Emergency Water Filters: A Closer Look
MSR Team
Any large-scale disruption reminds us that it's important to have a solid emergency kit in preparation for the unpredictable. While the coronavirus has not been detected in drinking water supplies, we've received many questions from you about emergency water filters. To help, we’re taking a closer look at MSR's lineup, and explaining which filters and purifiers make the ideal additions to your at-home disaster kits. Water treatment is a complicated science, but understanding the basics will help you to pick the filter or purifier that's right for you.
Emergency Water Filters and Purifiers
Filter or purifier?
Before we dive in, it’s important to know the difference between a water filter and purifier. A filter (more accurately, a microfilter) is designed to physically remove two types of waterborne microorganisms: bacteria and protozoa. In contrast, a purifier is designed to either kill or physically remove all three waterborne pathogens: bacteria, protozoa and viruses. Thus, to combat viruses, you need a purifier. Or, you can couple a microfilter with a purifying agent.Purifiers
Guardian™ Purifier
Effective against: Viruses, bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, dirt Flow rate: 2.5 L per minute Style: Hand pump Best for: 2-4 people; choosing one device that works for backcountry, international travel and emergency use Originally developed to keep military service members safe in the field, the Guardian purifier is the world’s most advanced portable purifier. Because it uses hollow fiber technology, it physically strains out contaminants, including viruses. As such, it's a purifier that's as easy to use as a traditional microfilter. Built to military specifications, the Guardian’s robust housing withstands challenging environments and the purifier has been tested to NSF Protocol P248, the military standard for microbiological purifiers. In addition, the pump self-cleans, which allows it to handle demanding water types without clogging. Given its speed—2.5 liters per minute—the Guardian is the ultimate tool for doubling as both a backcountry and emergency kit treatment device.
Guardian™ Gravity Purifier
Effective against: Viruses, bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, dirt, tastes, odors and chemicals Flow rate: Up to 1 L per 2 minutes with optimal system setup Style: Gravity Best for: 2-6 people depending on needs; choosing one device that works for backcountry, international travel and emergency use The Guardian Gravity uses the same advanced technologies as the original pump purifier in a high-volume, hands-free design to deliver purified water on demand. Like its predecessor, this gravity version uses 0.02-micron hollow fiber media to purify but adds a carbon component to help pull out chemicals, tastes and odors. It’s also the only gravity purifier to offer NSF Protocol P248 certified protection with such a fast flow rate. It delivers up to a liter of clean water in two minutes—that’s 2.5 times faster than the next closest competitor. The 10-liter collection bag makes it great for groups who need enough water each day for drinking, cooking, and/or hygiene. To read the complete guide, click here.
MiniWorks® EX Purifier System
Effective against: Viruses, bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, dirt, chemicals, tastes, odors Flow rate: 1 liter per minute Style: Hand pump Best for: 1-2 people; provides the flexibility to use the purification tablets only when needed Our best-selling microfilter now comes bundled with Aquatabs purification tablets. This workhorse filter handles demanding water types and is fully field-maintainable. It features a ceramic element for filtering out bacteria, protozoa and particulate, and a carbon element for reducing chemicals and tastes. The Aquatabs tablets add defense against viruses. After filtering the water, simply drop an Aquatabs tablet into the water wait 30 minutes. This combo gives you the flexibility to use the purification tablets only when you need them.
Aquatabs® Purification Tablets
Effective against: Viruses, bacteria, protozoa Treatment time: 30-minute wait time while chlorine kills microbes Style: Chlorine-based tablet Best for: 1-2 people; adding defense against viruses to any microfilter Aquatabs purification tablets make great emergency backup treatment solutions. Ultralight, compact and protected in individual packaging, they’re easy to toss into an emergency kit (or a backpack). Use them after filtering your water in order to combat viruses. Each year, Aquatabs treat billions of gallons of water, providing a trusted solution for backpackers, relief agencies and defense forces around the world. Given their convenience, there’s no reason you shouldn’t stash a pack away for those “just in case” times.Microfilters
MSR Home Emergency Water Filter Kit
Effective against: Bacteria, protozoa, dirt, microplastics, chemicals, tastes, odors Flow rate: Depends on your spigot Style: Attaches to standard-threaded home spigots Best for: Treating home drinking water if municipal systems are compromised, such as during city boil orders MSR’s Home Emergency Water Filter Kit offers a convenient way to treat your home drinking water if it's ever contaminated. For example, if the municipal water treatment system is compromised, the city might issue a boil order. This kit allows you to treat the water flowing from your spigot to make it drinkable. The kit’s adapter threads onto standard outdoor spigots, including those often found on backyard cisterns. The microfilter uses hollow fiber technology to remove bacteria, protozoa and particulates, while activated carbon reduces chemicals and tastes. To combat viruses, simply add two drops of bleach to a gallon of treated water and wait 30 minutes. The kit is protected in hermetically sealed packaging to ensure it's ready after long-term storage. Used by the U.S. military for more than a decade, this microfilter provides an alternative to storing weeks’ worth of bottled water as you prepare for unexpected disasters.Water Research at MSR
We hope this breakdown helps you navigate your options for smart water treatment solutions. At MSR, we’re home to an on-site water research lab staffed by treatment scientists and microbiologists. Their expertise arms our team with a high level of knowledge for developing reliable and effective water treatment devices.Check out these articles to learn more:
