Ecofiltro: An Eco-Friendly Solution for Pure Water at Home

For over 25 years, I have been filtering water at home. I have tried numerous water filters, some expensive, others sold at affordable prices.

I have never routinely drunk tap water, nor have I ever bought packs of bottles. Just like producing various homemade raw preparations, it is clear to me that filtering your water just before drinking it is THE way to have the purest and most vibrant water possible.

Access to quality drinking water is a major challenge of our time, where nearly 2 billion people live without secure water at home (WHO, 2020). This situation raises concerns not only about public health but also about the environment and social equity on a global scale. Pollution by a myriad of chemicals indeed raises questions...

After years of trying numerous systems, among the innovative alternatives we discovered during two stays in Costa Rica, the Ecofiltro stands out as an ecological low-tech solution that addresses these issues and also meets our social concerns, as this company has a genuine social involvement in its country of manufacture, Guatemala. This filtration device uses activated charcoal and colloidal silver to purify water, providing an effective method to make water drinkable (this is how the filter is used in Costa Rica) and improve domestic water quality.

What is the role of water in our body?

Our body is composed of about 60% water (more or less depending on age and muscle and fat mass). All our cells are immersed in a water-rich environment (called extracellular fluid), and their interior is also composed of water (called intracellular fluid). It is therefore essential to drink quality water in sufficient quantity for the proper functioning of our body. Indeed, cellular and tissue dehydration contributes to the clogging and acidification of the body, a favorable ground for inflammation and the development of diseases. Water is indeed essential for the main excretory organs¹ such as the intestines and kidneys in their elimination process.

What about so-called "drinking" water?

The potability of water today is based on several criteria, including physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, ionic composition, presence of undesirable elements like pesticides, etc.), organoleptic (taste, smell, color), and microbiological (various pathogens). Drinking water is defined as "water that can be consumed or used for domestic and industrial purposes without health risk." This does not necessarily mean that water without health risk is good for health. This definition should introduce the concept of "primum non nocere", meaning to do no harm to health, a concept dear to Hippocrates, the father of natural, non-intrusive medicine. Thus, the previously mentioned potability criteria do not take into account micropollutants, synergies between certain pollutants that produce "cocktail effects" (chlorine, nitrates, pesticides, etc.), or the bioaccumulation in the body of substances present in low doses in water like endocrine disruptors, not to mention nanoplastics and microplastics, the next health scandal.

It is therefore recommended to avoid drinking tap water directly without any improvement, even if it is potable from a physical and chemical standpoint (you won't get sick from bacterial contamination or poisoning). Indeed, drinking water pipes do not really make you want to consume the water that comes from them. Therefore, it is important to prioritize the consumption of quality, "biocompatible" water.

• pure (without bacteria),
• slightly acidic pH (between 6 and 7),
• non-oxidized nor oxidizing (rH23 less than 28),
• mineralized but not too much. This point is important because distilled or osmosis water no longer contains any minerals, and you end up with water

Chlorine, widely used to destroy bacteria in tap water, is a very powerful oxidant (rH2 close to 42). Let's remember here that humans are more bacterial than cellular beings... so it raises questions about consuming chlorinated water! Moreover, chlorine can combine with other compounds present in the water and create by-products like chloramine and trihalomethanes, some of which are classified as "possible carcinogens" (group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Several studies indeed suggest a link between certain trihalomethanes and various cancers, including colon cancer4, and pancreatic cancer5.

What are the disadvantages of osmosis water and distilled water?

I consumed osmosis water in the 1990s (it was one of the only systems available at the time) for several years before turning away from it to return to more natural systems. My personal opinion is that osmosis water or distilled water are almost solvents that are relevant to use in certain situations in the short term, such as during a detox period, for example. But in the long run, it is water that is too aggressive for the body if it does not undergo a natural remineralization process after filtration.

