RapidPure Water Purification FAQ
What is the difference between a water purifier and a water filter?
A water purifier protects against protozoa, bacteria AND viruses. A water filter only protects against protozoa and bacteria. All RapidPure products are certified water purifiers and meet or exceed US EPA standards.
Why have water filters been more popular in past than water purifiers?
Historically filters cost less than purifiers and are effective, if limited, at what they do. Traditional purifiers, although providing better protection than a filter, cost considerably more than filters. They are also much slower and more complicated to use, are easily clogged, and difficult to maintain. RapidPure with its' new technology UltraCeram changes everything. Now you can purify water faster than filtering it, and as easily, as there are no chemicals, batteries, priming, pumping, or special maintenance. RapidPure purifiers offer much better value than a filter. They provide safer protection than filters, are 2 – 8 times faster, are as easy or easier to use, are priced competitively with filter systems, and can last as long or longer than filters.
Why is it important to protect against viruses?
Waterborne viruses, while not prevalent in Australian waterways they do occur. They also occur extensively in 3rd world countries, and quickly develop any place a natural or man made disaster, such as earthquakes, flooding or infrastructural damage, occurs.
Can RapidPure purifiers be used after being frozen?
YES. RapidPure purifiers are 3rd party certified to US EPA Standards to maintain full efficacy as a water purifier after a initial freeze/thaw cycle and continue to protect against Protozoa, Bacteria, AND Viruses once thawed.
After multiple freeze/thaw cycles RapidPure products still meet US EPA Standards as a water filter and will protect against Protozoa and Bacteria but full Virus protection may be compromised and the purifier cartridge should be replaced after return from the field.
CAUTION – TRADITIONAL HOLLOW FIBER FILTERS SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY DISCARDED IF FROZEN AFTER INITIAL USE
How long will my RapidPure purifier last?
Useful life will vary depending on source water conditions.
Your RapidPure Pioneer/Scout/Intrepid/Trail Blazer/Explorer Purifier Cartridge is designed to provide fast owing, effortless, easy, drinking. As the cartridge nears the end of its usefulness it will become harder to drink as it begins to load up from the pathogens and impurities it is protecting you against.
We recommend the following guidelines for changing your purification cartridge:
- When your RapidPure Purifier becomes noticeably slower or more difficult to drink from this is the simplest indication it’s time for a change.
- If using within North America, primarily as a Filter vs a Purifier, your cartridge is certified to meet or exceed EPA standards for up to 200 gallons or 750 litres for Scout/Pioneer/Intrepid. 1,000 gallons or 3750 litres for Trail Blazer/Explorer.
- For maximum virus reduction efficacy you should change your Pioneer/Scout/Intrepid cartridge every 100 litres or, once every 25 days of use, based on 1 gallon or 4 litres per day. For Trail Blazer/Explorer you should change the cartridge every 500 litres or 125 days of use based on 1 gallon or 4 litres per day.
It is a good habit to begin any new journey with a fresh cartridge to provide maximum protection, ensure ease of use, and provide peace of mind knowing your prepared. We also suggest to always pack a spare cartridge as source water is ever changing.
Your RapidPure Purifier has been certified to maintain its efficacy to the above volumes however overall water quality will impact actual useful life depending on the turbidity or suspended particulates in the source water.
Unlike ALL our competitors RapidPure includes a FREE spare purification cartridge with every RapidPure Explorer Camp System and Trail Blazer Ultra Light Camp System because in the real world not all water is tap water.
Why does RapidPure include a free spare purification cartridge with Explorer and Trail Blazer Camp Systems?
The Trail Blazer and Explorer spare cartridges, for extended use or higher demand situations, weigh less than 2.5 ounces. With that said, why wouldn't you carry a spare purification cartridge in the field? Conditions are always subject-to-change. One day your water source might be a pristine lake the next a muddy river or scum laden pond. The next it drops below freezing.
Or there's an earthquake, hurricane, flood, or a man made event, and access to potable water – once an easy flick of the wrist – is now not-so-easy. RapidPure helps you get back home – or helps you get out – by providing safe drinking water in ALL conditions, including the unexpected, wherever you are in the world.
What type of water should I not use with RapidPure purifiers?
RapidPure purifiers are not designed to work in salt water, chemically laden water, or in water temperature exceeding 38°c.
How do RapidPure purifiers work up to 8 times FASTER than competitive products?
RapidPure purifiers, due to their UltraCeram technology, will process purified, not just filtered, water 2 – 8 times faster than traditional hollow fiber filters and are exponentially faster than competitive purifiers. Competitive filter products rely solely on physical restriction and are limited to a maximum pore opening of 0.2 microns to be effective against bacteria while physical purifiers are further limited to 0.02 microns openings to be effective against viruses.
RapidPure does not rely on physical opening size alone due to its’ innovative and patented design utilizing UltraCeram media for natural magnetic attraction. The RapidPure media pore size is 1.75 microns in size, versus 0.2 with filters or 0.02 microns with physical purifiers which translates to faster water flow and significantly easier drinking.
Why is it EASIER to use RapidPure purifiers than the competition?
RapidPure's innovative patented design, with UltraCeram technology, is ready for instant use and requires NO initial priming, special handling, spare parts, chemicals, batteries, special tools or special treatment for storage. Replacement cartridges are also easy to change – no tools required.
Is it easier to drink from RapidPure personal purifiers than from traditional filters or purifiers?
Yes. RapidPure's UltraCeram technology processes water 2 – 8 times faster than traditional hollow fiber filters and is exponentially faster than competitive purifiers which have much greater restrictions in water flow.
Do I need a separate pre-filter or post filter for better tasting water?
No. RapidPure purifiers utilize Activated Carbon for automatically great tasting water.
Do I need to clean or bleach my RapidPure purifier after each use to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal longevity?
No. RapidPure purifiers are infused with silver, a highly effective biocide, to kill any retained pathogens.
How easy is it to drink from the RapidPure Intrepid Water Bottle purifier?
Very. Unlike many competitive products you don't need to squeeze the bottle in order to drink.
How do I know when to replace my RapidPure purifier cartridge?
When the RapidPure cartridge starts to reach its capacity water flow becomes more restricted and will eventually stop. Time to change the cartridge. RapidPure cartridges are designed as end-of-life systems and don’t need to be back flushed or require special tools to change.