The LifeSaver Bottle is a portable water filter and purifier that removes most bacteria, viruses, cysts, parasites, fungi and microbiological waterborne pathogens from water without the aid of foul-tasting chemicals like iodine.
The LifeSaver Bottle can’t convert sea water to potable drinking water or purify water contaminated by gasoline, oil, chlorine, chemicals or industrial waste.
Using the LifeSaver Bottle is straightforward. Before first use, prime the bottle by putting it through two to three water-rinsing cycles. To do this, remove the base, fill the bottle with water, give it a few pumps, wait 10 minutes, and empty. Repeat a few times, and you’re ready to go. Because you fill the bottle upside down, contaminated water could touch the water spout, causing cross-contamination. To avoid this, snap the watertight lid in place and wipe it carefully before opening.
During testing, I noticed a slight plastic taste, which could have been a result of not priming the bottle enough. As I used it, the plastic taste dissipated. I recommend using the optional charcoal filter to improve the taste of the water. I didn’t test the unit in extreme conditions, but you can find plenty of online testimonials to its effectiveness under those conditions.
The LifeSaver Bottle comes with the latest filtration technology and complies with EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act 93-523.
The only negative issues reported have been a possible leaky seal, a weak outer shell and over-pressurization. The bottle must be protected from freezing. In my opinion, most of these issues are user errors. As with any piece of quality equipment, you don’t want to toss it, drop it or abuse it.
You might be wondering if it doesn’t filter seawater or harsh chemicals, why use it? If you live, boat or hike on a freshwater lake or river, this would be a perfect device to have with you because you could filter water (up to 4,000 liters) as needed and eliminate the need to carry large jugs of water.
Here in South Florida, I plan to add the LifeSaver Bottle to my hurricane survival kit to ensure I have clean drinking water after a storm. I also plan to take it with me on trips where water quality may be suspect or questionable. It can be stored for up to three years.
Craig H. Grosby of Coral Ridge Power Squadron/8 recently voyaged aboard the Royal Clipper in the Western Mediterranean, making port in Cannes, Calvi, Portofino, Corsica, Sardinia and Monte Carlo.
