Your Questions answered!

FAQ

Effectiveness, Performance, and Health

How effective is Ecofiltro?

We ensure the effectiveness of Ecofiltro with rigorous process and product quality control. We verify the effectiveness by conducting regular analyses of water that has been purified by our filters in professional laboratories. Through these analyses, we guarantee a healthy and safe solution for human consumption.

For more information on the results of our laboratory analyses, please refer to our Filtration Effectiveness page here.

What contaminants does Ecofiltro remove?

Ecofiltro's filter
consists of three 100% natural materials: clay, activated carbon, and colloidal
silver. This unique combination enables the removal and reduction of the
majority of potential contaminants from the water while preserving essential
minerals necessary for your health. The main contaminants removed by Ecofiltro
include:

  • Parasites
  • Bacteria (including E. coli)
  • Pesticides
  • Microplastics

Additionally, Ecofiltro effectively reduces the following pollutants by a very high percentage:

  • Volatile organic compounds
  • Lime
  • Iron
  • Aluminum
  • Lead
  • Fluoride
  • Arsenic
  • Chlorine

How does Ecofiltro filter out contaminants?

Ecofiltro's clay structure contains pores with a maximum size of 0.8 micrometers, preventing the passage of any contaminant larger than these dimensions. For reference, a human hair typically has a diameter of 100 micrometers, making the pores of your Ecofiltro 125 times smaller.

Does Ecofiltro eliminate microplastics?

Yes, Ecofiltro has been independently tested and certified to eliminate 100% of polystyrene microplastics introduced during testing. Additionally, the test confirms that Ecofiltro does not shed microplastics itself. The plastic receptacles that hold filtered water are made of food grade, BPA free, plastics.

Does Ecofiltro remove nitrates, drugs,contraceptives, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and pharmaceuticals?

Yes, Ecofiltro has been scientifically tested and proven to remove over 99% of PFAS and pharmaceutical residues, ensuring safer, purified water. These results are confirmed by independent lab testing conducted by Measurlabs in Finland.



How does Ecofiltro remove bad taste in the water?

Each filtering unit made of three natural and effective components: clay, activated carbon, and colloidal silver. The activated carbon effectively removes any bad odor, taste or coloration from the water. Activated charcoal is a safe compound and is used in many water filtration systems.

Is colloidal silver safe to consume?

Yes - Colloidal silver, produced by electrolysis of pure silver in distilled water, is regarded as one of the most potent and effective natural germicides. When used in appropriate doses, this natural antimicrobial has no adverse effects and does not cause rejection or allergic reactions. Each Ecofiltro is impregnated with 20 milliliters of colloidal silver dissolved in distilled water on its exterior. With a purity percentage of 3.2%, this formulation eliminates any risk of side effects.

On Ecofiltro units, we use 0.22 liters of colloidal silver at 530 ppm for our 5L product, and 0.42 liters for our 20L product, both applied internally and externally. Studies show that initially, there is a higher release of silver, around 40 ppb (0.04 ppm), which is well below the recommended daily intake limit of approximately 30 ppm. According to the USEPA(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), the maximum intake of silver should not exceed 5 μg per kilogram of body weight per day (1996), translating to a daily intake of 350 μg for an average 70-kilogram adult.

Is water filtered by an Ecofiltro safe for babies?

Yes, Ecofiltro's contaminant removal parameters ensure that the resulting water is safe for babies, suitable for both direct consumption and food preparation.

Usage, Compatibility, and Maintenance

What type of water can I put into my Ecofiltro?

We recommend using your tap water. However, Ecofiltro can filter water from many sources including tap, well water, rivers or lakes, rain catchment, and more. Ecofiltro cannot filter salt water.

How do I install my Ecofiltro

For an optimal and efficient result, follow the instructions in your Ecofiltro that are specific to the model you purchased.

Here is a simplified installation guide:

  1. Check all the external parts that make up the Ecofiltro (lid, water collection container and valve, gaskets, and nut).
  2. Remove the clay filtering unit from the box but not from the protective bag which protects it from the sun's harmful rays; place it aside and in a safe place. The Water Purifier is NOT washed the first time.
  3. Wash all parts of the Ecofiltro thoroughly (lid, water collection basin and valve) with soap.
  4. Let all external parts of the Ecofiltro air dry upside down on a clean cloth for 30 minutes.
  5. Assemble the Ecofiltro starting from the base, aligning the water collection chamber, and attach the valve by screwing it on with the gaskets and nut. The lid will remain to the side.
  6. Remove the clay filtering unit from the bag with clean hands and set it into the water collection container touching only the rim of the filtering unit.
  7. Check that the lid fits well over the clay filtering unit.
  8. Completely fill the clay filtering unit with water and let it filter through into the purified water chamber, repeat this step 5 times disposing of the water every time* or using it for washing fruits, vegetables, or watering plants. The water will filter slowly at first as the ceramic pot re-hydrates and the microscopic filtration channels form.

