Water filters, such as the Katadyn, or First Need, cannot turn sea water into drinkable water. To do that you need to either distill the water, or
process it with reverse osmosis filtration systems. Turning sea water into drinking water is not an easy thing to do. Never drink salt water. It will
dry you out, make you sick, and in some cases even kill you.
First Need uses a carbon matrix filter. It is good for about 125 gals of water. After that you need to replace it for about $48 US. Katadyn uses a
ceramic filter that is impregnated with silver. It is good for about 13,000 gallons. There are also Katadyn models that use replaceable carbon filters
in addition to a ceramic one. Carbon filters need to be replaced more often as the carbon only works so long. Carbon Filters are often called
"Activated Carbon" or "Activated Charcoal" They filter out bad taste, and some Chemicals.
If you are worried about viral contamination, you are far better to get immunized than to try filtering. Viral filtering is a bit iffy, and you have
to be extremely careful not to get the contaminated water on your hands, on the drinking bottle, on other parts of the filter, etc. You then need to
throw away your carbon filter even if it is brand new. Cross contamination in a viral situation, is very common. Laboratories go to extreme lengths to
avoid viral contamination. Most situations where you need to filter water no where near match laboratory conditions so you are better off getting
immunized and thus avoiding the risk.
[edit on 11-1-2007 by Terapin]
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One of the most common problems with drinking unfiltered water is Giardia. It is caused by small protozoa's and results in chronic diarrhea. In an
emergency or survival situation Giardia can be cured with garlic. I know of people who have done this and it does indeed work. Here are two articles
on the subject of curing Giardia with Garlic:
Infection Benefits from Garlic
Micro Biology Abstract on using Garlic as a cure for Giardia
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The Mini
It's time for me to replace my aging pur filter. My research also tells me the katadyn is the way to go. I am torn between the pocket model and the
mini model. They both seem to have the same specs except the poket model is more rugged and has a higher capacity compared to the mini. I need to buy
two of them. The cost differance isn't an issue only the size and weight. Anybody have any experiances with the mini they would care to share.
the mini's 2000 gallon filter would provide one person enough drinkable water for about 2-3 years. I would think that would be sufficient in a
survival situation but I'm wandering about the durability of the mini.
Thanks
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