Reverse osmosis and distillation are processes that indeed allow obtaining extremely "pure" waters, very low in minerals, or even too low in minerals. Indeed, these waters, although pure, are unstable: from an atomic point of view, the electrons of the outer shell tend to migrate towards oxygen (O--) leaving hydrogen (H+). This potential electronic "availability" makes the water molecule (H2O) very affine for multiple substances: in the body, it is eager for everything, both good and bad, in search of its stability. Thus, water that is too low in minerals can be used for cleaning cures to play the role of a solvent temporarily. But it should not be consumed exclusively every day, at the risk of demineralizing the body in the long term.

Reverse osmosis and distillation are not processes found in nature.

Here are some disadvantages of consuming water that is no longer or almost no longer mineralized:

• Absence of essential minerals: This water does not contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, or potassium, which are normally present in drinking water. These minerals are essential for health and proper body function. Drinking only demineralized water in the long term can deprive the body of these important nutrients.
  
  
• Disruptive effect on the body: Water with too few minerals has a low electrolyte content. When consumed, it can dilute the electrolytes in the body, such as sodium and potassium, thus disrupting the electrolyte balance necessary for various bodily functions, like hydration regulation and nerve function.
  
  
• Corrosive action: Water that is too low in minerals is more chemically "pure," making it more aggressive to the materials it comes into contact with. Due to the absence of dissolved ions, it can lead to the dissolution of minerals in body tissues, teeth, and bones in the medium term when consumed exclusively.
  
  
• Increased risk of osmotic imbalance: Drinking water that is too low in minerals can also affect the osmotic pressure in the body. Demineralized water can cause an excessive release of minerals from cells to restore balance, which could disrupt bodily homeostasis and cause cellular dehydration.
  
  
• Unpleasant taste: This water often has a flat or unpleasant taste, as it is generally the dissolved minerals in water that give it a pleasant taste. This taste can discourage drinking enough water, which could lead to dehydration.

So, what water should you drink?

We should also avoid plastic bottled water, which has little vitality and is contaminated by tiny plastic particles (polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) in particular)⁶, with harmful consequences for our health. Indeed, an American study showed that out of 259 plastic water bottles purchased in 9 different countries and from 11 different brands, 93% of them were contaminated by microplastic particles⁷. Contaminants are less present in glass bottles, suggesting that part of it comes from the packaging and another part from the bottling process. It is therefore preferable to favor home filtration systems.

Today, after more than 30 years of water filtration experience, I still recommend, and have been for over twenty years, filtration systems using natural materials, ideally by gravity. We marketed such a Japanese filter for years before discovering the Ecofiltro, which is much more economical to purchase.

How does water filtration occur naturally in nature?

Water on Earth is in constant circulation according to a cycle called the water cycle. Rainwater can be considered distilled water at the moment it falls, as it is seawater and lake water that evaporates due to the sun's heat, then condenses in the cold atmosphere and falls again. When rain falls from the sky and saturates the soil, it flows and trickles through different layers (sand, pebbles, clay, humus, various rocks, etc.) where different filtration processes (physical, chemical, and biological) occur. It is thus filtered from various atmospheric impurity particles to become groundwater, naturally clean water. It is important to note that it is the combination of all the soil properties that allows this filtration.

You can indeed perform the following "home experiment" (which children will enjoy!) to illustrate the phenomenon: take three transparent containers and three funnels (or three plastic bottles cut in half to have the two previously mentioned parts). At the bottom of each funnel, place a piece of gauze found in your first aid kit, then fill the first funnel with gravel, the second with sand, and the last with activated charcoal. Prepare "dirty" water by mixing water, soil (1 tablespoon per liter of water), a few small grass twigs, and small pebbles. You can also add a few drops of food coloring. Pour the same amount of "dirty" water into the three funnels, let the water flow through, and observe the result in the light.

You will notice that the coarsest debris, like twigs and larger stones, are blocked by the three types of filters (gravel, sand, and activated charcoal). However, the gravel filter lets soil and coloring pass through, the sand filter traps most of the soil, and the activated charcoal does not trap the soil but removes some of the coloring.

