how dirty the water is that you are using. The dirtier the water, the more cleaning it will need. The best practice would be if you cleaned after each use! This way you can ensure the filter's longevity.
ADDITIONAL INFO
SOME FAQs
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What types of contaminants can the Sawyer Water Filter remove?
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The Sawyer Water Filter is effective in removing bacteria, protozoa, and cysts, as well as particulates and other impurities.
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How long does the Sawyer Water Filter last?
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The lifespan of the filter depends on the amount and quality of water being filtered, but it can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water. Right now there are filters being used have have been in use for over 14 years!
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Does the Sawyer Water Filter require any maintenance?
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Yes, the filter should be backwashed periodically to remove any accumulated debris, and the filter cartridge may need to be replaced over time.
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Is the Sawyer Water Filter easy to use?
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Yes, the filter is designed to be simple and intuitive to use, and can be attached to a variety of water containers.
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SANITATION
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It is recommended that the filter be sanitized with a standard bleach solution. Fragrance Free and no more than a cap. To do this, mix with 1 cup of CLEAN Water and Backwash the filter 3 times. Let the filter air dry.
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CLOGGED FILTERS
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If the filter begins flowing slowly, even after backwashing, soak the filter in hot water for about an hour and then use hot water to backwash it. Remember to FORCEFULLY backwash the filter with the cleaning syringe.
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CALCIUM BUILD UP
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If the filter stays clogged after using hot water, there could be a build up of calcium. In that case, soak the filter in vinegar for 30 minutes and backwash with HOT WATER. This might take several cycles.
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GET INVOLVED
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