The LifeStraw: Turning Contaminated Water into Safe Drinking Water

In 2010, the United Nations Environmental Programme reported that more people die from polluted and contaminated water than from violence and war. However, a pocket-sized device called the LifeStraw could change that by saving countless lives. This innovative tool is your lifeline when you're far from drinkable water.

Transforming Bad Water into Safe Drinking Water

The LifeStraw is a tube approximately nine inches long and one inch wide, with a mouthpiece on one end. It allows you to suck dirty water through the straw — even directly from a contaminated source — and by the time the water reaches your lips, it is clean. The advanced filtration system removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, and 99.9% of waterborne protozoa, including cryptosporidium. Without such filtration, ingesting contaminated water can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.

Making a Global Impact

Each purchase of a LifeStraw helps provide LifeStraw Mission water purifiers to schools in developing countries lacking access to safe drinking water. This life-saving device not only provides clean water in areas where it is scarce but also serves as a lightweight and convenient tool for hikers, eliminating the need to carry large quantities of water on the trail.

How It Works

Inside every LifeStraw is a network of hollow fibers with pores measuring about 0.2 microns across. These pores trap microscopic organisms while allowing water to pass through freely, making it an extremely efficient micro-filtration device. This design marks a significant improvement over earlier versions, which used iodine to kill bacteria but often left the water with an unpleasant taste. The new, chemical-free design can purify up to 1,000 liters of water before needing replacement.

LifeStraw Filters

1. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: A compact and portable solution for personal use.

2. LifeStraw Go Water Bottle with 2-Stage Filter Straw: Ideal for hiking, backpacking, and travel.

3. LifeStraw Family: Perfect for purifying water at campsites, capable of purifying up to 18,000 liters (4,755 gallons) of water.

The LifeStraw is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a revolutionary tool providing access to clean water, promoting health, and saving lives across the globe.