If you repeat the experiment by stacking the three filters (activated charcoal at the bottom, sand in the middle, and gravel on top), you will notice that the filtration is much better because each layer has a specific function: mechanical filtration for gravel and sand, and chemical filtration by adsorption through the activated charcoal layer.

In nature, this double filtration is complemented by biological filtration thanks to plants and bacteria that develop on and in the soil. They absorb and transform some of the organic matter and pollutants carried by the water, such as nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals, etc.

Through this process of filtration in the soil, water also acquires vitality by coming into contact with the minerals in the soil contained in various rocks (the vibrational rate will depend on the mineral composition of the water, the geographical area of filtration, and the path taken by the water in vortex or spiral movements). This process makes water molecules more linear and structured so that they are more easily absorbable and more hydrating. These vital water molecules will act on the body's ionization processes: all natural elements have an electrical value, and this is true for our cells with the transmembrane potential. Indeed, cells are positively charged on the outside and negatively on the inside, generating a permanent current that only disappears upon cell death. This distribution of ions across the cell's plasma membrane is possible thanks to the osmotic balance in which water movements between the intra- and extracellular environments participate.

Importance of Access to Drinking Water at Home

The importance of access to drinking water at home is crucial for health and the environment. Having water that meets safety standards at home eliminates contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, most nano plastics, and bacteria, thus ensuring healthy water for consumption.

For me, the water distributed by our networks is indeed drinkable, and we can consider ourselves lucky, as not all countries have this opportunity. However, it is not necessarily a natural water of subtle quality because it has traveled through pipes with an unappealing appearance as seen above, and it has been under pressure, stored for days in water towers topped with dozens of relay antennas (impact studies will certainly emerge in 10 or 20 years, for our grandchildren), and at no point has it been in contact with natural materials or a filtration system composed of 100% natural materials.

The publication of the groundbreaking book "The Fourth Phase of Water" by Dr. Gerald Pollack shows how water is a living matrix and that applying physical and chemical purification processes without considering its subtle and vibrational qualities is a true scientific dead end, even if making water drinkable is already an undeniable public health advancement, let's agree on that.



Here are the physicochemical criteria for public drinking water in France, which allow water to be classified as drinkable:

Official Criteria for Drinking Water from the Public Network in France

In France, the criteria for drinking water from the public network are defined by strict regulations that follow the directives of the European Union and the World Health Organization (WHO). These criteria are established by precise standards, governed by the Public Health Code and set out in decrees and orders.

1. Microbiological Criteria

They ensure that the water is free from pathogenic organisms. The thresholds are defined in colony-forming units (CFU) or in number of cells per liter.

• Escherichia coli (E. coli): 0 CFU/100 mL (total absence).
• Enterococci: 0 CFU/100 mL (total absence).
• Clostridium perfringens (including spores): absence in 100 mL, only in certain specific situations.
• Total coliforms: very low or no tolerance depending on the context.

2. Chemical Criteria

The chemical substances present in the water must respect thresholds to avoid toxic risks. These values are expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or micrograms per liter (µg/L).

Heavy Metals:

• Lead: ≤ 10 µg/L.
• Arsenic: ≤ 10 µg/L.
• Mercury: ≤ 1 µg/L.
• Cadmium: ≤ 5 µg/L.

Nitrates and Nitrites:

• Nitrates (NO₃⁻): ≤ 50 mg/L.
• Nitrites (NO₂⁻): ≤ 0.1 mg/L (in treated water).

Pesticides and Organic Substances:

• Individual Pesticides: ≤ 0.1 µg/L per substance.
• Total Pesticides: ≤ 0.5 µg/L.
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): ≤ 0.1 µg/L.
• Benzene: ≤ 1 µg/L.
• Chlorides: ≤ 250 mg/L.

