+ Are Planet Matters filters recyclable?

Yes, Please send dried out filters to Planet Matters and we will recycle them. Our address is:

Planet Matters Water Filtration Products 1001 Avenida Pico #C191, San Clemente, CA 92673

+ Are your products safe and BPA free?

All Planet Matters 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.

+ Do Planet Matters filters take out minerals?

No, our filters are designed to take out only harmful contaminants, micro-organisms and heavy metals; and they leave in the good-for-you trace minerals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium and magnesium.

+ Do Planet Matters filters remove Fluoride?

Yes - up to 90%.

+ What makes the Planet Matters ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES Ionic-Adsorption Micro-Filtration System the BEST?

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. You can read more about the removal of contaminants on our Filtration page.

+ Will the Ionic-Adsorption Micro-Filtration System wear out?

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.

+ Who performs the tests for the filters efficacy and for what elements specifically?

In the United States, water filtration products are tested by independent laboratories to verify the exact capabilities and performance. All Planet Matters filters are extensively tested by only the highest quality US approved laboratories certified to test under the strictest EPA protocols. The gallon volume of filtration capacity is tested to NSF/ANSI Standards 42 & 53 by Broward Testing laboratories. In addition, Planet Matters 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.

+ Is there a problem with activated carbon filters harboring or breeding bacteria or other contaminants within the filter itself?

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. Planet Matters has not received one report of bacterial growth on one of its filters since its introduction sixteen (16) years ago.

+ How is the filter capacity formula determined?

Planet Matters 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 100 gallons

LDPE plastic bottles: up to 100 gallons

Pumps and bags: up to 100 gallons

Pure water straws: up to 25 gallons

+ Filter capacity and time to change filters

Most Planet Matters filters deliver up to 100 gallons of great-tasting, clean water before they need to be changed. The time to change any filter is when the water flow becomes greatly diminished, and it is difficult to squeeze it through the filter bottle. This guarantee does not cover improper use or maintenance, or premature clogging by overly turbid water. The filters should not be used with salt water.

+ Are the filter systems pre-flushed?

All filter systems are pre-flushed at the factory. Please refer to product manuals for exact instructions for each product in our line.

+ Does the filter ever need cleaning?

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.

+ What is the filter life expectancy?

For most products about one year. The time to change the filter is when you are no longer satisfied with the rate of flow.

+ Maintenance and storage

Planet Matters filters have an indefinite shelf life. Unused filters can be stored "as is" indefinitely. After use, when the filter will not be used for an extended period of time, follow these simple steps:

1 Fill the bottle with chlorinated water made by mixing half tsp of chlorine with one US gallon of water. Run this through the system and then rinse and flush with filtered water.

2 Allow the bottle/filter assembly to dry completely unassembled.

3 Re-assemble the bottle/filter.

You may now store the product for any length of time.

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.

DO NOT wash filter - flush only.

DO NOT use with ocean salt-water.