LifeStraw Family 1.0

The LifeStraw Family 1.0 filter is the same as all LifeStraw filters, which achieves ultrafiltration via hollow fiber technology whereby water is forced through narrow fibers under high pressure.

When untreated water is poured into the feed water bucket, the textile prefilter removes coarse particles larger than 80µm. Gravity pushes the water with particles finer than 80µm to flow down the plastic hose towards the purification cartridge. The purification cartridge, which contains a hollow-fiber membrane of 20nm porosity, stops all particles larger than 20nm and bacteria, protozoa, and other contaminants are trapped inside the hollow fibers and are flushed out by backwashing.

For the pilot project in Kenya, LifeStraw Family units are monitored by trained community representatives employed by Vestergaard. LifeStraw users must be trained on the operation and maintenance of the units. Representatives conduct visits to homes to analyze and report on units that are not operating normally.^{Interview with representative} 

Customer support offices are available to help all LifeStraw filter users.

Guaranteed up to 18,000 Liters (4,750 Gallons). According to Vestergaard, enough to supply clean drinking water for a family of five for up to 3 years.

A number of laboratory studies and health impact and field studies have been carried out:

A laboratory assessment of a gravity-fed ultrafiltration water treatment device designed for household use in low-income settings was funded by Vestergaard Fransen, and ran by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and University of Arizona. It is the independent laboratory that tested and produced these results via EPA Protocol and Guide Standard for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers. It is part of LifeStraw Family Evidence Dossier (available by request)

LifeStraw® Family Quality Inspection is completed by Intertek in Vietnam.

“Assessment of the LifeStraw Family Unit using the World Health Organization Guidelines for “Evaluating Household Water Treatment Options: Health-based Targets and Performance Specifications”, 2011. by the University of Arizona Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science. Authors: Jaime Naranjo, B. S. and Charles P. Gerba, Ph.D.

Rotavirus Reduction by LifeStraw Family 1.0 Filters, 2013 by the University of Arizona Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science. Authors: Jaime Naranjo, B. S. and Charles P. Gerba, Ph.D.

Confirmation of 20 nanometer pore size by Para Membranes Co. Ltd, Korea

Contamination of filtered water is possible with exposed/improper handling and storage.