Lifestraw and Lifesaver Water Filters

Too much of the world lacks access to clean drinking water. Engineer Michael Pritchard did something about it and invented the portable Lifesaver filter. Lifesaver can make the most revolting water drinkable in seconds, and lasts for up to 6,000 liters.  It removes all viruses and bacteria regardless of the type of water used, exceeding the EPAs Microbiological Reduction Requirements.

Michael reports that the bottle is currently used by thousands of people around the world. When the filter cartridge is expired the system shuts off using failsafe technology and protecting the user. A new cartridge can be easily replaced for another 6,000 liters of water. 

“Before Lifesaver, the best hand filters were only capable of filtering down to about 200 nanometers. The smallest bacteria is about 200 nanometers. So a 200-nanometer bacteria is going to get through a 200-nanometer hole. The smallest virus, on the other hand, is about 25 nanometers. So that’s definitely going to get through those 200 nanometer holes. Lifesaver pores are 15 nanometers. So nothing is getting through.”

“The same technology, in a jerry can. This will process 25,000 liters of water; that’s good enough for a family of four, for three years. And how much does it cost? About half a cent a day to run. Thank you.”

You can watch Michael make his presentation at this TED Conference:

You can also watch this informative video: