Water is placed in the top container, shaped like an inverted bell, which houses the ceramic filter which has a nozzle protruding through a small hole into the main body of the purifier (please refer to illustration). Water is filtered in three ways.
The outer micro-porous ceramic wall screens the water down to one micron to remove up to 99.99% of bacteria and suspended solids. The tiny pores of the ceramic make it extremely efficient at removing particulate matter and fine sediment. The ceramic is also a highly effective barrier to bacterial pathogens and water-borne cysts including e-coli, cryptosporidium, giardia and salmonella.
The water passes through the inner core of activated charcoal which removes chlorine, ammonia, fluoride and bad tastes and odours. Activated carbon works by attracting and holding certain chemicals as water passes through it; it is a highly porous material with an extremely high surface area for contaminant adsorption. (Adsorption is the phenomenon whereby molecules adhere to a surface with which they come in contact with).
The ceramic wall of this filter has been impregnated with silver ions to prevent the growth of bacteria in the filter itself and also in the stored water. The silver acts as a natural biocide inhibiting microbiological growth meaning that there is no need to sterilise the filter even when they are used over an extended period of time.
This design prevents any overflow problems common with two-part systems. Each purifier is hand made on the potter's wheel and individually decorated in a variety of colours, many of which are uniquely Australian.
The purifier is fired to stoneware temperature of 1305 centigrade making it the perfect non-toxic material to filter and store drinking water. Firing at this high temperature ensures your water purifier is waterproof and extremely resilient to cracking, crazing, and chipping.
Unlike terracotta and earthenware systems, our stoneware system will not grow mould, become stained, deteriorate with age, or leave a clay taste in your water. The inside of the purifier is glazed allowing ease of cleaning.
No fumes are given off as with plastics or metals allowing safer long storage. The insulating properties of stoneware will help keep your water naturally cool for drinking and ice may be added to the container for chilled water. There is no electricity or plumbing and the purifier is small enough that it can be moved easily from room to room.
Replacement filters
The filter will need to be replaced approximately once a year. Your purifier will come with a filter, however the replacements will need to be purchased from SCP (please find a link on our website). The replacement cost is currently $99 for a Doulton Ultra Fluoride and $51 for Doulton.