Frequently Asked Questions About Multi-Pure® Drinking Water Systems

Used by over 3 million people across the globe, Multi-Pure® Drinking Water Systems is one of the most effective Drinking Water Treatment Systems available.

Multi-Pure® Drinking Water Systems solve aesthetic problems in tap water as well as reduce contaminants of health concern. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Multi-Pure®'s Solid Carbon Block technology.

1. Why Do Multi-Pure® products cost more than other water filter solutions?

All drinking water filtration systems are not created equal. Quite simply, Multi-Pure® offers a superior product, and it costs more to manufacture and distribute a higher performance product.

There are many drinking water system choices available to you, and at first glance they may seem comparable. But they are not. Even among companies employing solid carbon block technology in their products, they do not match the proven performance of Multi-Pure® products. Superior performance equates to a better value for you over the life the product, and it gives you the peace of mind and satisfaction of knowing you are making a safe choice.

Find out more about Why Multi-Pure® products more by clicking here.

2. Are Multi-Pure® Drinking Water Systems certified to reduce contaminants of health concern?

Multi-Pure®'s Model Nos. MP 880 SC, MP 880 EL, MP 880 SB, Aqua Dome (MPAD), MP 750 SC, MP 750 SB, MPCT and MP 1200 EL have been tested and listed under NSF/ANSI Standards No. 42 and Standard No. 53 by National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Replacement filter models CB5 and CB6 are also tested and certified by NSF.

3. What contaminants are Multi-Pure® Drinking Water Systems certified by NSF to reduce?

Multi-Pure® Drinking Water Systems have been tested and certified by NSF for the reduction of the following contaminants/substances (*99% is the maximum rate of reduction certified):

Aesthetic Effects (ANSI/NSF Standard No. 42)

• Chlorine by > 99%
• Particulate matter down to 0.5 micrometer, sub micron (Class I)

Health Effects (ANSI/NSF Standard No. 53)

• Turbidity
• Lead
• Mercury
• PCB (Endocrine Disrupter)
• Chlordane (Endocrine Disrupter)
• Toxaphene (Endocrine Disrupter)
• 1,1-Dichloroethane (Endocrine Disrupter)
• Cysts
• Trihalomethanes
• Asbestos
• Volatile Organic Chemicals
• MTBE
• Chloramines

4. Are the Multi-Pure® Drinking Water Systems also certified or registered by the states of California, Iowa, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Colorado?

Multi-Pure® Drinking Water Systems have been certified or registered by the states of California, Iowa, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Colorado (all the states that regulate drinking water systems).

5. Is there a warranty/guarantee?

Multi-Pure® Corporation demonstrates confidence in its Drinking Water Systems by providing a 90 day money-back guarantee*. In addition the Drinking Water System housings are warranted for the lifetime that you own the system (please note that you must change the system's filter at least once a year in order for the lifetime guarantee to be in effect) and system accessories are warranted for 12 months.

6. Can the Multi-Pure® Drinking Water System be used during an emergency, or when the water is turned off?

Yes, you can hand pump or siphon water through the Multi-Pure® unit during an emergency situation. Complete instructions are available from Multi-Pure®.

7. Can the Multi-Pure® Drinking Water System be connected to an automatic ice-maker?

Yes. Two of the Multi-Pure® Drinking Water System models (MP 750 SI and MP 880 SI) are designed for just such inline applications. Additionally, using a T-connector not provided with the product, the under counter models (MP 750 SB, MP 880 SB or MP 1200 EL) also can be connected to any type of water dispenser or ice-maker.

8. Does the system remove the natural, healthy trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium?

No, Multi-Pure® Drinking Water Systems leave in the healthy, naturally occurring minerals.

9. Why did Multi-Pure® design the filter to take out contaminants like VOCs but not the natural minerals?

Minerals are totally dissolved in solution and do not have an actual physical size; thus, the minerals pass through the filter unchanged. The materials used in Multi-Pure® Drinking Water are specially selected for their ability to react with the chemicals in the water but not with natural minerals. The ability to leave the natural, healthy minerals in while reducing harmful contaminants was a vital factor in the development of Multi-Pure®'s solid carbon block filter. The medical community has always maintained that certain minerals were essential for a healthy body, and a recent study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that drinking water with high levels of beneficial, healthful minerals may reduce the risk of heart disease.

10. If the unit does not remove minerals, how does it take out lead?

Multi-Pure® was able to devise a solid carbon block filter whereby certain dissolved impurities, such as Lead and chemicals, are adsorbed to the carbon surface by chemical reaction and adsorption. Adsorption (as opposed to absorption) is defined as "the adhesion in a thin layer of molecules to the surface of solid bodies with which they are in contact" (Webster's Collegiate Dictionary). Thus the solid carbon block can be analogized to a magnet that metal shavings (Lead, in the analogy) adhere to.

11. If a filter can take out Chlorine, can it also take out Trihalomethanes (disinfection by-products)?

Multi-Pure® Drinking Water Systems have been tested and certified to reduce Chlorine and Trihalomethanes. However, not all filters certified to reduce Chlorine can reduce Trihalomethanes (although some disreputable companies would have you believe so!). Chlorine is a substance that is relatively easy to remove. But, chlorine that has interacted with organic material to form Trihalomethanes (thus having a completely different molecular structure) is extremely difficult to remove. Consumers must check with the NSF (or their state health department if that state certifies units) to see if the filter is certified for Trihalomethanes or VOC reduction.

12. How often do the filters need to be changed?

Filter life will vary in direct proportion to the amount of water used and the type and level of impurities in the water being processed. It is recommended that the filter be replaced when the first of the following occurs: (a) the unit's rated capacity is reached; (b) annually; (c) the flow rate diminishes (which occurs when the filter becomes clogged with particulate matter); or (d) the filter becomes saturated with bad tastes and odors. The filters can not be back flushed or rinsed and used again. Even if your filter is still white and the flow rate is still high, according to EPA and state health department guidelines, filters should always be replaced at least once a year, regardless of capacity.

13. Can hot water be run through the filter?

The biggest problem with hot water is the sloughing off of chemicals/compounds which had been adsorbed. The heat causes the carbon pores to open up. which could result in lead or chemicals being released into the water. And, the carbon would not effectively reduce contaminants in the water. Hot water is usually under 212 degrees, and that isn't hot enough to alter the raw materials, so there wouldn't be any damage to the filter itself. If someone does run hot water through the filter, they should immediately run cold water through until the filter cools and then flush the filter for about 3 minutes. The filter then will again perform effectively. And, don't drink the hot water.

14. If I leave on vacation, do I have to disconnect my filter?

Do not allow water to sit in the unit for extended periods of time (10 or more days) without being used. If the unit is to be left unused for more than 10 days, drain all the water from the system and remove the filter. Upon your return reconnect the filter in the housing and continue use.