Off the Urban Grid

On the Go Water Filtering

As you’re running out the door in the morning, do you grab a bottled water or a reusable water bottle? While choosing bottled water may seem more convenient and safer than your tap water, think again. Regulations on bottled water vary, because the U.S. Pharmacopeia standards for purified and sterile water do not apply to carbonated, seltzer, sparkling, soda or tonic waters. So even though you’re drinking bottled water, you still need to be aware of where it came from and who certified the water’s quality. Instead of paying for potentially impure water, you can use a simple gadget that fits into your reusable water bottle, which filters out those bad tasting chemicals.

Guyot Designs created the TapGuard, which can serve as an alternative to bottled water. All you have to do is run the carbon pouch under water for one minute, slide it into the TapGuard, place the unit into your water bottle and drink clean, fresh water throughout the day. John Steed who is in charge of the environmental programs and logistics at Guyot Designs says, “[The TapGuard] is a pretty easy step for people to take if they want to be green.”

The TapGuard comes in three different colors: Tahoe Blue, Tangerine and Black. The unit comes with two replacement carbon filters, which is enough to filter 200 liters of water. The carbon is made in the U.S., and it is derived from charred coconut husks from the Philippines, which are heated up to over 1,000 degrees. The heat creates an oxygen deficient area, and tiny holes emerge on the carbon, which attract negative ions. Steed says, “[the carbon] is activated so something happens chemically and it reacts with chlorine to absorb the smell.”

On average, you will need to replace a 100-liter carbon cartridge every two to three months. The TapGuard removes 95 percent of chlorine, which is commonly used by water treatment plants. In addition, the unit also filters out iodine and other organic chemicals. So when you’re traveling in airports, heading to the gym or rushing to work, you can take your refillable water bottle with TapGuard along with you.

Using the TapGuard can save you money, but it can also save the environment from being polluted with more plastic and carbon dioxide. Steed says, “We try to make the packaging as minimal as possible.” This is done with 100 percent post-consumer recycled cardstock and soy-based inks. An added plus is that you can even send the product back to the company to be recycled, because Steed says, “our products are made in a way that’s easy to strip down.” Inexpensive product, filtered water on the go, and reuse/recycling properties…what more can you ask for?

Tags: reusable filter, save water, TapGuard, water filter