FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions         Frequently asked questions about Seychelle's Water Filtering Technology         Q. What is your warranty? Please click the following link to learn about our warranty and  Seychelle's Product Return Policy. Q What makes the SEYCHELLE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES Ionic-Adsorption Micro-Filtration System the BEST? A The primary reason our filters perform better than other filtration systems is that each product is designed to guarantee the greatest amount of reduction per contaminant. The Micro-Porous body of the filter contains thousands of interconnected omni-directional pores, each being a uniform 2 micron in size. In addition to pore size control, our micro-porous filters have 3 proprietary media impregnated within that are coordinated carefully for the reduction of potentially harmful contaminants. The mechanical filtration is superior in efficacy in the removal of what is referred to as the “A, B, C, D and R” of water contamination: A esthetic – unpleasant taste and odors, cloudiness, silt, sediment, chlorine, chlorine by products… B iological – harmful microscopic pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other cysts and spores. C hemical – toxic chemicals: Trihalomethanes, PCB’s PCE’s, detergents, and pesticides D issolved solids – including heavy metals such as aluminum, asbestos, cadmium, chromium 6, copper, lead, arsenic and mercury R adiological – Radon 222 Seychelle’s exclusive Ionic-Adsorption Micro-Filtration combines the different concepts of filtration including adsorption, absorption, chemical bonding and chelation. It reduces specifically all areas of contamination through the exclusive design and impregnation of proprietary media with outstanding filtration capabilities. Q Why are the Seychelle Portable Water Filtration Systems better than bottled water? A Three basic reasons: First - The US EPA, NSF and ANSI Certified Testing Results of our filters assure you consistent quality, great-tasting water each and every time. Our water filtration systems are the most laboratory and field tested products of their kind in the world. Efficacy and quality are guaranteed and on record. Many bottled waters, especially in developing countries, are not guaranteed and actual water sources unspecified. Second - the Seychelle portable water filtration bottle is affordable, efficient, cost effective and can be filled from any convenient water source anywhere, anytime except salt. Third - the Seychelle system produces up to 100 gallons of great-tasting filtered water; equal to 757 half liters of bottled water at a fraction of the cost! Q Will the Ionic-Adsorption Micro-Filtration System wear out? A The filter will not wear out, per se. However, the maximum filtering capability gradually diminishes and when the water flow is too low, it’s time to replace the system. This is basically a function of the quality of the source water you want to filter. Q Who performs the tests for the filters efficacy and for what elements specifically? A In the United States, water filtration products are tested by independent laboratories to verify the exact capabilities and performance. All Seychelle filters are extensively tested by only the highest quality US approved laboratories certified to test under the strictest EPA, ANSI & NSF standard methods and protocol. The gallon volume of filtration capacity is tested to NSF standards 42 & 53. In addition, Seychelle filters have been tested in sixteen (16) foreign countries. All five areas of contamination “A,B,C,D and R” are tested. See Laboratory Test results for exact percentage reduction. Q Is there a problem with activated carbon filters harboring or breeding bacteria or other contaminants within the filter itself? A Bacteria can grow on anything, but the key to this product concept is to periodically clean the filter. Most consumers use a Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) filter element in a manner that the systems are either attached to the faucet or permanently installed under the sink counter. The major problem is that the water is allowed to collect after use, and this is when bacteria grows or multiplies. Bacteria will grow most effectively in a dark, moist atmosphere, especially if there is no disinfectant in the remaining water. The main reason for the bacteria build-up is that filters cannot sanitize themselves automatically. With our bottle products, simply flush with a 1/8 teaspoon of chlorine in one quart of water through the system and then rinse and flush with filtered water. Seychelle has not received one report of bacterial growth on one of its filters since its introduction sixteen (16) years ago. Q. How is the filter capacity formula determined? A. Seychelle performs continuous flow tests. For chlorine removal, the testing laboratories run the filters with heavily spiked water for over 400 gallons without any break-through of residual chlorine or other surrogates used. Overall filter capacity varies by product as follows: Water pitchers: up to 150 gallons Stainless steel bottles: up to 50 gallons LDPE plastic bottles: up to 100 gallons Pumps and bags: up to 100 gallons Pure water straws: up to 25 gallons Q Are the filter systems pre-flushed? A. All filter systems are pre-flushed at the factory. Please refer to product manuals for exact instructions for each product in our line. Q. Does the filter ever need cleaning? A. No. Do not use soap or cleaner on the filter as you may damage it and plug up the microscopic pore openings which will cause it to not work. Q. What is the filter life expectancy? A. For most products about one year. The time to change the filter is when you are no longer satisfied with the rate of flow. Q. Maintenance and storage DO NOT…Place the bottle in the freezer. (When water freezes it expands and could damage the bottle and/or filter); DO NOT fill with HOT water, or anything other than WATER; DO NOT run the bottle through the dishwasher. When the filter system will not be used for an extended period, flush chlorinated water through the filter and allow to dry thoroughly with top cap removed. Reassemble and stow. Q. Are your products safe and BPA free? A. All Seychelle products are BPA free; are non-toxic and do not leach; and use only FDA approved # 4 and # 5 plastics and food grade materials; or # 304 stainless steel. Q. Who buys and uses Seychelle products? Those concerned about the taste, odor and quality of their drinking water. Those who travel worldwide. Those who pursue an active lifestyle. Those who are concerned about surviving disasters including floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, & tornadoes. Those who buy bottled water on a consistent basis even though they may question the source and quality.