Water Filter vs Water Purifier | Do I need to use purification tablets or boil water with your products?

LifeStraw believes in backing all claims recommendations with scientific evidence and rigorous testing. However, since it is not possible to test or maintain accurate information on water sources in every location throughout the globe, we do not provide country or region-specific recommendations. 

LifeStraw Water Purifiers (LifeStraw Escape, LifeStraw Community, LifeStraw Family, and LifeStraw Mission) remove 99.999% of viruses, 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% effective against parasites and would not require additional purification tablets to treat the contaminated water.  

LifeStraw filtration products (LifeStraw Personal Straw, LifeStraw Go Series, LifeStraw Home, LifeStraw Sip, LifeStraw Peak) remove 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites, however these products do not remove virus.  

In general, viruses are not a concern in backcountry locations or in water sources in most developed countries, however it is advised to check with local agencies to determine what filtration needs you may require. If you are seeking virus removal, you can either use a LifeStraw purifier (LifeStraw Mission, LifeStraw Family or LifeStraw Community) or you can combine a LifeStraw filter with purification tablets.