Cleaning and Maintaining Your Peak Gravity 8L and Safe Water Storage 8L + 8LUpdated 2 hours ago

See our YouTube videos for a complete reference on our Peak Series.

This guide applies to:

• LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity 8L
• LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity with Safe Water Storage 8L + 8L

Both products use the same membrane microfilter, so the filter cleaning and storage guidance is the same. The main difference is setup:

• The 8L filters into a hose outlet for direct collection or use.
• The 8L + 8L includes a separate safe water storage bag that connects to the hose.

Both products should only be used for filtering water. Do not use them to filter seawater or chemically contaminated water. Do not use if the plastic is cracked, and do not expose the product to temperatures above 140°F / 60°C or below 32°F / 0°C.

Daily Use

Peak Series Gravity 8L

1. Attach the membrane microfilter to the gravity bag by unscrewing the plug cap and screwing the filter onto the outside of the neck cap until secure.
2. Connect the hose to the exposed outlet of the filter and make sure the pinch clip is tightened.
3. Unscrew the neck cap, fill the bag with water, and retighten the cap. There is no need to remove the pre filter basket before filling.
4. Hang the reservoir from an anchor point using the strap.
5. Release the pinch clip to allow filtered water to flow.
6. When finished, tighten the pinch clip to stop water flow. Replace the plug cap on the membrane filter when the hose is not in use.

Peak Series Gravity with Safe Water Storage 8L + 8L

1. Fill the dirty water bag by unscrewing the neck cap, adding water, and retightening the cap. There is no need to remove the pre filter basket before filling.
2. Attach the membrane microfilter to the dirty water bag.
3. Connect the hose to the membrane microfilter and secure the other end into the outlet on the safe water storage bag. Keep the pinch clip engaged during setup.
4. Hang the dirty water bag and the safe water storage bag from two separate anchor points. The dirty water bag must hang higher than the safe water storage bag. Do not hang the weight of the safe water storage bag from the hose connections only.
5. Release the pinch clip to allow filtered water to flow into the safe water storage bag.
6. When finished, tighten the pinch clip and replace the plug cap when the hose is not in use.

Regular Cleaning

1. Backwash the filter

Regularly backwash the membrane microfilter after use to help keep it clean and reduce clogging.

1. Disconnect the membrane microfilter from the top cap by twisting counterclockwise.
2. Screw the included backwash syringe onto the membrane microfilter.
3. Place the open end of the filter into drinking water.
4. Pull water up through the filter by pulling the syringe upward until it reaches the edge of the housing.
5. Push water back through the filter by pressing the syringe downward until the water has fully passed through the other side.
6. Repeat several times.

2. Rinse the system

For storage of less than 1 month, rinse the following parts before putting the system away:

• the inside of the top cap
• the mouthpiece
• the bag

For gravity systems, clean all mouthpieces, caps, and parts for more complete disinfection.

3. Disinfect when needed

For optimal disinfection, and especially when storing for more than 3 months, follow these steps:

1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of household bleach with 1 to 2 cups of water.
2. Submerge the end of the filter in the solution.
3. Use the backwash accessory to push and pull the solution through the filter several times.
4. Rinse thoroughly with tap water.

Cleaning the Gravity Bag or Reservoir

To help clean the inside of the bag or reservoir and improve taste, use the following steps:

1. Remove the cap and detach the filter. Set the filter aside in a clean area.
2. Fill the bag halfway with warm water.
3. Add 1 tablespoon (15 g) of baking soda per liter of water.
4. Reseal the cap and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to dissolve.
5. Add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of lemon juice per liter of water.
6. Fill the rest of the bag with warm water. Let any fizzing settle before closing the cap.
7. Shake the bag for 10 seconds, then carefully release any built up pressure. Repeat this step several times.
8. Lay the bag on its side with the solution inside for at least 4 hours.
9. Drain and rinse the bag several times.
10. Reattach the filter before using the bag again.

These bag cleaning steps are for the bag or reservoir only, not the membrane microfilter. Based on the information you provided, they apply to Peak Series bags and reservoirs.

Helpful Tips

• If flow is slow, use the backwash instructions to help remove possible air bubbles in the membrane.
• On the 8L + 8L, better flow is achieved when the dirty water bag hangs higher and the hose stays as vertical as possible.
• There is no need to remove the pre filter basket before filling either gravity bag.