Has anyone seen or used one of these filters? The US military are using these, and also smaller portable units for filtration of very toxic dirty water on the go. This model produces 24 liters of water per day for 30 days. It can be cleaned and reused as well although they don't reccomend consistant reuse.

The final drink which is produced is like a sports drink.



Hydrowell 24

Hmmm. Rather on the expensive side, and it appears to have a shelf-life of 3 years even if it is not used. Also, I don't think that a "sport drink" would be usable for cooking.

On the other hand, it is a reverse-osmosis unit. That means that is SHOULD work with even the dirtiest of water, maybe even contaminated or salty (but they do not say on the web site).

If not for the limited shelf-life, I would definately consider it.

It is actually a FORWARD osmosis system, hence the sugar solution being required, and no water pressure. They say it will make a drink from a toxic mud puddle. This seems to be the major advantage of this system.

Check out the FAQ area of their web site. It appears that it will filter out slightly salty water and have been used for urine even. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

They are working on a syrup solution which will allow them to be used for salt water. The shelf life is actually longer than 3 years and longer if cooler.

This one is a camel back type unit and is much cheaper at $64
x pack (camel back style)

I wonder if you'd be able to distill the water and reuse the salts that dissolved in it.

If not, well, it's apparently salty and sweet, just like a chocolate dipped pretzel. Seasoning? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I just received a confirmation from the company which produce these.

The PH of the final "Energy Drink" is 2.9-3.2 !!!!! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

WARNING

If anyone was to use these as their only source of fluid for an extended period of time (such as our special forces), these drinks could quite easily cause Acidosis and lead to death or at the very least severe illness.

And if you are a asprin user on a regular basis, that warning includes you. And it wouldn't be so good if you have an ulcer or suffer from acid reflux. Gah! That's got to be like drinking vinegar.

With that in mind, I've got to give this gizmo a big thumbs down, and big dope slap to the guy who made it. They should have built something into it to neutralize some of the acidity, even if it was something as simple as a roll unflavors tums and you toss one in.

Yeah, the only problem with Tums is IIRC, that it has a high level of Aluminium in it, not so good. There are a few different ways they can prevent bacteria from growing in the sugar solution (the only reason for the acidity). Perhaps they will get wise and change the mix in the future.

Hopefully real soon for our soldiers sake!!

Let's see..... Nope, no aluminum, at least not according to the label on my bottle. Baking soda, sugar, color, flavor, and preservatives.

Sorry, my mistake, it appears that only select products from antacid manufacturers contain aluminium salts.

Heck, for all I know, Tums in the US aren't the same as Tums in Australia. :P No biggy.

Rol-Aids is the anti-acid that has Aluminum in it.

This thing sounds insane! But I've often thought about a marine RO unit for emergency purposes. I live near the ocean and have unlimited salt water available, so a way to desalinate it could be very useful. There are some portable units that can make dozens of gallons a day from 12 volt power, if you don't mind the cost. But they're beyond my price range, for now.