Other Chemical Compounds:

• Sulfates: ≤ 250 mg/L.
• Fluoride: ≤ 1.5 mg/L.
• Cyanides: ≤ 50 µg/L.
• Ammonium: ≤ 0.5 mg/L.

3. Physical Criteria

These criteria concern the appearance and other physical properties of the water, to ensure it is pleasant to drink and does not damage infrastructure.

• Turbidity (cloudiness): ≤ 4 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit).
• Color: no noticeable color (should be clear).
• Taste and Odor: no abnormal taste or odor.
• Temperature: not specified directly, but cold water is preferable.

4. Radiological Criteria

The water must not contain radionuclides in quantities dangerous to health. Levels are expressed in becquerels per liter (Bq/L).

• Radon: ≤ 100 Bq/L.
• Tritium: ≤ 100 Bq/L.
• Total Indicative Dose (TID, resulting from the presence of natural or artificial radioactivity): ≤ 0.1 mSv/year (millisievert per year).

5. pH Criteria

pH: between 6.5 and 9.5. The water should not be too acidic or too alkaline.

6. Chloride Concentration

Chloride: ≤ 250 mg/L (primarily to prevent corrosion and improve taste).

7. Water Hardness

Although not a health criterion, hardness (amount of calcium and magnesium) influences domestic comfort (scale). It is not strictly regulated, but in practice, a hardness of 15 to 25°fH (French degrees) is considered ideal.

8. Disinfection Criteria

The water must be disinfected to eliminate pathogens:

• Chlorine: the water may contain residual chlorine to ensure disinfection. The level must be sufficient for safety but not exceed certain thresholds, generally between 0.1 and 0.5 mg/L.

Monitoring and Control Standards

Public water distribution services are required to conduct regular checks to ensure the water meets these criteria. Depending on the size of the population served and the network, analyses are conducted on samples of raw water (before treatment) and drinking water.

Publication of Results

The results of the analyses are made available to the public and are often displayed at town halls or sent to subscribers by water companies.

Introduction to Ecofiltro, the Low-Tech Water Filter

The Ecofiltro embodies a remarkable innovation in the field of water filtration, achieving a synergy between ancestral traditions and scientific advancements, replicating the natural gravity filter system, and offering a water fountain with an excellent quality/price ratio. Created in Guatemala, the Ecofiltro stands out not only for its efficiency in purifying water but also for its commitment to sustainable development. The core of this unique filtration unit lies in its hybrid system combining clay and activated carbon + colloidal silver, a powerful combination that eradicates up to 99.9% of contaminants while preserving essential minerals for health.

At the forefront of technology, this eco-friendly water filter made from clay operates without the need for electricity or high pressure, making it an ideal choice for home or travel (no water or electrical network connection required). Its filter cartridge, more accurately described as a filtering pottery, is made solely from natural and biodegradable materials, demonstrating a commitment to eco-responsibility.

With a capacity of 5 liters or 20 liters and an estimated lifespan of 2 years for its filtering unit, the Ecofiltro represents a substantial economic alternative. Its cost of approximately €136 is favorably priced compared to the often high prices of competing filtration systems, making access to quality drinking water more affordable.

Its design, combining practicality and aesthetics, allows for harmonious integration into any type of kitchen. This aesthetic compromise does not overshadow its functionality, making the Ecofiltro both a useful and decorative element.

Beyond health, the Ecofiltro also reduces the ecological impact by decreasing the demand for bottled water, thereby reducing plastic waste.

In case of problems with municipal water supply, home water treatment systems ensure a reliable alternative source, such as rainwater or river water. This ensures a continuous supply without interruption.

The Ecofiltro is therefore an advanced water filtration solution that elegantly combines simplicity and efficiency. Its total storage capacity is 5 or 20 liters. The collection container can hold up to 6.5 liters of purified water in total for the 5-liter model.

This product is particularly suitable for an average family, with a filtration rate of 500 ml per hour, making it recommended for use by up to three people. A notable advantage of the Ecofiltro is its design, which ensures that the water only comes into contact with natural materials.

