Portable Water Purifier vs Portable Water Filter

Portable Water Purifier are self-contained units that can be used by recreational enthusiasts, military personnel, survivalists, and others who must obtain drinking water from untreated sources (e.g., rivers, lakes, etc.). The objective of these personal devices is to render unchlorinated water potable (that is, safe for drinking purposes). Portable water purifiers and filters come in many variations. It can be overwhelming to have to look through all the options and alternatives. I wanted to put this guide together to provide a quick overview on your options when choosing the right portable water purifier and/or filter for your needs.

What is the difference between a portable water purifier and a portable water filter?

They both operate on the same basic premise and mechanical-based process. Purifiers typically remove bacteria (such as campylobacter jejuni), protozoan cysts (such as giardia lamlia) and viruses (such as hepatitis A) from contaminated water. Portable water filters remove bacteria and protozoan cysts only and do not remove viruses. Viruses are too tiny to be trapped by only a filter; water purifiers cause water to interact with iodine which can render viruses inactive. Viruses are less prevalent in North American water and are a greater threat in developing countries. Basically, purifiers just add an additional layer of protection over portable water filters. It is also important to look at the filter pore size of purifiers and filters. Pore size is an industry standard measurement. Typically bacteria cannot get through anything .2 microns or smaller although .3 and .4 microns may be adequate in many circumstances.

What are the different types of filters available?

• Ceramic: the longest lasting type of medium that can be cleaned many times before replacement
• Ceramic with carbon: same as above but can filter out the taste of halogens and some organic chemicals and pesticides/herbicides
• Fiberglass: similar to ceramic in effectiveness but does not last as long
• Structured matrix: A honeycombed material that is good at capturing pathogens
• Iodine resin: A chemical layer that is integrated with filtering to deactivate (not remove) viruses

These are several water purifiers and several water filters on the market:
    

      

Differences between water purifiers and water filters

There are several factors built into the price when it comes to portable water purifiers and filters. Water purifiers offer more protection but may cost more. How cleanable the device is in the field, the longevity of the device and filter, and the pore size of the filter are extremely important. Take a close look at specifications. Pump force is another factor to consider. Some have a higher (harder to pump) rating than others. However, often the trade-off is a longer lasting filter. The type of filter also is reflected in its price.

Hopefully this introduction will help you gain some insight to portable purifiers and filters and how they function.