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  • Lifesystems Water Filter Purifier Bottle Cartridge


Water Filter Purifier FAQs

Explore our most frequently asked questions about the Water Filter Purifier Bottle, including how it works, what it removes, filter life, use and care.

Filter and purification

  • What does the Water Filter Purifier Bottle remove?

    The Water Filter Purifier Soft Flask removes waterborne viruses, bacteria and protozoa, while also filtering or reducing a broad range of other contaminants.

    Waterborne pathogens include:

    - 99.99% Viruses
    - 99.9999% Bacteria
    - 99.9% Protozoa, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium

    Other filtered or reduced contaminants include:

    - Dirt, sediment and suspended particles
    - Chlorine
    - Volatile organic compounds
    - Selected heavy metals, including lead, arsenic and chromium
    - Microplastics
    - Endotoxins
    - Colloids
    - Trace pharmaceuticals
    - Transparent exopolymer particles and other polysaccharides

    The filtration process can also improve the taste, odour and clarity of water.

  • Does the Bottle remove viruses?

    Yes. The purifier cartridge inside the Soft Flask is designed to remove 99.99% of viruses, 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa.

  • How has the filter been tested?

    The complete cartridge has been independently tested for microbiological performance by an ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratory. 

    Its USA-made Disruptor™ filter material has also been tested against relevant NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 requirements, while finished cartridges undergo batch testing during production to help maintain consistent quality and performance.

  • What does "log reduction" mean?

    It’s a scientific way of saying how many microorganisms a purifier removes from water. The higher the number, the more it removes. For example, 4-log means removing 9,999 out of every 10,000 viruses — the same as 99.99% removal.

    Our cartridge’s removal levels are:

    - 4-log for viruses = 99.99% removal.
    - 6-log for bacteria = 99.9999% removal.
    - 3-log for protozoa = 99.9% removal.

Filtration Technology

  • How does the filter work?

    The filter uses Disruptor™ technology to capture contaminants through mechanical filtration and electro-adsorption.

    Disruptor™ is an electropositive, wet-laid nonwoven medium with a pore structure of approximately 1.2 to 1.5 microns. It captures contaminants in two ways:

    - Larger particles are trapped mechanically within the filter structure.

    - Smaller, negatively charged contaminants are attracted and bound through electro-adsorption, which enables the cartridge to capture microscopic pathogens including viruses, bacteria and protozoa.

    This enables the cartridge to capture microscopic contaminants, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa, that mechanical filters with comparable pore sizes may not remove.

  • What is Disruptor™ and how does it work?

    Disruptor™ is the specialist filter material inside our purifier cartridge. It uses a network of fine fibres with a natural positive charge to attract and hold tiny contaminants, including bacteria, viruses and other particles. 

    This means it can capture contaminants much smaller than the gaps between its fibres. This lets water flow easily through the gaps while trapping contaminants in the filter material, helping you purify water as you drink.

  • What is electro-adsorption?

    Electro-adsorption uses a positive charge to attract and bind negatively charged contaminants as water passes through the filter.

    The mineral-based crystal structure within the Disruptor™ medium creates a natural positive charge when it comes into contact with water. Many pathogens, heavy metals and fine particles carry a negative charge and are attracted to the positively charged filter medium.

    This allows the system to capture contaminants much smaller than the filter’s physical pore structure.

  • Does the filter improve the taste and odour of water?

    Yes. The filter can improve the taste and odour of water by reducing chlorine and selected chemicals and organic contaminants.

    Powdered activated carbon, also known as PAC, is incorporated directly into the Disruptor™ filter medium rather than being housed in a separate carbon block. This provides taste and odour reduction without significantly restricting the water flow.

  • Does the filter remove beneficial minerals?

    No, the filtration process retains naturally occurring dissolved minerals, helping preserve the water’s natural taste.

  • Why does the water flow so quickly?

    Disruptor™ has an open structure with larger pores that allow water to flow through easily. Instead of relying solely on tiny pores to trap contaminants, it also uses a positive electrical charge to attract and hold them, even those much smaller than the pores.

    This allows the Bottle to purify water as you drink or decant it.

  • Does the filter require electricity, pumping or chemicals?

    No electricity, pump or chemicals are required. Purification happens as you draw water through the cartridge.

Product features and sizing

  • What sizes is the Water Filter Purifier Bottle?

