Ok, so here is an answer I got from Brita on an issue I was having with dark to black mold/algea I was having on a weekly basis with one of their pitchers/filters. I was going through many filters long before they should have been bad. Note: I had already been cleaning it on a weekly basis, already have been keeping it in the fridge...........the filters should have been lasting a cpl months or many gallons, they were nit and I was wasting water and product.
Their answer:
"March 24, 2011
Mr. Michael xxxxxx
xxxx xxxxx xxxxxx #116
Brooklyn, OH 44144-1962
Reference Number: xxx8580
Dear Mr. xxxxxx,
Thank you for contacting us.
We apologize for any inconvenience. If you are noticing green in the pitcher, it is most likely algae. As you know, algae is a microorganism that lives in water; both warmth and sunlight contribute to its growth. Public water systems can contain low levels of algae, especially in warmer climates and in hot weather. If the algae is not killed by the chlorine that your municipality adds to the water supply, it may still exist in your tap water.
To minimize the potential for algae growth we recommend storing your BRITA in the refrigerator, ready at any time to pour a cold, refreshing glass of BRITA water. If you really would prefer to keep your BRITA outside of the refrigerator, we recommend that you keep it in a cool area out of direct sunlight.
If you do experience algae growth in your BRITA water, we recommend the following:
1. Remove and discard the used filter.
2. Clean your system thoroughly using liquid dish detergent and water. A small amount of household bleach may also help with the cleaning. You may use a soaking solution of bleach that consists of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water; you may soak the BRITA pitcher, reservoir and lid in this solution for 5 to 10 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse. Do not mix the bleach with the dish detergent however, since hazardous gases could result. Use the bleach soak after washing and rinsing the system first.
3. Insert a new filter. In the future, be sure to replace the filter on a regular basis, every 40 gallons or 2 months, whichever comes first.
4. Use your BRITA as you normally do, but be sure to refill the unit every day or two. It is also a good idea to wash your pitcher thoroughly on a weekly basis. These steps will minimize the potential for algae to grow.
Additionally, please note that none of our systems are designed to remove micro-organisms from the water. If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to visit our website at www.brita.com, or call us at 1-800-24-BRITA.
Sincerely,
Kevin Anderson
Consumer Response Representative
Consumer Services"
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