Adults and children can easily retrieve the filtered water thanks to the included stainless steel tap.

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Activated Carbon-Based Filtration

At the heart of many filtration solutions, the role of activated carbon is essential. By using the phenomenon of adsorption, the molecules of contaminants are attracted and trapped by the porous surface of activated carbon (9). This technique allows for the effective removal of various contaminants, including bacteria, chlorine, and lead particles.

The filtering mass trapped between the two layers of clay in the activated carbon filter exploits fine roughness that promotes an optimal level of filtration. Activated carbon can eliminate almost all chlorine and up to 95% of lead contained in water (two molecules often found), contributing to clean water quality for consumption.

With a major position in the global market, activated carbon filters make up about 20% of the water purification market, demonstrating their effectiveness and importance in an increasingly aware context of drinking water issues.

With its ability to transform the used filter into a plant pot after two years of use, the Ecofiltro demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development. Used by more than 700,000 families worldwide, this system has proven its effectiveness and reliability.

Scientific References:

1. Baker, R.W., "Membrane Technology and Applications", 3rd ed., John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2012.
2. Binnie, C., Kimber, M., & Smethurst, G., "Basic Water Treatment", 5th ed., Royal Society of Chemistry, 2009.
3. Johnson, S.P., et al., "Biodegradable Materials for Sustainable Water Treatment", Water Research, Vol. 45, Iss. 11, 2011.
4. Department of Economics and Social Affairs, United Nations., "The Human Right to Water and Sanitation", Media Brief, 2010.
5. Fang, L., Kim, J.H., Choi, H.J., & Su, C., "Removal of Microbial Contaminants from Water Using Carbon Nanotube-Based Filters", The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2008.
6. Li, L.., Quinlivan, P.A., & Knappe, D.R.U., "Effects of Activated Carbon Surface Chemistry and Pore Structure on the Adsorption of Organic Contaminants from Aqueous Solution", Carbon, vol. 40, no. 12, 2002.
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention., "Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage", 2008.
8. Daugherty, K.E., "Household Water Treatment Systems: A Solution to the Production of Safe Drinking Water by the Low-Income Communities of Southern Thailand", ProQuest, 2008.
9. Dąbrowski, A., "Adsorption — from theory to practice", Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, Vol. 93, Iss. 1-3, 2001.
10. Rivera-Utrilla, J., Sánchez-Polo, M., Gómez-Serrano, V., Álvarez, P.M., Alvim-Ferraz, M.C., & Dias, J.M., "Activated Carbon Modifications to Enhance Its Water Treatment Applications. An Overview", Journal of Hazardous Materials, vol. 187, no. 1-3, 2011.
11. West, loR., “Performance of granular activated carbon filters in drinking water treatment,” Bulletin of the World Health Organization, vol. 54, no. 3, 1976.
12. Rodriguez-Reinoso, F., "The role of carbon materials in heterogeneous catalysis", Carbon, vol. 36, no. 3, 1998

Improving Water Quality with Colloidal Silver

The Ecofiltro offers a tangible improvement in water quality. Thanks to its technology combining activated carbon, clay, and colloidal silver, this filter eliminates bacteria, viruses, and physico-chemical pollutants while respecting the environment. The silver layer plays a key role as an antimicrobial agent, ensuring that the water treated by the Ecofiltro meets the highest quality standards. Silver ions are well known for these specific properties.

Sustainable Alternative to Plastic Bottles

The Ecofiltro is an ecological response to the problem of plastic waste, especially those associated with bottled water. The filter not only eliminates the presence of various contaminants such as bacteria and microplastics but also reduces the consumption of plastic bottles. Additionally, the filtering pottery, with a lifespan of two years, can be upcycled into a plant or flower pot once used. With an attractive initial cost, especially compared to other systems on the market, the Ecofiltro offers a competitive and aesthetically pleasing filtration solution.

