http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/WPD/CompareDevices.aspx
Information about purifiers and disinfectants that works (and doesn't work)
Here are some of the water things that I use:
Katadyn Exstream Water Bottle Purifier
Advantages
Independent testing confirms bacteria, virus, and protozoan
reduction in accordance with the USEPA Guide Standard and
Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to consumption, after 2-hour pre-conditioning
step.
Simple and effective.
Disadvantages
Independent tests indicate device is highly affected by turbid
waters, requiring frequent filter replacements.
No data showing reduction efficacy of Cryptosporidium oocysts.
Device unable to be backwashed.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Katadyn Camp
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Field-serviceable.
Passive device requiring no user input.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Ceramic element fragile to shock loads and freezing.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Device requires hanging and cannot be used on the move on foot.
Katadyn Combi Microfilter
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Field-serviceable.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and, therefore, unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Ceramic element fragile to shock loads and freezing.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Katadyn Hiker Pro
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Activated carbon core should reduce taste and odors.
Simple and lightweight.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and, therefore, unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Device unable to be backwashed.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Katadyn Mini Microfilter
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Field-serviceable.
Simple and lightweight.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Ceramic element fragile to shock loads and freezing.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Katadyn Pocket Microfilter
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Field-serviceable.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Ceramic element fragile to shock loads and freezing.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Mountain Safety Research MiniWorks EX Microfilter
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Activated carbon core should reduce taste and odors.
Field-serviceable.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore, unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Ceramic element fragile to shock loads and freezing.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Mountain Safety Research SweetWater Microfilter
Advantages
Independent testing confirms bacteria, and cyst reduction in
accordance with the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol for
Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Activated carbon core should reduce taste and odors.
Field-serviceable.
Simple and lightweight.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required for virus reduction.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
McNett Frontier Emergency Water Filter System
Advantages
Expected to consistently provide adequate protection from Giardia
cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts, although device-specific
testing data using the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol for
Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers is not available.
No wait time prior to consumption.
Very simple to use.
Provides taste and odor reduction.
Disadvantages
Not expected to be consistently effective against bacteria and
viruses.
Reduced production capacity when using high turbidity water.
Not backwashable or cleanable.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Polar Equipment, Inc. Polar Pure Water Disinfectant
Advantages
 Although device-specific testing data using the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers is not available, Polar Pure is expected to consistently provide adequate protection from bacteria and viruses when used as directed.
 Very small and lightweight device capable of treating up to 2000 L.
 Simple and inexpensive to use.
 No adverse health effects expected in healthy adults with no iodine sensitivity.
Disadvantages
 Not effective against Cryptosporidium oocysts. Additional treatment is necessary.
 Not consistently effective against Giardia cysts. Recommend increased wait times (90-120 minutes) and dosage (8 mg/L) to provide adequate protection from Giardia cysts.
 Not recommended for use by pregnant women or people with iodine sensitivity.
 Does not remove or reduce particulate matter and can impart color and medicinal taste.
 Requires user subjectivity with respect to evaluating cloudiness (turbidity) and temperatur
Katadyn MICROPUR MP 1 Emergency Drinking Water Tablets
Advantages
 Independent testing using the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers confirms the device consistently provides 6-log bacteria, 4-log virus, 3-log Giardia, and 3-log Cryptosporidium inactivation under most water quality conditions expected.
 Very small and lightweight.
 Simple and inexpensive to use.
 No adverse health effects expected in healthy adults from short-term use.
Disadvantages
 Minimum 4-hour wait time required for adequate treatment. Recommend longer wait time for treating colder waters (< 10º C) to ensure adequate Cryptosporidium inactivation.
 Does not reduce or remove particulate matter.
 Requires user subjectivity with respect to water temperature and cloudiness.
 May cause adverse health effects in children, infants, and fetuses from short-term use.
Hydro-Photon, Inc. SteriPEN
Advantages
 Small and lightweight.
 Very simple to use.
 No adverse health effects expected when used as directed.
Disadvantages
 Intended for treating clear waters only.
 Independent data showed that this device is not capable of adequately reducing virus based on surrogate testing. Additional treatment required.
 Does not reduce or remove particulate matter.
Information about purifiers and disinfectants that works (and doesn't work)
Here are some of the water things that I use:
Katadyn Exstream Water Bottle Purifier
Advantages
Independent testing confirms bacteria, virus, and protozoan
reduction in accordance with the USEPA Guide Standard and
Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to consumption, after 2-hour pre-conditioning
step.
