How to Choose the BEST Water Filter or Purifier

Choosing a portable water filter or purifier is crucial for ensuring your safety and health when drinking from unknown water sources. With numerous products on the market and a lack of regulation in the industry, it's essential to ask the right questions and make an informed decision. Here are six key considerations:

1. Differentiating Between Water Purifiers and Filters:
   A water purifier eliminates all disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoan cysts. On the other hand, a water filter only removes bacteria and protozoa, leaving viruses behind. Purifiers are the safer option.

2. Lack of Industry Standards:
   The portable water filtration industry is largely unregulated, allowing manufacturers to make unsubstantiated claims without proper testing.

3. Importance of Credible Testing:
   Look for evidence of credible testing from manufacturers. They should have a "certificate of testing" for each product, demonstrating compliance with appropriate standards. The testing certifications should be readily available on their website or upon request.

4. Relevant Testing Standards:
   The NSF P231 protocol, based on the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Guide Standard Protocol, sets the gold standard for testing water purifiers. It involves a rigorous 11-day testing period using two types of water: General Test Water and Challenge Test Water. Many products on the market fail to meet these real-world testing standards.

5. Reliable Testing Laboratories:
   Testing should be conducted by external independent labs that are ISO 17025 accredited and have experience in testing drinking water. Some reputable labs include NSF, BCS, Biovir Laboratories, WQA, SGS, and university laboratories with relevant expertise.

6. Considerations for Water Purifier Safety:
   Two common methods used in portable water purification are hollow fiber membranes and adsorptive technology. Hollow fiber membranes act as physical barriers, blocking microorganisms while allowing water to pass through. These membranes should have a pore size smaller than the smallest target contaminants. In contrast, products relying on adsorptive technology may lose effectiveness over time and lack a visible indicator of when to replace the element.

In conclusion, when selecting a portable water filter or purifier, prioritize safety by choosing a water purifier that has been tested to meet real-world standards, preferably using NSF P231 protocol. Look for evidence of credible testing and certifications from reliable laboratories. Consider the technology used, with a focus on products using hollow fiber membranes for long-term effectiveness and fail-safe operation.