Does LifeStraw Filter Volcanic Ash?

Yes, LifeStraw water filters can remove a significant amount of volcanic ash from drinking water, depending on the model:

LifeStraw Filters (e.g., Home, Peak, Personal, Go, Flex)

• These products use membrane microfiltration with a 0.2 micron pore size.
• Volcanic ash particles typically range in size, but the majority are larger than 0.2 microns, so these filters can remove approximately 93%–95% of volcanic ash from water.
• Because volcanic ash is dense and can clog filters more quickly, we recommend frequent backwashing to maintain flow and performance.

LifeStraw Purifiers (Mission, Family, Community)

• These use ultrafiltration membranes with a 0.02 micron pore size, offering even greater protection by removing smaller ash particles as well as viruses.
• Regular maintenance, including proper backwashing, is especially important when filtering heavily contaminated water like volcanic ash runoff.

To extend the life of any filter, consider pre-filtering water through a cloth to remove larger sediment and ash particles before using your LifeStraw product.