Options for Personal Water Treatment

The decision initially depends on the type of water source. Is the water cloudy or clear? Is the water loaded with chemicals? How much drinking water is needed and how rapidly? Do viruses as well as bacteria and protozoa have to be eliminated? We distinguish between Microfilters and Purifier. Microfilters eliminate protozoa and bacteria, Purifiers additionally eliminate viruses. 

Microfilters work perfectly...

• for trips in remote areas

• for preparing suspect tap water in hotels or public wells

• as a purifier, when water is treated with Micropur Forte after being pumped

Purifiers are the best choice…

• for trips in heavily populated areas and developing countries with insufficient hygiene conditions

Advantages of microfilters and purifiers:

• Simple and easy to use

• Disinfect the water immediately - no waiting

• Continuous performance under various conditions

• Remove dirt particles and sediment from the water

• Microfilters and purifiers with charcoal reduce chemicals in the water and improve the taste

Disadvantages of microfilters and purifiers:

• Size and weight

• Higher initial cost

• Maintenance

Advantages of chemical treatment:

• Low initial cost

• Lightweight and small

• Easy to use with exact dosage

• Micropur Forte is effective against viruses and protozoa

Disadvantages of chemical treatment:

• Wait times between 30 minutes and 2 hours

• Only for use with clear water; cloudy water must be filtered first

• Dirt and sediment cannot be removed from the water

• A slight taste of chlorine can remain in the water

Ceramic microfilters have a micro-porous layer impregnated with silver, which protects the membrane from deterioration during prolonged periods when not in use. The pore size of the ceramic is 0.2 microns (bacteria are between 0.2 and 5 microns)
Advantages of ceramic microfilters:
Very high filter capacity and service life

Also suitable for cloudy water, since it is washable

Filter capacity is measurable

Silver in the ceramic prevents bacteria growth in the filter element

Disadvantages of ceramic microfilters:
Higher initial cost

Heavier

Greater pumping effort

Fiberglass microfilters form a depth filter within two supporting layers with a pore size of 0.2 microns. Here the bacteria and protozoa are trapped mechanically.

Advantages of fiberglass microfilters:
Low pumping effort with high filter performance

Lower initial cost

Lightweight

Disadvantages of fiberglass microfilters:
Cannot be cleaned

Low filter capacity