Who are LifeSource? LifeSource Water Purification Pty (Ltd) is a registered, proudly South African company driven by the desire to help disadvantaged communities through the provision of basic needs. LifeSource is the authorized distribution and selling Agent of LifeStraw in South Africa. What is LifeStraw? LifeStraw is a point-of-use instant microbiological water purifier that is designed to addr
ess the needs of more than 1.7 billion people worldwide who lack access to safe and clean drinking water, by allowing them to have a stable and reliable source of water for consumption anywhere. Water from any source can be poured through LifeStraw and made safe to drink. There are 2 LifeStraw units currently available in South Africa: LifeStraw Family & LifeStraw Personal
What does LifeStraw do? LifeStraw removes bacteria, viruses and parasites from water, making it safe to drink. The following table summarises the capabilities of both units:
LifeStraw Family
* Filters 18 000 litres of water
* Provides a family of 5 with safe drinking water for up to 3 years
* Removes at least 99.9999% of all bacteria
* Removes 99.99% of all viruses
* Removes 99.9% of parasites
LifeStraw Personal
* Filters 1000 litres of water
* Provides an individual with safe drinking water for at least 1 year
* Removes at least 99.9999% of all bacteria
* Removes 99.9% of parasites
* Simple to use
* No moveable parts
* Requires no electricity or batteries to operate
The products have been extensively tested, and comply with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) guidelines for microbiological purifiers. LifeStraw has been tested and approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Test certificates are available upon request. How does LifeStraw Work? LifeStraw Family:
The process of filtration begins when contaminated water is poured into the pre-filter bucket at the top of the product. Simple gravity forces the water through a tube and into the purification cartridge, which contains millions of tiny pores called capillary membranes that remove contaminants. Clean and safe water is then ready to flow from the attached tap. Dirt accumulated in the membranes can be released from the bottom of the device by pressing the squeeze bulb after use. The squeeze bulb is located on the side of the purification cartridge. LifeStraw Personal:
The same filtration process occurs as in lifeStraw family but the user places the bottom end of the device into a water source and then sucks on the other end, drawing water through the filter- much like a straw. To clean the filter, the User blows firmly through the LifeStraw. Water held inside the unit is expelled, flushing out any dirt particles trapped on the filtration membrane. Who will benefit from LifeStraw? Anyone at risk of waterborne disease can benefit from this product. People in developing countries (such as South Africa), children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems (particularly HIV infected people) are at greater risk of becoming sick or dying from waterborne disease. Fact: Intestinal infectious disease is the second highest cause of death in South Africa
LifeStraw CAN:
• Improve peoples health;
• Benefit the economy through reducing absenteeism at the work place due to waterborne illness;
• Reduce poverty;
• Increase childhood survival rates;
• Improve Maternal health;
• Reduce morbidity rates of the immuno-compromised;
• Promote gender equality;
• Increase school attendance;
• Promote Environmental Sustainability;
• Reduce CO2 emissions- water no longer needs to be boiled, considerably reducing the amount of wood burned for boiling purposes. It is estimated that at least 15 million South Africans do not have easy access to safe drinking water. LifeStraw can thus alleviate the hardships felt by these people, providing them with easy access to safe drinking water anywhere. LifeStraw in Recreation! LifeStraw Personal is the ideal companion for any outdoor enthusiast. Water Quality can never be guaranteed and many people have to carry drinking water with them whilst exploring the outdoors. This can add significant weight to any back-pack! LifeStraw Personal weighs a mere 56 grams and ensures you have safe drinking water wherever you go! LifeStraw Personal Unit is ideal for:
• Hikers;
• Trial Runners;
• Mountain Bikers;
• Canoeists;
• Campers;
• Travelling. Note: The use of the LifeStraw Personal unit is not recommended in areas of dense human settlement where the risk of waterborne viruses is high. LifeStraw Personal Unit does not filter out viruses.
