[caption id="attachment_1493" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Vortex Non-electric Water Distiller with drain assembly[/caption] The best non-electric water distiller just got better. The Vortex Non-electric Water Distiller Kit by Highwater Filters now comes with a drain assembly to facilitate the draining of the cooling water inside the bucket. We have yet to see another distiller of its kind with all the features of the Vortex. What makes the Vortex better than other water distillers? For one, it doesn't depend on electricity, so when your power goes out, you will still have a way to purify your water. The Vortex is used with a pressure cooker, which is the boiling container for your contaminated water. Any heating source can be used including a camp fire, gas, wood, dung etc. The Vortex is also portable and can be easily disassembled and transported along with your pressure cooker. The Vortex is made of quality parts, 100% U.S.A made. We searched for hoses, post filters, clamps, grommets, buckets and drain assembly components and made sure they meet or exceed standards for safety. We guarantee satisfaction and offer a 10 year warranty. The Vortex adaptor that is installed on our pressure cookers increases the flow rate of the distiller. By increasing the size of the vent hole in the pressure cooker lid, the Vortex adaptor allows more steam to be released for a faster flow. We factory install the Vortex adaptor to ensure professional quality and your safety. The Vortex is the most affordable water distiller of its kind available. We went to great lengths to keep our costs down without compromising the quality of the materials. We couldn't find any stainless steel pressure cookers made in the USA, but we found a great quality cooker made in Spain by Magefesa. We've kept the price competitive and offer a number of different sizes for your convenience. [caption id="attachment_1494" align="alignleft" width="72"] 4 qt Magefesa with Vortex adaptor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1495" align="alignleft" width="72"] 8 qt Magefesa with Vortex adaptor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1500" align="alignleft" width="72"] 10qt Magefesa with Vortex adaptor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1496" align="alignleft" width="72"] 12qt Magefesa with Vortex adaptor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1497" align="alignleft" width="59"] 14qt Magefesa with Vortex adaptor[/caption]           What is the advantage of distilled water over other methods of water treatment? In an emergency when the power goes out, distillation is one of the best ways to remove contaminants from water. Microbial filters that remove bacteria, protozoa and cysts are great for backpacking and camping in the mountains, but when clean water sources are not readily accessible, distilling is an effective method for removing chemical and heavy metal contamination, in addition to microbes. It will even make sea water drinkable! What will distilling remove? Fluoride, arsenic, radioactive particles, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, salts...the list is extensive. Distilling is one of the most highly recommended and oldest methods of water purification available. In an emergency, the Vortex Non-electric Water Distiller really is a smart system to have on hand. Have questions? Don't hesitate to contact us below or at info@highwaterfilters.com. You can even call me at 509-685-0933. I love talking about the Vortex. Give me a ring! [caption id="attachment_1504" align="alignleft" width="150"] The Vortex hooked to a Magefesa pressure cooker[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1506" align="alignleft" width="150"] Vortex coil installed in bucket.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1507" align="alignleft" width="150"] The Vortex shown with Grover Rocket Stove[/caption]           Here's the video we made of our first two tests of the Vortex: Vortex test 1 and 2 Please visit Highwater Filters for all your water treatment needs. Thanks for stopping by!      

Introducing the Vortex Non-electric Water Distiller Kit by Highwater Filters.

We are so excited to add our very own product to the water treatment market.

We think we have designed the best water distiller of its kind. We strove to make this distiller kit affordable, unlike most of our competition. We went to great lengths to source parts from USA manufacturers. The Vortex is 100% USA made.

As our test video demonstrates, the Vortex really works.

The Vortex is designed to be used with a pressure cooker that has an external stem valve on the lid. Not all pressure cookers have this type these days. Most older models do.

Any heat source that can boil water can be used with the Vortex including camp fires, gas stoves, electric stoves, rocket stoves, wood stove etc. We tested the Vortex on a Grover Rocket Stove (made in Utah) and were so impressed we have them available for sale.