    The Water Filter Purifier Bottle has a capacity of 1000ml.

    Its large capacity makes it suitable for travel, hiking, camping and everyday use.

  • What is the Bottle made from?

    The Bottle is made from tough, BPA-free copolyester. It has a durable ABS screw-on lid with a silicone grip and a screw-top drinking cap with a retaining and carrying loop.

Using the Bottle

  • Does it filter water as I drink?

    Yes. Water is purified as it passes through the cartridge

  • Does the cartridge need to be primed before first use?

    No. The cartridge does not need to be soaked or primed.

    Install it correctly, fill the Bottle with freshwater, secure the lid and drink through the valve. It may take a few initial sips to draw water completely through a new, dry cartridge.

  • How do I drink from the Bottle?

    Fill the Bottle with freshwater, secure the lid and drink through the mouthpiece. Water is purified as it passes through the cartridge.

    Keep the mouthpiece covered when it is not in use to protect it from dirt and contamination.

Filter life and replacement

  • How much water can one filter treat?

    The replaceable cartridge can treat up to 600 litres of water.

    This is a maximum capacity. Actual filter life depends on the quality of the source water. High levels of sediment, silt and other contamination may block the cartridge sooner.

    Once the cartridge has been wetted and brought into use, replace it after a maximum of three months, when it reaches 600 litres or when water no longer passes through it, whichever occurs first.

  • What is the shelf life of an unused cartridge?

    An unopened cartridge has a shelf life of up to 10 years when stored correctly in its original sealed packaging.

    Once the cartridge has been wetted and brought into use, its three-month usage period begins.

  • How do I know when to replace the filter?

    Replace the cartridge after three months of use, once it has treated 600 litres or when the water flow becomes blocked, whichever occurs first.

    You should also replace the cartridge if:

    - The flow has become unacceptably slow.

    - The cartridge may have frozen or been damaged.

    - It has been exposed to water hotter than 50°C.

    - You are uncertain whether it has been stored or handled safely.

    The 600-litre capacity is a maximum and may be reduced by poor-quality or sediment-heavy source water.

  • Is the filter cartridge replaceable?

    Yes. The filter cartridge is replaceable and can be purchased here.

    Always use a genuine Lifesystems filter cartridge that is compatible with the Water Filter Purifier Bottle.

  • How do I use the filter-life indicator?

    When you first use the cartridge, turn the indicator ring to show the month when it will need replacing, three months later. For example, if you start using it in June (number 6), set the ring to September (number 9). 

    The ring reminds you to replace your cartridge. Replace it sooner if you have filtered 250 litres of water, it becomes blocked or you think it may have been damaged.

  • Why has the flow rate slowed down?

    The flow will gradually slow as the cartridge collects sediment and other contaminants. This may happen more quickly when filtering cloudy or silty water.

    Check that the cartridge is installed correctly and that the twist valve is fully open and clear. If the flow remains unacceptably slow, replace the cartridge.

    Do not backwash the cartridge, force water through it at high pressure or clean it with soap or chemicals.

 Water sources and additional treatment

  • What types of water can I use?

    The Bottle is intended for freshwater from sources such as:

    - Rivers and streams
    - Lakes
    - Freshwater springs
    - Campsite and mountain-hut taps
    - Public taps and drinking fountains
    - Hotel and hostel taps
    - Bottled water of uncertain quality

    Always choose the clearest and cleanest freshwater source available.

  • Can I use cloudy or muddy water?

    Yes, but very cloudy or silty water will reduce the flow and shorten the cartridge’s usable life.

    Where possible, allow sediment to settle and collect the clearer water from the top. You can also pass the source water through a clean cloth before filling the Bottle.

    Pre-filtering only removes larger particles. The water must still pass through the purifier cartridge before drinking or decanting.

  • Can it filter seawater or brackish water?

    No. The cartridge does not remove dissolved salt and must not be used with seawater, brackish water or other highly saline water.

  • Can it treat chemically polluted water?

    No. Do not use the Bottle to treat water affected by severe chemical or industrial pollution.

    This includes water affected by industrial spills, fuel, mining waste, radioactive contamination or extremely high concentrations of heavy metals.

    Avoid water containing a visible blue-green algal bloom or water covered by an official warning about algal toxins. Choose another water source.

  • Can it make any water safe to drink?

