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Frequently Asked Questions

Whose products do you sell?
We sell products from many manufacturers. Katadyn is one of our main companies.


Katadyn is the global leader in portable water treatment. With subsidiaries in the United States, Germany, France, and Singapore; Katadyn develops, produces and distributes high quality products which are used whenever safe drinking water isn't available - for travel, backpacking, camping, yachting, militaries, emergencies, and humanitarian operations.


What is a water filter?
A water filter is a common term used to describe a system that cleans up bad water that will be used for drinking or bathing purposes. It may also refer to the replacement filter/cartridge/candle that goes into the system.


Are there different types of water systems?
Yes, there are water systems that are filtration devices and purification devices.


What is the difference between a filtration device and a purification device?
A purification device removes ALL microorganisms including Viruses, Bacteria and Cysts. A filtration device removes MOST microorganisms including Bacteria and Cysts. A basic filter may only remove Giardia cysts.

What are Viruses, Bacteria, and Cysts?
Viruses are the smallest microorganisms. They usually attach to particles, although they can be in the water in free form as well. They are generally found in water where there is decaying flesh or sewage. Bacteria are larger and can become infected with viruses.

Cysts are generally larger in size, are protozoan in type and have a hard shell. Both Giardia and Cryptosporidium are common cysts. Cryptosporidium is not Killed by the chlorine or iodine.


What is Cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen found in soil and ground water worldwide, including rivers, creeks, and streams. It has a hard shell and it is generally understood that neither chlorine nor iodine will kill Cryptosporidium.


The illness caused by Cryptosporidium is called Cryptosporidiosis.
What are the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis?
The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include:


Dehydration
Weight loss
Stomach cramps or pain
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting


Some people with crypto will have no symptoms at all. While the small intestine is the site most commonly affected , Cryptosporidium infections could possibly affect other areas of the digestive or the respiratory tract.


Does the type of water system depend on the region of the world I am going to?
Generally, No! However, there may be some areas that have special conditions. We urge you to check the CIA World Factbook prior to traveling. This is a good source to find out about events, trends and infrastructure in a particular destination. Of course, you can always give us a call too.


Our water systems are generally divided into 2 types: Micro-biological removal and chemical removal. Most of the systems will reduce the particulate in the water as well, thereby making the water optically clear, or “looks like its clean” quality.


Water that “looks like its clean” may or may not actually be clean. It may indeed harbor micro-biologicals of many different types. There may be “chemicals” in the water even though you do not smell anything.


How long does the filter/cartridge/candle last? Will I need to bring extra equipment with me if I am going to be gone for an extended period of time?
The systems generally have a replaceable or washable filter/cartridge/candle that will condition a certain amount of water before needing attention. Some systems may require spare parts or additional replacement filters/cartridges/candles.


Since each person generally requires 4-5 liters of water per day, it is important to anticipate your needs according to the number of travelers, the number of days, and the possible additional uses for water that may be required on the mission trip. Please allow for emergency situations. We have experience and will be able to assist you.

How do I know which system is right for me?
Some systems are adaptable to water coming from a pipe, some specifically for working with streams, lakes and puddles, some are useful for permanent base stations, some for moveable base stations, for unattended water conditioning, for conditioning large amounts of water very quickly for large groups or more economical for long-term usage.


There are many ways that we can assist you. Not everyone has the same needs, but we think that we can help you make good decisions about your purchase, no matter your needs. We are experienced and will be glad to assist you.

How do I know a quality system when I am purchasing one?
All of the systems that we carry are quality items and most carry NSF or EPA registrations. Our systems are recognized as high quality systems in the industry.


What bacteria does your system guard against?
All of our systems remove bacteria. Bacteria are the largest of the microorganisms.


Will my system protect me from pollutants? Pesticides? What is a pollutant?
Indeed, there are many definitions of pollutants.

All of our systems will remove particulate matter (dirt), bacteria and pathogenic cysts such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium

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