We tried to find a stainless steel pressure cooker made in America, but found that none exist. So we found a great quality cooker made in Spain by Magefesa. We've modified the lids with our exclusive Vortex adaptor to increase the flow rate and to make connection a snap. We have several different sizes to choose from. If you want to use your own cooker, just make sure it has the external valve that used to be standard on most pressure cookers but now are much harder to find. The Magefesa Star R has the right kind of valve. Vintage Presto stainless steel pressure cookers, made in the USA, have a compatible valve. We will try to compile a list of other brands that can be used in tandem with the Vortex system.

The exclusive Vortex coil and adaptor fitting are manufactured in house from US-made 316L Stainless Steel.

The Vortex is designed to be installed in a 5 gallon bucket, or other suitable container. Assembly is easy but does require drilling two holes in the bucket. For a limited time, we have pre-installed bucket kits available, for your convenience.

We think you'll agree with us that the Vortex is the best non-electric water distiller available anywhere.

Go here for more information and to purchase a Vortex Water Distiller Kit.

Thanks for supporting small and local businesses!

Diarrhea is the leading cause of death among children in undeveloped countries and the sad thing is that these deaths can be prevented. Contaminated drinking water is the leading cause of diarrhea and the LifeStraw by Vestergaard Frandsen is a low cost and effective way to remove contaminants at the point of use. Treating water at the source is not sufficient in many areas of the world. Contaminants can easily infect water that is transported for miles in unsanitary conditions. The LifeStraw is a personal use water filter that can provide up to 1000 liters of clean drinking water to many who live at risk of water borne diseases. Not only that: it eliminates the need to boil water which saves valuable resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The benefits go way beyond simply saving young lives. The implications are global. Vestergaard Frandsen are the creators of the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter and the LifeStraw Family water purifiers that can provide up to 18,000 liters of purified water for a village. They operate on a "profit for purpose" business model and are guided by their humanitarian goals. They are committed to the U.N.'s Millennium Development Goals and they have designed several products that help to eradicate disease in undeveloped countries. They are a European-based company with headquarters all over the world. My research shows them to be an admirable company with an outstanding business ethic and model. I am finding more and more companies who follow similar models of social entrepreneurship. It's inspiring to see. The LifeStraw has only recently been introduced to the US and Canadian markets. They have become an instant favorite with many survivalists, preppers, humanitarian workers, missionaries, emergency relief workers and world travelers. Their low cost and light weight are big selling points. No emergency kit should be without one. The LifeStraw is available at Highwater Filters for the low price of $19.95. As a special incentive, we are currently offering free shipping on all LifeStraw orders. You probably won't find a deal like this anywhere on the web. The LifeStraw comes packaged in poly wrap with instructions included. Many purchase one for each member of the family. It makes sense at only $19.95 a person. All of our water treatment products come with our guarantee for your complete satisfaction. We stand by our products and our customers. We know you'll be glad with your shopping experience at Highwater Filters.   Read more here about Vestergaard Frandsen and the LifeStraw. Thanks for stopping by!  

I made this video to demonstrate how easy it is to assemble the Sawyer SP191 Point Zero Two water purifier. Unfortunately, Wordpress only allows me to upload videos that are less than 10 MB! So here is the link to my video on youtube: Sawyer .02 Water Purifier Assembly Video Go to Highwater Filters to get the best price on the Sawyer SP191 on the web. This is our most popular product. It's easy to see why. If you want the added protection against viruses, this is the purifier for you. It's lightweight, field cleanable, affordable and Made in the USA. Guaranteed for a million gallons!

On Sale Now!

Thanks for watching!

 

I just found out that the Sawyer SP181 Emergency Water Filter Bucket Kit has been improved and now includes the adaptable Squeeze bottle for lightweight carrying. So you can use this with a bucket or pack it into the bush. It also includes a faucet adaptor, so you can use it with your tap water, too. I spoke with Sawyer today and found that the SP181 was originally designed for disaster relief but so many survivalists have embraced this product that they've upgraded for those on the go. I'm so excited about this new development that I've priced the Sawyer All-in-One filters at a rock bottom introductory price of $42.99. That's considerable less than you will find in stores at $69.99 or on the web where they are selling for $59.99 at most outlets. I can only offer this price for a day or two, or until my current supplies last. I just put in a big order for more. I think this product is going to sell fast. Don't miss out on this great price at Highwater Filters! Thanks for stopping by!

The Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a dire warning to the world after a meeting of climatologists in Kampala, Uganda. Get ready for extreme weather as a result of global warming. Heat waves, floods, droughts, and storms will intensify with the warming of the planet and most countries, and people, in the world aren't prepared. The CDC, FEMA, and other government agencies have been conducting  media campaigns to recommend that every American household has an emergency disaster plan and supplies. Every family should have emergency essentials packed in case they have to leave home fast in an emergency situation. Things to consider are food supplies, water, warmth, health, and safety. Are you prepared for extreme weather and natural disasters? Are your neighbors? Friends? Family? Some may scoff, but let them. They won't scoff when they find themselves in an emergency, whether they prepared for one or not. Read more in Are You Ready? More about the panel's announcement here. And please check out Highwater Filters for all your water treatment needs. Thanks for reading!      

[caption id="attachment_1046" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="The popular Sawyer Squeeze "][/caption]  

Sawyer Water Treatment Products On Sale

I've just marked down all Sawyer water filters and purifiers for a limited time only. Check out these great bargains on one of the most popular portable water filters and purifiers on the market. What makes them so popular?

• They are super light-weight [caption id="attachment_1047" align="alignright" width="275" caption="Sawyer Inline Filter"][/caption]
• They are super affordable
• They carry a "million gallon guarantee"
• They are made in the U.S.A.

What more can you ask from your water treatment? I've been reading survivalist and backpacking forums for months now and the buzz about Sawyer just continues to grow. I've heard a lot of positive feedback and it has convinced me that Sawyer water treatment products will continue to increase their loyal followers. As a loyal distributor, I am happy to see Sawyer grow into an industry leader. What makes the Sawyer filters and purifiers different? From the company's website:

The Sawyer Water Filters feature a 0.1 Micron Absolute Hollow Fiber Membrane, which uses medical technology developed from kidney dialysis. When the water is drawn through the filter, it flows through the side walls of the Hollow Fiber tubes. Sediment, bacteria, protozoa, cysts, and other contaminants are filtered out exceeding all applicable EPA recommendations. NO CHEMICALS, NO WAITING, NO PUMPING, NO WORRIES! The Sawyer Point Zero Two Purifiers features a 0.02 Micron Absolute Hollow Fiber Membrane. To use the Sawyer Point Zero Purifier simply follow the instructions enclosed and affix the purifier to any bucket or pail to yield bacteria-free water in remote locations. The only external force required for the system to function is gravity. The flow rate of a purifier is determined by a combination of head pressure, altitude, and how clean the filter is. Absoulty no chemicals needed and is rated for One Million Gallons. Sawyer is confident in their one million gallon claim because you can continually clean the filter by backwashing it with clean water. Backwashing is not required often unless you are filtering very turbid water. Backwashing is as simple as reversing the filter flow with clean water. Forcing the clean water back through the filter flushes out all of the contaminants and only takes a few seconds. NO REPLACEMENT FILTERS OR CARTRIDGES ARE NECESSARY. Check out Highwater Filter's webstore to get the best deals on Sawyer water treatment products. [caption id="attachment_895" align="aligncenter" width="203" caption="Sawyer Water Purifier"][/caption]

Sale Held Over until Tuesday! Announcing a 3-day ~ Super Sale on all Sawyer products. 20% Off! Made in U.S.A. Sawyer water filters and purifiers have become a popular brand among backpackers, campers, and preppers. There's a good reason for that. They are super lightweight, affordable and made in the U.S.A. Sawyer is a leader in pump-less portable, non-electric water treatment. They make inline filters for your hydration pack or drip filters with storage and dispensing vessels (pouches) to make water treatment almost effortless. Their latest Squeeze bottles are the lightest water filters on the market. They also make water purifiers if you are planning to go overseas or preparing for disaster. At Highwater Filters, we have a complete inventory of Sawyer products ready to ship to you today! Please check out our great selection. Did I mention that Sawyer filters and purifiers have a one million gallon guarantee? You can't beat that. Water filters make great gifts and it's not too early to shop for those loved ones who is difficult to please. A Sawyer water treatment product is sure to put a smile on their faces. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your savings. But hurry. Sale ends Sunday.