    No portable purifier suits every water source. The Bottle protects against the contaminants it has been designed and tested to remove, but it cannot remove salt from seawater or brackish water, or make heavily chemically polluted water safe to drink.

    You should also avoid water with high tannin levels. These naturally occurring plant compounds can give water a yellow or brown colour and an unpleasant taste. Although tannins themselves are not harmful to humans, they can reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of the cartridge’s activated carbon filter.

    Choose clear, flowing fresh water wherever possible.

  • Can I pre-treat water with chlorine or chlorine dioxide?

    Yes. Source water can be pre-treated with a suitable Lifesystems chlorine or chlorine-dioxide water treatment before it passes through the filter.

    Follow the treatment product’s instructions and allow the treated water to stand for at least 30 minutes before filtering or drinking it. Pre-treatment should take place in a suitable separate container.

    Never exceed the treatment product’s recommended dose.

  • Is chemical pre-treatment always necessary?

    No. The cartridge is designed to remove viruses, bacteria and protozoa without routine chemical pre-treatment.

    Chlorine or chlorine dioxide may be used as an additional treatment stage where circumstances warrant it, provided the treatment instructions are followed correctly.

 Electrolytes and other drinks 

  • Can I add electrolytes or flavourings?

    No. Do not add electrolytes, flavourings, squash, energy powders or other drink mixes to water that will pass through the cartridge.

    If you want to use electrolytes or flavourings, add them only to purified water held in a separate clean container.

    Drink-mix ingredients and undissolved residue can clog the filter, restrict the flow and encourage unwanted growth.

  • Can I filter drinks other than water?

    No. Only freshwater should pass through the cartridge.

    Do not use the Bottle to filter juice, fizzy drinks, alcohol, milk, tea, coffee or other beverages.

 Cleaning and storage

  • How should I clean the Bottle?

    Remove the filter cartridge before cleaning the Bottle.

    Hand-wash the Bottle, lid, cap, filter straw and other non-filter components using warm, soapy water. Rinse each component thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

    Do not use powerful cleaning agents or abrasives. Do not place any part of the Water Filter Purifier Bottle in a dishwasher.

  • Can I wash the filter cartridge?

    No. Do not wash the filter cartridge with soap, detergent or any other cleaning agent.

    Do not use abrasives, place the cartridge in a dishwasher or attempt to backwash it.

  • How should I store the Bottle between trips?

    Remove excess water and allow the cartridge and Bottle components to dry completely before storage.

    After use:

    1. Remove the filter cartridge from the Bottle.

    2. Shake the cartridge to remove excess water.

    3. Allow it to air-dry thoroughly. This may take up to three days.

    4. Hand-wash the other Bottle components using warm, soapy water.

    5. Rinse and dry every component thoroughly.

    6. Reassemble the Bottle with the dry cartridge to create an airtight seal.

    7. Store it in a clean, dry place.

    Do not use soap or cleaning agents on the filter cartridge.

 Temperature and cold-weather use

  • Can I use the Bottle in freezing conditions?

    The Bottle can be carried in cold conditions, but it must not be placed in a freezer and a wet cartridge must not be allowed to freeze.

    Freezing may damage the filtration medium and make the cartridge unsafe even if no damage is visible. Keep the Bottle and cartridge insulated and close to your body in freezing conditions.

    If you think a wet cartridge has frozen, replace it before using the Bottle again.

  • Can I use hot water?

    No. Do not expose the filter cartridge to water hotter than 50°C.

    Do not use boiling water or put the Bottle in a microwave. Replace the cartridge if you believe it has been exposed to excessive heat.

Cross-Contamination

  • How can I prevent cross-contamination?

    Untreated water on your hands or the outside of the Bottle can transfer to the drinking mouthpiece. To reduce the risk:

    - Fill the Bottle carefully, keeping the mouthpiece away from untreated water.

    - Clean and dry your hands after filling.

    - Wipe away any untreated water from the outside of the Bottle.

    - Avoid touching the mouthpiece or inside of the cap with dirty hands.

    - Make sure the lid is fully tightened and the mouthpiece is securely fitted before drinking.

    - Keep the mouthpiece covered when it is not in use.

    - Keep clean drinking containers separate from equipment used to collect untreated water.

Choose Your Water Filter Purifier

Split image of Lifesystems Water Filter Purifier Soft Flask & Bottle in use.
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