Preguntas Frecuentes

Efficiency and performance

How effective is Ecofiltro?

We guarantee the effectiveness of Ecofiltro by periodically analyzing the water treated with our filters in professional laboratories. Through these analyses, we guarantee a healthy and safe solution for human consumption.

For more information on our laboratory analysis results, please visit our Filtration Efficiency page here.

What is Ecofiltro's contaminant absorption capacity?

The wall of the Ecofiltro filter unit contains pores with a maximum size of 0.8 micrometers, preventing the passage of any contaminant larger than this size. For reference, a human hair typically has a diameter of 100 micrometers, so the pores in your Ecofiltro are 125 times smaller. To maintain this level of effectiveness, we recommend periodically inspecting your unit.

Will Ecofiltro be effective in my area?

In Costa Rica, 90% of tap water is considered potable (according to the 2023 State of the Nation Report), as it meets all the quality standards required by law. Therefore, if your water supply comes from the mains and has been deemed safe for consumption by public authorities and local government, your Ecofiltro is suitable for use.

However, if your water source comes from wells or other non-groundwater sources (excluding saltwater), we recommend consulting a professional laboratory for a water analysis to identify potential contaminants. This will help ensure Ecofiltro can effectively remove them.

What pollutants does Ecofiltro remove?

The Ecofiltro filter is composed of three 100% natural materials: clay, activated carbon, and colloidal silver. This unique combination eliminates and reduces most potential contaminants in water, while preserving essential minerals necessary for your health. The main contaminants removed by Ecofiltro include:

- Parasites

- Bacteria (including E. coli)

- Pesticides

- Microplastics

In addition, Ecofiltro effectively reduces the following pollutants by a very high percentage:

- Volatile organic compounds

- Cal

- Iron

- Aluminum

- Lead

- Fluoride

- Arsenic

- Chlorine

Does Ecofiltro remove microplastics?

Yes, Ecofiltro has been independently tested and certified to remove 100% of polystyrene microplastics introduced during testing. Furthermore, the test confirms that Ecofiltro does not release any microplastics itself , ensuring completely plastic-free drinking water. [See test report]

Does Ecofiltro remove limescale/calcium?

Ecofiltro significantly reduces limescale in water, but does not eliminate it completely. Limescale acts as a natural bactericide, and its presence helps prevent the growth of microorganisms in the water. Therefore, the Ecofiltro's construction ensures that some of the limescale remains in the water to maintain its bactericidal properties.

Does it remove bad taste from water?

Yes, Ecofiltro effectively eliminates any unpleasant odors or tastes from the water, thanks to its activated carbon component.

Does the Ecofilter remove chemicals like chlorine from water?

Yes, Ecofiltro removes chlorine found in treated water sources.

If the chlorine levels found are above typical limits, we recommend leaving the water in an open container for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate or be consumed.

This will prevent the life of the filter unit from being shortened.

Does the Ecofilter remove heavy metals from water?

Ecofiltro reduces heavy metals in water. See laboratory studies.

Does Ecofiltro alkalize water?

Yes, Ecofiltro increases the pH levels in the water to make it slightly alkaline.

Usage and compatibility

What type of water can Ecofiltro be used with?

You can use Ecofiltro with tap water for optimal filtration results. However, you can also use water from other sources, such as wells, rainwater, or rivers, with the exception of saltwater.

Can I filter hot water with Ecofiltro?

It is not recommended to use the filter with hot water. The materials used are not resistant to high temperatures and may reduce the filter unit's lifespan.

Is filtered water safe for babies?

Yes, Ecofiltro's contaminant removal parameters ensure that the resulting water is safe for babies, suitable for both direct consumption and food preparation.

Can Ecofiltro be used with desalinated water and salt water?

We recommend using the filter with desalinated water, as the clay component enriches the water with essential minerals. However, we do not recommend using it with seawater, as this could quickly damage the filter unit.

Can Ecofiltro be used with well water?

We recommend performing a chemical and physical analysis in a laboratory in cases where the composition of the well water is unknown.

Advantages and benefits

What are the advantages over osmosis and other types of filters?

Ecofiltro offers several advantages over osmosis and other types of filters. It is a 100% natural filter with no negative environmental impact. The filter unit has a two-year lifespan and, at the end of this cycle, can be reused as a plant pot or discarded, as it is 100% biodegradable. Unlike filters with plastic cartridges or components that can pollute the environment, Ecofiltro is environmentally friendly. Furthermore, Ecofiltro operates without electricity, contributing to energy savings.

What are the advantages of Ecofiltro over bottled water?

Ecofiltro offers long-term savings compared to buying bottled water. For two years, you won't have to worry about buying water or carrying heavy bottles home from the supermarket.

Additionally, Ecofiltro eliminates chlorine, a common source of unpleasant tastes, and reduces limescale, which contributes to water hardness. With Ecofiltro, you'll have access to clean water at all times, without generating plastic waste.

Maintenance and replacement

How often should the filter unit be changed?

Filter lifespan varies depending on factors such as the volume of water filtered, ambient and water temperature, and water hardness due to limescale. Taking these variables into account and based on various tests, we recommend changing the filter every two years.

Does the Ecofilter need maintenance?

Yes, we recommend performing maintenance every 6 months. If you live in an area with very hard water (high limescale content), we recommend performing maintenance every 3 months. However, if you wish, you can perform maintenance more frequently. Learn more about how to perform maintenance HERE.