  Sorry, this Sale has ended. Check back for future bargains and check our website for current sale items. At Highwater Filters, we are concerned for the safety of all those who may be in harms way during the oncoming Hurricane Irene. Please be safe and take every precaution to avoid injury. It's times like this that many of us realize the vulnerability we face with the possibility of mass power outages. If you've never been through an emergency like Katrina or other major hurricanes, earthquakes, or natural disasters, you may not have considered that without electricity, you will most likely be without running water. This is why so many prepared people keep an emergency portable, non-electric water filter or purifier on hand. Following the tsunami in Japan, there was a tremendous rush on portable water filters. Katadyn Pockets became back ordered for weeks and even months. Don't let this happen to you. We are stocked with Katadyn products, Sawyer products, Life Saver distiller kits, and more. Order before the inevitable rush. And please take advantage of our 20% off discount so you will be ready for the next unexpected disaster. Be safe!

It’s been over a month since the tragic earthquake in Japan left a large portion of that country in a constant state of high alert. Concerns for leaking radiation from damaged nuclear plants continue to make many people all over the world nervous about the possibility of radioactive emissions falling in their area of the globe. Don’t let those who are quick to dismiss these concerns as "going overboard" deter you from getting the facts for yourself. Anyone who wonders what the dangers are should research the risks posed and decide if precautions are needed, even if the only benefit is peace of mind. Don’t we all at least wish for this? As I’ve said in my previous blog post about radiation and drinking water, there are so many claims out there about what method is best for filtering radioactive particles from water. It’s difficult to separate truth from wishful thinking. Chemistry was never my strong suit, but I’m learning a lot about radiation these days. I am happy to share what I have discovered with you here. I went to the Environmental Protection Agency's website to see what information they have available about radiation. I discovered they had plenty of free info available to citizens like me. I learned that most radiation occurs naturally at levels too low to be concerned about. I learned there exists a spectrum of radiation that includes lower level non-ionizing radiation such as sound waves, light, and microwaves. This is not the type of radiation we should be worried about, however. On the higher end of the spectrum is radiation that falls within the "ionizing radiation" range. Radiation within this range can be used in manufacturing processes, in cancer therapy, and to generate electricity. Radiation from Japan’s nuclear facilities falls into this category. [caption id="attachment_231" align="alignleft" width="365"]

Types of Radiation in the Electromagnetic Spectrum[/caption] There are three main kinds of ionizing radiation: alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. The kind we are concerned about affecting our health from a nuclear reactor accident are beta particles. I could give you a detailed description about how beta particles are formed, but I doubt I’d fool you into thinking that I know what I’m talking about. In a nutshell, when the ratio of neutrons to protons becomes too high, it causes a chain reaction that forcibly removes an electron from the nucleus of an atom. The original radionuclide, considered a “beta emitter”, is transformed into a different element. There are many beta emitters including cesium-137, strontium-90, and iodine-131. Radioactive iodine is the biggest concern after a nuclear reactor accident. These particles are what are most likely to cause contamination to our food or water after a nuclear accident. According to information from the EPA's website, “ Direct exposure to beta particles is a hazard, because emissions from strong sources can redden or even burn the skin. However, emissions from inhaled or ingested beta particle emitters are the greatest concern. Beta particles released directly to living tissue can cause damage at the molecular level, which can disrupt cell function. Because they are much smaller and have less charge than alpha particles, beta particles generally travel further into tissues. As a result, the cellular damage is more dispersed.” A common fear of exposure to radiation from contaminated food and water after a nuclear accident is the threat of cancer. This can occur after long term low-level exposure and can take many years before symptoms appear. Immediate threats from higher doses of radiation can include burning of the skin and radiation sickness, or radiation poisoning. Symptoms include premature aging, nausea, hair loss, weakness, diminished energy, and sometimes death. Other long term health effects include physical anomalies in babies who are exposed in the womb, and genetic mutations passed on to future generations. So that’s some background information for you to try to absorb, but the burning question of the day remains, how can we protect ourselves if water becomes contaminated after a nuclear accident?   First off, it is useful to know the MCL (maximum contaminant level) for beta particles in water. The EPA sets this at 4 millirems per year. If your water exceeds levels that could cause you harm, the EPA lists (drum roll, please) ion exchange and reverse osmosis as the two methods of filtering water that are proven effective. So there you have the results of my investigation. I am not saying there isn’t information out there on the web that will dispute this conclusion, and I know there are many who would never depend on or trust the EPA for a decision that may be the difference between life and death. I encourage you to do further research and see if there is information out there that can support, or dispel, these claims.