Long-term Financial Savings

In terms of financial savings, the Ecofiltro proves to be a strategic option in the long term. Since the price of bottled water can be between 100 and 200 times more expensive than tap water, using the Ecofiltro allows for significant savings. Unlike filtration systems that require costly filter cartridge replacements every 6 months to a year, the Ecofiltro only requires an initial investment every two years.

Comparison Table | Plastic Bottles vs Ecofiltro:

Challenges of Water Privatization

Social and Economic Implications

In such a context, Ecofiltro positions itself as a socially responsible actor. Initially founded as a non-profit organization and transitioned to a social enterprise model in 2009, Ecofiltro is committed to the path of a social and solidarity economy. The revenues generated from the sale of its filters in wealthier countries are used to subsidize the distribution of its filtration units in regions where access to drinking water is precarious. Their water purification model, designed by Fernando Mazariegos, relies on the use of easily accessible natural materials, promoting an approach that is both economical and environmentally friendly. As a certified B Corp company, Ecofiltro demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing carbon footprint and combating plastic pollution, integrating environmental and social objectives into its business strategy.

Impact on Access to Drinking Water

Ecofiltro redefines access to drinking water, enabling millions of people, particularly in Guatemala, to move away from the use of plastic bottles thanks to its innovative water filter. It thus prevents the death of a large number of children who still die today in Guatemala due to unsafe water.

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Consequences of Using Bottled Water

Bottled water, often perceived as a healthy and convenient alternative, hides concerning consequences affecting both public health and the environment. Indeed, a study revealed that nearly 30% of bottled water brands are subject to non-compliant purification treatments, posing a significant health risk to consumers. For example, residues of chlorothalonil, a pesticide banned since 2020 due to its harmful effects, have been detected in Evian water, casting doubt on the actual quality of bottled water (Public Health France, 2021; NRDC, 2020).

The situation is worsened by plastic pollution, as water bottles are major contributors to waste found on beaches and other ecosystems. More than 10% of the waste collected during coastal cleanups consists of plastic bottles and caps (Ocean Conservancy, 2020). The resources required to produce a one-liter bottle are colossal, including about 100 ml of oil and 42 liters of gas, resulting in a significant carbon impact (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2019).

In addition, the economic cost for the consumer is far from negligible. Bottled water can be up to 200 times more expensive than tap water, representing a significant financial burden for many households (Food & Water Watch, 2020).

Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution constitutes a major environmental crisis, responsible for the degradation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It is estimated that 93% of water samples analyzed contain microplastic particles, with often higher concentrations in bottled water due to the migration of plastic materials (WHO, 2019). In France, the figure is alarming: between 6 and 8 billion plastic bottles are sold annually, representing about 140,000 tons of plastic (ADEME, 2019).

This issue is observed on a global scale, with one million plastic bottles sold per second, thus contributing to global plastic pollution (National Geographic, 2020). The direct consequence for the consumer? An involuntary intake of 5 grams of plastic per week, equivalent to the weight of a credit card, through the consumption of water, beer, seafood, and salt (WWF International, 2019).

Environmental Cost

In contrast to bottled water, the Ecofiltro represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for water filtration. Ecofiltro mitigates the environmental impact related to energy consumption. The filter cartridges, made from natural and biodegradable materials, stand out as an ecological alternative to common plastic filters and containers. With a lifespan of two years, the Ecofiltro is advantageously distinguished from competing filtration systems that require frequent replacements, thus reducing the volume of waste generated.

Deconstructing Common Beliefs About Drinking Water

One of the biggest misconceptions about tap water is the belief that it is safe simply because it is declared potable by health authorities. However, tap water may contain traces of contaminants such as chlorine, pesticides, and heavy metals. These carcinogenic substances and endocrine disruptors, even at low concentrations, can accumulate in the body and pose health risks (Sapkota et al., 2008; WHO, 2011). Regarding bottled water, studies reveal the presence of plastic particles and the potential risk associated with plasticizers, questioning the safety of its consumption (Mason et al., 2018).

