With the Brita, Pur and Rubbermaid micro-filters being so popular, it seems like they would be useful to have, even if Y2K is just a bump. Rubber-maid even has a line of low-cost water-bottles (< $10) with replaceable built-in filters.

Yes, I realize that activated-charcoal has its limits (that is why I also have Katadyn, and will stock-up on unscented bleach) but does anyone know:

• Is the little bit of charcoal that comes out of the filter bad for you? Naturally, I would let the filter rinse-out a bit when new, but once the filter is in use, it still puts out some charcoal dust. Is this stuff bad for you?
• Any thoughts on the Brita Pitcher vs. the Pur Pitcher?

-- Anonymous99 (Anonymous99@anonymous.com), February 11, 1999

Answers

Un-scented bleach? Where on earth do you buy that?

-- Bumble Bee (bumble@icanect.net), February 11, 1999.

Um, Anon means bleach without scent added--you can buy lemon- and pine-scented, you know. Still chokes you and makes your eyes water, but it smells better doing it. You need plain, unscented bleach for sterilizing your water.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), February 11, 1999.

Pretty sure the charcoal won't hurt you. In fact, a standard treatment for poisoning is to feed the victim a bunch of activated charcoal.

-- Shimrod (shimrod@lycosmail.com), February 11, 1999.

For anyones infomation ... You need only one cap full (= to 1 tbs) to kill all the protozoa ( The 'Real Bugs ) in a gallon of pond/stream water. NOT guarenteed if someones septic is overflowing .. UP stream !! Eagle

-- Harold Walker (e999eagle@freewwweb.com), February 11, 1999.

I have done some pretty intense study on water purification. Activated charcoal only takes the chlorine taste out of the water it provides minimal purification. One of the best options for purification is reverse osmosis. The unit I use purifies my water to about 25 parts per million of dissolved solids. My water comes out of the tap at 700 PPM. RO requires no electricity however it is somewhat of a water waster. There are hand held pumps on the market that do a good job of water purification, these pumps can be reused by changing their filter. You should be able to find them in some of the back packing stores and at the bigger sporting goods stores. I hope this helps Tman

-- Tman (Tman@IBAgeek.com), February 11, 1999.