I am especially curious to learn of any credible information as to the effectiveness of silver-impregnated ceramic filters like are in many of our Katadyn water filters, including our best-selling Pocket Microfilter.   I am also interested to see if claims that distilling removes radioactive particles is true. especially regarding iodine-131. Since we sell Katadyn products, and portable non-electric distillers, I would be pleased to know that both these methods are effective against the type of radiation we are currently concerned with. Unfortunately at this time, all I can claim is that the silver impregnated ceramic filters and distillation can reduce radioactive particles. And for me, that is an added sense of security. Please feel welcome to leave a comment if there is anything you can add to this conversation, or if you have any questions that you are itching to ask. I will do my best to respond and find answers. Thanks for reading! Update: January 10, 2013 The Vortex Non-electric Water Distiller Kit by Highwater Filters is now available. We have both kits installed in 5 gallon buckets and DIY kits available.

Update: We now carry CuZn Water Filtration products including a radiation filter. Go here to view replacement filter. Triple under counter for radiation, fluoride, chlorine and other contaminants.

This morning’s earthquake in Japan may go down in the record books in magnitude, and tsunami warnings have put many coastal communities on high alert around the world. As I write this, the size of the tsunamis and the extent of damage have yet to be seen. Many island people and those living along the coasts of places as far away as Mexico, Canada, and the entire west coast of the U.S. are on alert. This is a big one, folks. I couldn’t sleep early this morning so I got out of bed and went online. When I saw the news reports, I was dumbstruck. I thought about the people I know in the Philippines who were being evacuated to high ground. I thought about my good friends who called me just a couple of weeks ago from Hawaii, who must be glad that they didn’t delay their vacation until now. I thought about my son, who attends college at Western Washington University, in Bellingham, WA, on the north coast of our state. I thought about all the people in Japan who are dealing with such incredible devastation. My heart and best thoughts go out to all people who are dealing with the tragic events of this day. I understand that Japan leads the world in emergency preparedness. Devastating earthquakes in 1923 and 1995 were incentives to build sturdier buildings and to educate citizens on how to stay safe during emergencies. I’m not sure if people in Japan keep a water filter for emergency use, but it wouldn’t surprise me. At times like these, stores are flooded with people stocking up on provisions, including bottled water. Stocks can be wiped out in a very short time. Food and water can become scarce during emergencies. Being prepared can be life-saving. Having a good portable water filter is always a good idea if you are concerned about natural disasters in your area. If you have to leave home fast, having an emergency kit available to grab and go will save precious time and will help you to deal with potentially dangerous situations. Earthquakes and floods can render drinking water undrinkable, unless you have a way to filter or purify contaminated water. If you want to be prepared for any situation, here are some suggestions for what to include in any emergency kit from FEMA’s website, Ready America:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

In addition, there are many secondary items to consider like prescription drugs, diapers, pet foods, important documents, and cash. For a complete list, click here.