Is it normal for my filter to have a black spot on the outside of the base?

Yes, it's normal. The dark color is the result of activated carbon, one of Ecofiltro's active ingredients, which concentrates during the high-temperature cooking process.

Is it normal for the filtration rate to be slow at first?

Yes, when you first start using your Ecofiltro, you may notice a slow filtration rate.

This happens because the filter unit is new and needs time to undergo the natural process of opening the pores within its walls (healing).

This can result in a clayey taste in the water, which will normalize in 3 to 5 days for large models and 5 to 10 days for mini models.

The filter works by gravity; therefore, the more you fill the unit, the more pressure the container will receive, accelerating the opening of the pores.

With continued use, the pores will open to 100%, reaching its normal filtration rate of approximately 2 liters of purified water per hour for large models and half a liter per hour for mini models.

How do I know when the filter unit needs to be changed?

The filter unit has an average lifespan of two years, depending on the hardness of your water. You may notice that it's necessary to replace the filter unit, as the taste of your water will change.

How do I dispose of the different parts of the Ecofilter?

The materials that make up Ecofiltro are all 100% recyclable. The container, lid, and tap should be placed in the steel bin, while the filter unit can be placed in the unsorted trash or used as a planter.

What can I do with the used filter unit instead of disposing of it?

Don't throw away the used filter unit; instead, reuse it as a plant pot. If you prefer, break it into smaller pieces and use it as compost to contribute to sustainable gardening practices.

How should I dispose of the used filter unit if I decide not to reuse it?

If you decide not to reuse the used filter unit, ensure that it is disposed of with organic waste.

Why does a white layer that looks like saltpeter form around the edge of the filter unit?

The white layer is the mineral salts and other compounds that the water contains and that Ecofiltro traps.

These accumulate on the shore because it is the only part that does not always remain wet, you can clean the shore with a clean cloth.

The filter unit is impregnated with colloidal silver which prevents mold or mildew growth.

Health and safety

Is colloidal silver healthy?

Colloidal silver, produced by electrolysis of pure silver in distilled water, is considered one of the most powerful and effective natural germicides. Used in appropriate doses, this natural antimicrobial has no adverse effects and does not cause rejection or allergic reactions. Each Ecofilter is impregnated on the outside with 20 milliliters of colloidal silver dissolved in distilled water. With a purity of 3.2%, this formulation eliminates any risk of side effects.

In Ecofiltro units, we use 0.22 liters of colloidal silver at 530 ppm for our 5L product, and 0.42 liters for our 20L product, both internally and externally applied. Studies show that initially there is a higher release of silver, around 40 ppb (0.04 ppm), which is well below the recommended daily intake limit of approximately 30 ppm. According to the USEPA (US Environmental Protection Agency), the maximum intake of silver should not exceed 5 μg per kilogram of body weight per day (1996), which translates to a daily intake of 350 μg for an average 70 kilogram adult.

Is filtered water safe for babies?

Yes, Ecofiltro's contaminant removal parameters ensure that the resulting water is safe for babies, suitable for both direct consumption and food preparation.

Does Ecofiltro remove nitrates, medications, contraceptives, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceutical products?

Yes, Ecofiltro has been scientifically tested and proven to remove over 99% of PFAS and pharmaceutical residues , ensuring safer, purified water. These results are confirmed by independent laboratory testing conducted by Measurlabs . [See test report]

Is pewter or vitrified steel harmful to health?

No, pewter is a cadmium- and lead-free metal alloy that, once melted, undergoes a ceramic enamel coating known as vitrified pewter, which makes the product non-toxic when in contact with water.

Pewter is known in Costa Rica as enlosado.

Why does my Mud Ecofilter have an inner layer?

It is a fully efficient, food-grade sealant that does not migrate any component into water and prevents microbiological growth of any kind.

Technical and operational

Is it normal for water to taste like clay at first?

Yes, it's normal. During the pore opening process, some clay may deposit at the base of the container, giving the water a slight earthy taste. Although the water is drinkable from the start, we recommend filling and emptying the container a few times until the taste subsides. You can reuse this water to water plants, cook, or wash vegetables and fruits: it's completely safe.

How many years has Ecofiltro been on the market?

Ecofiltro originated in Guatemala, Central America, more than 30 years ago. Since then, its use has spread to most Latin American countries, the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Is it normal for TSD levels to be higher with Ecofiltro?

Yes, this is normal behavior, since clay, a natural element, provides more minerals to the water.

Does Ecofiltro remove all mineral salts present in the water with its filtration?

No, it keeps the good mineral salts but eliminates the harmful substances.

What is the difference between the Clay, Pewter (Vitrified Steel), Ceramic, and BPA-free Plastic Ecofilters?

All Ecofiltros work with a filter unit made of clay, activated carbon and impregnated with colloidal silver.

They will all provide the same quality of water.

The only difference they have is their appearance.

Here, the only thing you need to worry about is which one best suits your kitchen, the space you want to place it in, or your budget.

Contact and assistance

How can I contact you?

You can contact us through our form

Do you have a physical point of sale?

Yes, we will gladly assist you at our store located in Guayabos de Curridabat from Monday to Friday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed for lunch from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm) and Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm (closed for lunch from 12 pm to 1 pm).

📍You can find us on Waze and Google Maps as Ecofiltro Costa Rica.

You can also find Ecofiltro at these points of sale

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