Water is the driving force of all nature. – Leonardo da Vinci
According to the World Health Organization, more than 3.4 million people will die this year as the result of waterborne illnesses. This is to say nothing of the millions more who will suffer non-fatal bouts of sickness as the result of drinking untreated water. Clean water is obviously necessary for life and has precipitated a host of products over the years, but many of these devices are complex, delicate, expensive, bulky, and all too often––ineffective. Swiss manufacturer, Vestergarrd Frandsen set out to design a simple filter which could be used by anyone, and acquired at a reasonable price. They released their LifeStraw in 2005 and quickly dispatched it to some of the most water challenged regions of the world. It performed beautifully, and since then as won a number of awards like Time Magazine’s “Invention of the Year.”
LifeStraw is a small filtration system designed to remove 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and protozoan parasites. This includes all of the common pathogens like ecoli, giardia, cryptosporidium, and other similar hazards. It can filter up to 264 gallons of water, removing particulates down to 0.2 microns. It weighs just 2 ounces, has no moving parts, uses no chemicals, and at only 9 inches in length easily fits into a pocket or emergency bag. Best of all, it costs less than 25 bucks.
Over the years, I have tested a number of straw-type filters. The promise is always enticing, but the delivery on that promise is frequently lacking. My most common complaint with these types of filters is the effort involved to get water to easily pass through the straw. Even if the first gallon goes well, mild water turbidity can clog the filter. The result is a frustrating effort more likely to implode your head than deliver a thirst quenching drink. To my surprise, the LifeStraw has not suffered this affliction. Water flow has remained effortless and consistent over several gallons of use. That alone makes the low asking price of the LifeStraw a no brainer. The construction is surprisingly stout, the protective caps are solid and stay put, and overall, the user experience has surpassed my expectations.
These types of filtration systems do have their limitations. They aren’t ideal for large group settings where big volumes of water are needed for cooking, cleaning and rehydrating several people. The LifeStraw is however a great option as a backup or emergency filter, and also makes for a great travel system. If you don’t trust your water in that third world restaurant, use the LifeStraw.
Given the awards it has received, the lives it has improved, and the low asking price of just 25 bucks, it’s hard not to fully recommend the LifeStraw.