Common Myths

Many myths surround water filtration, the first being the effectiveness of cheap filters. Studies show that some filters purchased online are unreliable and do not properly filter contaminants (UFC Que Choisir, 2020). Despite their popularity, "basic" filter pitchers available in supermarkets have been criticized for their limited filtration capacity. Additionally, reverse osmosis filters and distillers can produce water devoid of minerals, requiring a remineralization step that is often overlooked.

Another myth concerns the absolute safety of bottled water. However, research indicates that bottled water is not free from contamination and may contain microplastics (Mason et al., 2018; Schymanski et al., 2018).

The very recent special report "Mineral Water in Troubled Waters" has largely highlighted these issues.

On the other hand, gravity filters like Ecofiltro, which use natural materials, are recognized for their ability to remove a large portion of contaminants while being a plastic-free and sustainable solution (Clasen et al., 2006).

Scientific References:

• Sapkota, A., et al. (2008). What do we feed to food-production animals? A review of animal feed ingredients and their potential impacts on human health. Environmental Health Perspectives.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2011). Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
• Mason, S. A., et al. (2018). Synthetic polymer contamination in bottled water. Frontiers in Chemistry.
• Kozisek, F. (2005). Health risks from drinking demineralised water. World Health Organization.
• UFC Que Choisir. (2020). Filter jugs: for purer water?
• Schymanski, D., et al. (2018). Analysis of microplastics in water by micro-Raman spectroscopy: Release of plastic particles from different packaging into mineral water. Water Research.
• Clasen, T., et al. (2006). Reducing diarrhea through the use of household-based ceramic water filters: A randomized, controlled trial in rural Bolivia. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
• Richardson, S. D., et al. (2007). Occurrence, Genotoxicity, and Carcinogenicity of Regulated and Emerging Disinfection by-products in drinking water : A review and roadmap for research. Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research.

FAQ on Water Filtration

Q: What is water filtration and why is it important?

A: Water filtration involves removing contaminants and impurities from water to make it safe for consumption. This is essential to ensure consumer health, as water can contain harmful substances like bacteria, chemicals, and unwanted particles.

Q: How can I find out about water pollution in my community?

A: To find out about the water quality in your community, you can consult the annual water quality report provided by your municipality. This report contains information on pollutant levels and the results of analyses conducted. You can also check websites dedicated to water quality or contact your local water supplier.

Q: What are the different water filtration systems available?

A: There are several water filtration systems available, including activated carbon filters in filter jugs (often questioned for their long-term effectiveness by consumer associations), under-sink filters, gravity filters, and reverse osmosis systems. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, effectiveness, and maintenance. For the best value filtration using only natural materials, a gravity system with activated carbon + silver ions like the Ecofiltro from Biovie will suffice.

Q: Are ceramic beads effective for filtering water?

A: Ceramic beads are often presented as an extremely low-cost way to improve water quality, but their effectiveness is not based on any proven scientific study, unlike other economical systems like activated carbon filters (such as the Ecofiltro from Biovie). Regarding ceramic beads, although there are user testimonials, it is important to consult real scientific studies before making any purchase.

Q: What is the difference between a gravity filter and a reverse osmosis system?

R: A gravity filter uses the force of gravity to pass water through a filtering material (such as activated carbon impregnated with active silver for Biovie's Ecofiltro), while a reverse osmosis system uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants. Reverse osmosis systems generally offer comprehensive filtration where only H2O is left at the output, but they are much more expensive and require regular maintenance, and osmosis or distilled water no longer contains minerals or trace elements.

Q: Which filtration system is most suitable for domestic use?

R: The choice depends on your specific needs. For the best quality-price ratio filtration with only natural materials, a gravity system like Biovie's Ecofiltro will be more than sufficient. For more precise filtration, an under-sink reverse osmosis system might be more suitable, although its cost and maintenance needs should be considered, as well as the fact that osmosis or distilled water no longer contains minerals or trace elements.