Because the quality of your water and the efficiency of the filter’s filtration capacity can only be guaranteed for a usage capacity equivalent to 3 months.
Our quality parameters for filtering substances and contaminants are above 95% in most cases (depending on the type of contaminant it is higher, for instance, with chlorine filtration efficiency is at 99%).
The filtration of contaminants such as pesticides and herbicides, VOCs, and microplastics don’t meet our quality parameters after 3 months of usage.
If you use your cartridge beyond 3 months, filtration efficiency will decay below our minimum standards.
Besides the mentioned absorption and efficiency aspects, also keep in mind that carbon is an organically based material that provides a breeding ground for microorganisms on which bacteria can multiply over time.
These bacteria build up behind the filter and contaminate the water in the pipe system. This is normal for all activated carbon filters, regardless of whether you live alone or with many people, or if the filter hasn’t been used for some time.
A quick reminder in case you don't use the filter for a couple of days: flush for 30 seconds before consumption to avoid bacteria intake.
The actual capacity of our filters:
Our cartridges are highly effective at absorbing the smallest substances, contaminants, and particles (1-2 microns) for 3 months in a household of up to 6 people.
During 3 months our cartridges can filter up to 1200 liters of water, which is equivalent to 400 liters per month or approximately 13 liters per day.
This amount of water per day perfectly enables you to use your filtered tap water not only for direct consumption but also for cooking, preparing hot beverages, your beloved pets and even watering your indoor plants.
In order to give a little context on how we got to 3 months, it’s important to understand that the quality of filtration is directly proportional to 2 factors: the quality of the tap water being filtered and the quantity of the water that has been filtered so far.
This means that if the water is heavily contaminated, or if you live in a household of more than 6 people, we recommend changing the cartridge every 2 months.
After 3 months: Adsorption capacity loss and bacteria growth
3 months after tap water first ran through the filter the growth of bacteria will increase, the carbon block saturates with contaminants and the filter loses its adsorption capacity, which means that, from a microbiological and filtration efficiency point of view, both the quality and safety of your filtered water can no longer be guaranteed.
The primary function of a water filter is to prevent different rusts and substances from entering your water.
All of these contaminants being sieved by the filter don’t go anywhere.
They eventually clog the filter, and after a prolonged time (+3 months) you end up drinking all of the contaminants your filter has managed to filter previously.
The carbon block incorporated in our filters is an organically based material that provides a good breeding ground for microorganisms on which bacteria can multiply over time.
Organic material, room temperature, and moisture are perfect conditions for common bacterial growth like E. Coli, Staph, and Salmonella.
These bacteria build up behind the filter and contaminate the water in the pipe system. This is normal for all activated carbon filters, regardless of whether you live alone or with many people, or if the filter hasn’t been used for some time.
How to ensure filtration quality at all times?
When you maintain your filter properly and change the cartridge at least every 3 months, the taste of your water remains consistent and you will stay satisfied with the purity and quality of your filtered water.
And also, learn to trust your own taste buds. If the water doesn't taste as good after, say, 2.5 months – change the cartridge! Just make sure you never go beyond the 3 months maximum capacity.
And last but not least, a quick reminder in case you don't use the filter for a couple of days: flush for 30 seconds before consumption to avoid bacteria intake!
