The Straw of Life - Need Help Info.

**sjj** · 12-27-2009, 08:06 AM

Anyone have information?

**nell67** · 12-27-2009, 08:18 AM

Actually,it says 5,000 gallons! and I don't see anything about replacement cartridges either.

**Camp10** · 12-27-2009, 08:26 AM

They do point out that it is the manufacturer that makes the 5,000 gallon claim and it hasnt been verified.
Quote:
"The unit is sealed and has no moving parts making it durable and needing no maintenance or servicing. Because the water purifying drinking Straw of Life is operated just like a normal drinking straw with no electricity or batteries required means it remains always operational"
I would say it has no cartridges to change! If it works, it would be great...you go first!

**2dumb2kwit** · 12-27-2009, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by sjj

Do the folks here recognize that if the claims are true that this would be a TREMENDOUS leap in water purification? I mean, you get about 20 gallons out of a regular straw filter/purifier and most don't handle viruses. Really now, 5,000 gallons? That is a lifetime of clean water through a straw !!!!!!

This is CERTAINLY worth further investigation !!!!

Yeah....it kinda sounds like magic!

**COWBOYSURVIVAL** · 12-27-2009, 08:51 AM

Sounds pretty impressive. I sure would like to know what the technology is though....

**2dumb2kwit** · 12-27-2009, 08:54 AM

Now this sounds a little more believable.

The Lifestraw® can purify a minimum of 700 litres of water.

It kills and removes 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and 98.7% of waterborne viruses.

It removes particles down to 15 microns and requires no electrical power or spare parts.

The simplicity of the design makes it easily accessible and usable wherever there is contaminated water.

It does not remove heavy metals and fluoride.

**Rick** · 12-27-2009, 09:23 AM

Here's a write up on the Survival Straw that you probably want to read.

http://www.wcponline.com/expertview.cfm?ID=1740

As for the Life Straw, it is indeed what it says it is. I contacted the company last year and they told me they have no near term plans to offer it in North America.

**nell67** · 12-27-2009, 11:05 AM

I agree with Rick,if it sounds too good to be true,it probably is.

THe "owner" of this product and website is a woman named Kathleen Lone,and she makes some big,unsubstantiated claims about her product,the BBB so far has yielded no info about the product,or the woman behind it.

I'd stay away from it. Just look at the list of things she claims it removes from water! and there is no scientific proof to back her claims that I have found as of yet.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Five-Milli...se!&id=1126660

**crashdive123** · 12-27-2009, 12:19 PM

But - but - but - It's on the Internet. You mean, not everything on the Internet is true? I'm shocked.

**Rick** · 12-27-2009, 12:23 PM

I hadn't seen that, Nell. That's really pretty funny. I doubt they understand the term bacteriostatic or they wouldn't have used it. Bacteriostatic inhibits bacteria growth while bacteriocidal kills bacteria. Reassuring to know that all that bacteria you consume won't be able to grow even if it isn't dead.

**Winnie** · 12-27-2009, 05:37 PM

And why pick on the Thames? I'm not happy I tell you, not happy at all.......

**gryffynklm** · 12-28-2009, 11:21 AM

I found LifeStraw listed on Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/portable-water-f...ht_3185wt_1167

The item location is Seoul, South Korea Price is Buy Now $35 and $12 for shipping.

**Winnie** · 12-28-2009, 01:01 PM

I'd be very interested to know the chemistry behind this "wonder straw"
Heavy metals cannot be eliminated, they are a basic element. They may be changed for instance oxidised.
And what about the bacteria, viruses and solids? again, I'm sceptical. I can see perhaps a silver iodide may destroy the bacterium and viruses but it's efficacy will only last a certain amount of time. Surely any solids would eventually clog the thing up and encourage bacterial growth inside it? Hmmm I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole.

**Rick** · 12-28-2009, 01:29 PM

Here are the answers to your questions, Winnie.

http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/...ifications.htm

**Winnie** · 12-29-2009, 09:41 AM

Thanks Rick, there seems to be 2 different products. The one in Sjjs' post and the one in the link posted by your good self.
The one in your link is called a Life Straw and to me seems the real deal. it has a limited life span of 1yr or 700litres. It removes particulates and water borne nasties. It doesn't remove heavy metals.
This straw of life is the one that rings alarm bells. The scary thing is the name and look of the thing is near identical to the real deal, and sounds like a scam to me.
The chemistry behind the Life Straw makes perfect sense.
The Claims of the Straw of Life seem to be just that.
I still wouldn't touch the Straw of Life with a bargepole.

**Rick** · 12-29-2009, 11:01 AM

I think you are correct and agree with you.

**Blasfemo** · 07-10-2010, 12:43 AM

sorry to dig this up but i know a lot of people in Africa are using this part of some ONG plan in disaster to give away some of this to avoid infection on people, BUT i see no way or info on how to buy any of it, and i also see the LifeStraw has a 3 year storing life and this might also be an issue.