The Everywhere Bottle Filter from Epic Water is the only water bottle filter that is NSF certified to remove arsenic (95%).
Arsenic is a metallic component of the earth’s crust that enters fresh water, lakes, and rivers naturally from the erosion of rocks. It can also enter our water supply from acid mine drainage. It is toxic to our health and should be filtered from our drinking water.
In this post, we briefly discuss Epic’s Everywhere Bottle Filter. We’ll also discuss where arsenic comes from, its health effects, and what other filtration systems are capable of removing arsenic.
- Arsenic in water can be natural when in small amounts, but high concentrations are usually caused by acid mine drainage or agricultural run-off from farms that use arsenic-containing pesticides.
- Ion exchange and activated carbon filters can remove >60% of arsenic from water.
- Filters that combine ion exchange with activated carbon are more likely to remove arsenic.
- Reverse osmosis systems are the most effective way to remove arsenic from drinking water in the home.
The Only Water Bottle Filter For Arsenic Removal
Most water bottle filters use either activated carbon or ion exchange, or a combination of the two. However, there is only only find one water bottle filter that has been independently tested and certified to remove arsenic:
The Epic Everywhere Bottle Filter
The Everywhere Bottle Filter from Epic Water remove 95% arsenic.
They use a dual filter technology that includes an external nano fiber layer and and internal carbon fiber block layer to remove 99.99% of tap water and outdoor contaminants.
The Everywhere Bottle filters are made in the USA, are NSF certified, and fit all Epic bottle types, such as the one shown (the OG Ultimate Travel Bottle). They filter ~75 gallons (285 liters) and can last 3-4 months. Filter replacements cost USD $30.00.
Water Purification Guide readers are also eligible for an exclusive 20% discount on their purchase, just use WPG at checkout.
Arsenic Sources
Arsenic (or As) is a naturally occurring metal. It is mostly found in copper, lead, and zinc ores, and also in soil.
Other than this, As is associated with rocks and can form a compound with other elements like iron and sulfur, in a mineral known as arsenopyrite.
Sources In Water
Arsenic can contaminate our water in the following ways:
- Rocks containing arsenic deposits in the form of minerals dissolve and wear away over time. This is one of the major sources of arsenic in freshwater.
- Arsenic is an important component of iron and copper ores. When these ores are smelted (metal is extracted) and industrially processed, waste acid is generated. This acid contains arsenic, and when drained in freshwater, it leads to contamination.
- Arsenic is used as a pesticide. It is used to prevent wood from rotting, but when agricultural waste is discharged into water when it rains, it can cause a rise in arsenic levels.
Most of our drinking water comes from rivers, streams, and lakes, as well as groundwater. Due to natural erosion, as well as unregulated dumping of industrial and agricultural waste, the freshwater arsenic concentration has increased to toxic levels in some areas.
In an ideal world, drinking water should be processed through a filtration system to ensure it’s safe for consumption. However, sometimes the filter is inefficient, which can lead to exposure to unsafe levels of arsenic.
The arsenic in city water is usually safely removed, but people that use domestic wells are often at an increased risk of high arsenic concentrations.
Health Complications
Arsenic is highly toxic. Water contaminated with Arsenic can lead to the following health complications in the long run:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Cognitive impairment, especially in children
- Cancer
- Skin lesions
- Kidney diseases
- Pulmonary (lung and respiratory tract) complications
- Irritation in eye
- Liver dysfunction
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Miscarriage
In extreme cases, the death of young adults may also occur.
Pregnant women, fetuses, industrial workers, patients with pre-existing immune disorders or other health problems, and people who drink well water are at high risk of arsenic poisoning.
Safe Levels Of Arsenic In Drinking Water
According to the U.S Environmental protection Agency (EPA), the set safe amount of arsenic in drinking water is ten micrograms per liter or 10 parts per billion (ppb).
However, long-term consumption of water, even with safe levels of arsenic, poses a risk of cancer development.
Other Filtration Systems For Arsenic
RO or reverse osmosis is considered the best system for arsenic removal and can remove >99%. But this method is not available in water bottle filters.
Also read about the best RO systems for arsenic removal here.
1. Ion Exchange
Ion exchange is an effective method of water treatment. It involves passing water through a resin bed that retains arsenic while adding a non-toxic element to the water in exchange.
Concentration in drinking water can be reduced by ~90% via this method and tests have shown arsenic to be reduced to below the standard set by the EPA (10 ppb).
2. Activated Carbon Filter
Activated carbon is made by heating charcoal, and can remove around 60% of the arsenic found in water.
Filters that have been impregnated with iron can remove up to 7% more arsenic than standard activated carbon filters.
Some water filter pitchers can also remove arsenic – go here for more information.