Simple and effective.
Disadvantages
Independent tests indicate device is highly affected by turbid
waters, requiring frequent filter replacements.
No data showing reduction efficacy of Cryptosporidium oocysts.
Device unable to be backwashed.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Katadyn Camp
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Field-serviceable.
Passive device requiring no user input.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Ceramic element fragile to shock loads and freezing.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Device requires hanging and cannot be used on the move on foot.
Katadyn Combi Microfilter
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Field-serviceable.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and, therefore, unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Ceramic element fragile to shock loads and freezing.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Katadyn Hiker Pro
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Activated carbon core should reduce taste and odors.
Simple and lightweight.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and, therefore, unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Device unable to be backwashed.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Katadyn Mini Microfilter
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Field-serviceable.
Simple and lightweight.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Ceramic element fragile to shock loads and freezing.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Katadyn Pocket Microfilter
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Field-serviceable.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Ceramic element fragile to shock loads and freezing.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Mountain Safety Research MiniWorks EX Microfilter
Advantages
Based on treatment technology and independent data reviewed,
this device should be capable of reducing bacteria and cysts to
within the requirements of the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Activated carbon core should reduce taste and odors.
Field-serviceable.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore, unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
Ceramic element fragile to shock loads and freezing.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Mountain Safety Research SweetWater Microfilter
Advantages
Independent testing confirms bacteria, and cyst reduction in
accordance with the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol for
Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers.
No wait time prior to water consumption.
Activated carbon core should reduce taste and odors.
Field-serviceable.
Simple and lightweight.
End of device useful life indicator.
Disadvantages
Device is not designed for virus reduction and therefore unable to
fully meet the pathogen reduction requirements of the USEPA
Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water
Purifiers.
Additional treatment required for virus reduction.
Small pore size of filter makes device inherently susceptible to
clogging by waters with elevated turbidities.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
McNett Frontier Emergency Water Filter System
Advantages
Expected to consistently provide adequate protection from Giardia
cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts, although device-specific
testing data using the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol for
Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers is not available.
No wait time prior to consumption.
Very simple to use.
Provides taste and odor reduction.
Disadvantages
Not expected to be consistently effective against bacteria and
viruses.
Reduced production capacity when using high turbidity water.
Not backwashable or cleanable.
No real-time indicator of process failure.
Polar Equipment, Inc. Polar Pure Water Disinfectant
Advantages
 Although device-specific testing data using the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers is not available, Polar Pure is expected to consistently provide adequate protection from bacteria and viruses when used as directed.
 Very small and lightweight device capable of treating up to 2000 L.
 Simple and inexpensive to use.
 No adverse health effects expected in healthy adults with no iodine sensitivity.
Disadvantages
 Not effective against Cryptosporidium oocysts. Additional treatment is necessary.
 Not consistently effective against Giardia cysts. Recommend increased wait times (90-120 minutes) and dosage (8 mg/L) to provide adequate protection from Giardia cysts.
 Not recommended for use by pregnant women or people with iodine sensitivity.
 Does not remove or reduce particulate matter and can impart color and medicinal taste.
 Requires user subjectivity with respect to evaluating cloudiness (turbidity) and temperatur
Katadyn MICROPUR MP 1 Emergency Drinking Water Tablets
Advantages
 Independent testing using the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers confirms the device consistently provides 6-log bacteria, 4-log virus, 3-log Giardia, and 3-log Cryptosporidium inactivation under most water quality conditions expected.
 Very small and lightweight.
 Simple and inexpensive to use.
 No adverse health effects expected in healthy adults from short-term use.
Disadvantages
 Minimum 4-hour wait time required for adequate treatment. Recommend longer wait time for treating colder waters (< 10º C) to ensure adequate Cryptosporidium inactivation.
 Does not reduce or remove particulate matter.
 Requires user subjectivity with respect to water temperature and cloudiness.
 May cause adverse health effects in children, infants, and fetuses from short-term use.
Hydro-Photon, Inc. SteriPEN
Advantages
 Small and lightweight.
 Very simple to use.
 No adverse health effects expected when used as directed.
Disadvantages
 Intended for treating clear waters only.
 Independent data showed that this device is not capable of adequately reducing virus based on surrogate testing. Additional treatment required.
 Does not reduce or remove particulate matter.
