I saw a straw that purifies water, while the person is drinking it, on a t.v. show a while back.

Are these available to the public or are they reserved for places like Africa and Afghanistan?

I ask because the show talked about this straw's use in underdeveloped African nations, and it seemed the technology might be reserved for those areas only.

Anyone know?

It's called the Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter Straw...It runs about $10 and you can buy it online at a variety of places (rei.com, amazon.com, and from the manufacturer's website: http://aquamira.com/emergency/aquamira-frontier-filter/

Our Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter Straw System is the ideal "just in case" filter for emergency use when traveling, hiking and fishing. Also ideal as a backup filter for multi-day backpacking trips. The Frontier Filter can be used to drink from any bottle or cup, or directly from water sources. Removes contaminates down to 2 microns in size including wide spread pathogens such as giardia, cryptosporidium and large bacteria. Frontier's ultra lightweight and compact package size fits in the smallest day pack, waist pack or pocket.

Our ultra light and compact Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter Straw System easily slips into a day pack, waist pack or travel luggage and is ready when you need it. Frontier is the perfect 'just in case' back-up filter. Carry the Frontier Filter as a back up on multi-day backpacking trips in case larger pump filters clog or become damaged. The Frontier Filter can also be used in conjunction with chemical treatments for maximum protection.

The Frontier Filter can be used to drink from any water bottle, cup or directly from water sources. It will remove pathogens and contaminants down to 2 microns in size including Giardia, Cryptosporidium and E. Coli. Activated carbon helps reduce waterborne chemicals and improves water taste.

TECHNOLOGY

The Aquamira Microbiological Filter is a special thick-walled “porous” filter designed to provide greater effectiveness than common thin-walled fiber filters. The tiny intricate pathways in the filter trap 99.9% of harmful Giardia, Cryptosporidium and other pathogens. The activated carbon reduces waterborne chemicals and improves water taste.

Light Weight, Portable and easy to use our Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter Straw System is an ideal choice for emergency kits, foreign travel, backcountry outdoor and anywhere water is questionable.

Note: For the highest possible level of protection from contaminants, use in conjunction with Aquamira Water Treatment Drops or Aquamira Water Purifier Tablets.

Plus, we donate a portion of our revenues to water sustainability projects - to keep our earth's water safe and accessible for all of us. When you purchase our Aquamira McNett Water Purification Products - YOU are making the world a better place.

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If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

This is very interesting. I had never seen such a small, simple portable system before. If they are using Ultra violet light it should have a power source for generating them. I wonder what type of power supply system was used in that.

there has to be some flaw in it !
or else mineral water companies will go out of business !

ummm, manojjonam10,
It says its "ultra light", Not "uses ultra violet light".

From the website, "The Aquamira Microbiological Filter is a special thick-walled “porous plastic” filter designed to provide greater effectiveness than common thin-walled fiber filters. The tiny intricate pathways in the filter trap 99.9% of harmful Giardia, Cryptosporidium and other pathogens." So since it uses a filter technology, it will eventually clog up.

However, the Steri Pen does use ultra violet light. From their website, "SteriPEN® Adventurer Handheld Water Purifier (AD-RP). The Adventurer is half the size of the SteriPEN Classic. Because it’s fast (48 seconds for 16 ounces), light (under 110g/4 oz), easy and effective, it’s perfect for hikers and campers who value powerful products in small packages with no loss of effectiveness. Adventurer is especially effective against common protozoa like Cryptosporidium. Its optional solar charging case let’s you go off the grid—way off. Adventurer ships with 2 non-rechargeable (disposable) batteries, a nylon case and users guide. Suggested retail price: $99.95."

Thanks wildbill for explaining to me. They are indeed using some sort of protective filter to filter pathogens and harmful substances. I was wrong in thinking about ultra violet light for ultra light.

I have one of these that I keep in my bugout bag. It is small and doesn't take up much space so I figured it was a no brainer to carry it. I also keep water purification tabs in there as well.

sure its cool but I prefer Silver honeycomb. Its just a personal preference. After reading about the failure rate of some of these not taking care of typhus, cholera and some other microbes I would choose something a bit heavy duty. One thing you have to realize is that cesspool. septic tanks and waste treatment centers that flood, like in NO will have more bio hazard contaminants than a unit like this can handle.
While it would be awesome for hiking! I would not use it for a major emergency.

j

When I go hiking I bring three methods of water purification: water purification tablets, the frontier straw, and equipment to boil water. Even though I have these options, I've never used anything but the water purification tablets and I've never experienced any ill effects. The new tabs now purify the water without leaving a funny taste too.

This is very interesting, I bought a portable "aqua guard" water purifying system , its comparatively small in size and it's a suitable gadget when you are on a long trip.

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