The second generation
of the MSR WaterWorks filters use their new Marathon 205 ceramic/carbon element.
In addition to a long intake hose and a design that allows the filter to screw
directly to the top of a Nalgene water bottle or MSR's own water bags, the
side-mounted pump is easy to use.
Method
of Filtration:
The WaterWorks II is a modular design. A
porous foam strainer on the end of the intake hose blocks large debris. The
water is then passed through the Marathon 205 element. This element's ceramic
outer wall removes many bacteria, and protozoa, increasing the life of the final
membrane filter. The inner activated carbon core of the element removes many
chemicals, including iodine and chlorine. The final filter is a membrane which
blocks the passage of bacteria and other debris that was not trapped by the
carbon. This membrane also offers a back-up in the event the ceramic filter
element is cracked or loses its seal.
The carbon core of the ceramic filter is susceptible to bacterial
colonization. One advantage of the Marathon 205 cartridge is that it can be
boiled to destroy bacteria in the carbon. This must be done extremely carefully
to avoid breaking the seal on the cartridge - follow the manufacturer's
instructions. As noted, it is virtually impossible to determine when a carbon
filter should be replaced. This design employs a ceramic filter that stops most
contaminants before they reach the carbon filter, which may reduce this problem.
Plus, the final membrane will stop any contaminants that may come from the
carbon.
Effectiveness of Filter:
MSR's published claims for the WaterWorks II are removal of Giardia,
Cryptosporedia, and 99.99999% of Brevundimonas diminuta. While its carbon
filter also poses the same problems as other carbon filters such as bacterial
colonization and blowthrough (pathogens being washed through the carbon), the
final 0.2 micron membrane filter makes the WaterWorks II a particularly good
choice if smaller bacteria such as the 0.3 micron Camplyobacter are a threat.
The WaterWorks II also offers the added benefit of removing most chemicals and
bad taste and odour compounds thanks to its carbon component.
Ease of Use:
The WaterWorks II greatest strength may be its ease-of-use. Its
pumping action is easy, even for children, and the 120 cm long intake hose
facilitates easier filtering. Plus, its threaded base is designed to fit
directly onto a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle and MSR Dromedary Bag. The stated
output is one litre every two minutes.
Guidelines for Cleaning or Replacing Filter:
Unlike many filters, the WaterWorks II does not become more difficult
to pump as it begins to clog. It is the longer time and greater number of
strokes needed to produce a litre of water that indicates the filter element
needs cleaning. A gauge is supplied with the WaterWorks II, allowing the user
to determine when cleaning has worn the Marathon 205 element down to the
replacement point. The instructions from MSR detail how to boil the Marathon
205 cartridge in order to sterilize it. The final membrane filter cannot be
cleaned. Determining when the final membrane should be replaced is clearly
explained in the MSR manual but is a relatively time consuming procedure.
Longevity of Filter:
No estimates are given in MSR's instruction manual for any of the
filter elements. As with any filter, the yields are greatly influenced by the
tubidity of the water filtered.
Quality of Design and Workmanship:
The WaterWorks II design, despite being somewhat complex, is very
good. In general terms, the WaterWorks' strongest drawback is that its complex
design requires that users be comfortably working with this more technical
filter that they be familiar with how to correctly maintain it. Failure to
correctly re-assemble it could result in, at the very least, decreased
performance, and, if the final membrane is not properly installed, possible
leakage of contaminants into the outlet. Workmanship and materials are very
good.
Cost Effectiveness:
MSR's own published figures put the WaterWorks' cost per litre as
lower than most other filters, with the exception of the Katadyn Pocket Filter.
Summary:
Advantages:
- multiple filter design effectively
removes protozoa and bacteria, including small Camplyobactor.
- membrane filter offers a back-up in the event of damage to the ceramic
element.
- pump action is easy to use.
- filter output attaches to water bottles or bags.
- carbon removes many chemicals and bad taste and odour compounds.
-
fast treatment rate.
Disadvantages:
- ceramic may crack if
dropped.
- not as easy to maintain as other models. The very
sophistication that makes it so effective at removing high levels of pathogens
make it more complex than single element filters.
- many parts.
All in all, the WaterWorks II is a lightweight, compact water filter
that is easy to use and completely effective. Thorncrest Outfitters feels the
WaterWorks II's ease of use and effectiveness make it a good option.
Methods of Treatment
Water Filters