*We recommend not drinking this water because it may have the taste of clay and may contain dust acquired while drying in the factory or during packaging and transport. All contaminants will wash away during the first 3 uses and be mitigated by the purifying properties of filtering unit.

Does the Ecofiltro need any maintenance?

Yes, we recommend performing maintenance every 6 months. If you live in an area with very hard water (high lime content), we suggest performing maintenance every 3 months. However, you can choose to perform maintenance more frequently if desired.

It is important to note, that you should keep your filtering unit wet at all times, rather than letting it dry out between uses.

Is it normal for the water to taste like clay at first?

Yes, it is normal. During the initial filtrations, some clay may settle at the base of the container, imparting a slight earthy taste to the water. Although the water is safe to drink from the start, we recommend filling and emptying the container a few times until the taste diminishes. You can reuse this water for watering plants, cooking, or washing vegetables and fruits—it is completely safe.

How often does the clay filtering unit need to be changed?

With proper maintenance of your Ecofiltro, the clay filtering unit will safely filter water for human consumption for two years at a rate of 1-2 liters per hour. After two years, components of your filter may begin to degrade.

Is it normal for the filtration rate to be slow at the beginning?

Yes, for the first 3-5 days you may notice a slower filtration rate. This occurs because the filtering unit is new, thus completely dry and needs time to undergo the natural process of opening the pores within its walls.

To activate the filter, completely fill the clay filtering unit with water and let it filter through into the purified water chamber, repeat this step 5 times disposing* of the water every time or using it for washing fruits, vegetables, or watering plants.

*We recommend not drinking this water because it may have the taste of clay and may contain dust acquired while drying in the factory or during packaging and transport. All contaminants will wash away during the first 3 uses and will be mitigated by the purifying properties of filtering unit.

If your filtering unit is ever empty for a prolonged period of time and dries out completely, it will filter at a slower rate till the clay hydrates again.


How quickly can Ecofiltro filter clean and safe drinking water?

Once the filter has been installed, the filtering unit will purify water at a rate of 1-2 liters per hour and provide safe, clean drinking water for two years.

The filtering unit can hold up to 10 liters of water. You will need to refill your filtering unit to ensure that you always have fresh, clean, and safe water readily available. The Ecofiltro can hold 10-20 liters of purified drinking water within its water dispensing chamber depending on the model.

Can I filter hot and cold water with Ecofiltro?

It is not recommended to use the filter with hot water. The materials comprising it are not resistant to high temperatures and may reduce the lifespan of the filtering unit.

Warranty and Returns

Return Policy

Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

We love Ecofiltro and hope that you do too. If for any reason Ecofiltro does not meet your expectation after the first 6 weeks we welcome your return and will offer a full refund.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Each Ecofiltro goes through a rigorous quality control process. If you find any defects with your product within the first 6 months of use, we will replace your Ecofiltro at no additional cost.

The most common issues are related to speed of filtration or leading taps.

About Ecofiltro

Where is Ecofiltro manufactured, and many years has it been on the market?

Ecofiltro’s factory is based in Guatemala with global distribution capacity. The company has a 20+ year track record of manufacturing and selling more than 20,000 filters per month to customers in over 20 countries. Over 1 million households across the world are using Ecofiltro with a 99% client satisfaction rating.

Who invented Ecofiltro?

The story of Ecofiltro begins with Guatemalan scientist Dr. Fernando Mazariegos in the 1980s. The Inter-American Development Bank, tasked Dr. Mazariegos with developing an effective, ecological, and cost-efficient method to purify water for human consumption. After extensive research and the creation of numerous prototypes, Ecofiltro was born—a water filtration system crafted from 100% natural materials, embodying the original goals of efficacy, sustainability, and affordability.

What is a B Corp Certification?

B Corp Certification: A Commitment to Social and Environmental Excellence

Ecofiltro’s headquarters in Guatemala is proud to be a Certified B Corporation. This prestigious certification underscores their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.