On the side of the Brita package it says---Not intended to purify water. Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection...

Tap water filters are intended to remove bad tastes.  They aren't intended for protection from bacterial or viral agents.  If you want to be able to filter against those, look at camping water filters/purifiers.  Filters get rid of bacteria, purifiers get viruses also.

Here's REI's selection of filters: [url]www.rei.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgmenbr=8000&cgrfnbr=4500461&seq=1&sort=1[/url]
and purifiers: [url]www.rei.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgmenbr=8000&cgrfnbr=4500462&seq=1&sort=1[/url]

My tap water has the same heavy chlorine smell, so I figure the flavor is what I'm most concerned about with it. [:)]

This is probably a good time to mention that the sweetwater Guardian antiviral cartridges aren't actually antiviral:

[URL]http://www.cascadedesigns.com/sweetwater/press_release.asp[/URL]

One or two drops of unscented bleach in a canteen of filtered water should knock off any viruses within a few minutes.  MMn, love that pool water taste.  Might want to bring along some cheap flavor crystals too.

[url]http://www.katadyn.net/index.shtml[/url]

[url]http://www.equipped.com/watrfood.htm[/url]

Katadyn stops Anthrax and radiaoctive particles go read up on the subject and then go buy a Katadyn.They are expensive but worth every penny.I like the ceramic only element Pocket Filter that I bought because of it's military quality components but the new Combi Filter models though made mostly of plastic instead of machined aluminum it has both charcoal for removal of chemicals and ceramic/silver matrix to remove all biological and particulate agents.


I bought mine to be able to get drinking water while camping but now I have it if I need it due to contamination of the water supply.

General Info:

Filters and membranes (i.e. Reverse Osmosis) are used to remove particulate matter like minerals, etc.

Carbon cartridges remove chemicals like chlorine.  (These are always part of any RO system.)

If you want to remove bacteria and other living organisms that are smaller than a typical RO system will eliminate, say 0.2 micron, than you will need to purchase a system with a UV light.  This will kill everything.

Having said this, it is important to perform the proper periodic maintenance on your water system, by bleaching out all of the cartridge holders, etc.  Living organisms, as you know, are adaptable and over time will build up an immunity to the UV of you don't purge the system from time to time.

MG

PS:  Check these guys out.  They sell good quality, reasonably priced home systems.  Once you go RO you will never go back.

http://www.premierh2o.com/