Giardia

Giardia, we filter that.

Giardia infection is an intestinal infection marked by abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, toilet hugging and bouts of watery diarrhea. Giardia infection is caused by a microscopic parasite that is found worldwide, especially in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water (like your favorite dive bar).

Giardia infection (giardiasis) is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the United States. The parasites are found in backcountry streams and lakes but also in municipal water supplies, swimming pools, whirlpool spas and wells. Giardia infection can be transmitted through food and person-to-person contact like "Hi-Fives" with your favorite friend.

Giardia infections usually clear up within a few weeks. But you may have intestinal problems long after the parasites are gone. Several drugs are generally effective against giardia parasites, but not everyone responds to them. Prevention is your best defense.

Giardia parasites live in the intestines of people and animals. Before the microscopic parasites are passed in stool, they become encased within hard shells called cysts, which allows them to survive outside the intestines for months. Once inside a host, the cysts dissolve and the parasites are released.

Infection occurs when you accidentally ingest the parasite cysts. This can occur by swallowing contaminated water, by eating contaminated food or through person-to-person contact.

Drinking Water

The most common way to become infected with giardia is after swallowing contaminated water. Giardia parasites are found in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams worldwide, as well as in municipal water supplies, wells, cisterns, swimming pools, water parks and spas. Ground and surface water can become contaminated from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge or animal feces. Children in diapers and people with diarrhea may accidentally contaminate pools and spas. Pretty gross stuff right?

To kill or inactivate Giardia, bring your water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes) Water should then be allowed to cool, stored in a clean sanitized container with a tight cover, and refrigerated.

Do Water Filters Remove Giardia?

An alternative to boiling water is using a point-of-use filter. Not all home water filters remove Giardia. Brita, Pur, and Invigorated Living water pitchers do not even touch Giardia. We have designed several Epic Water Filters products to remove Giardia from your drinking water.

Epic Smart Shield (Under Sink) >99.9999%

Epic Nano (Water Filter Pitcher) >99.999%

Epic Outdoor Adventure Bottle Filter (Water Bottle Filter) >99.999%