Local Company Donates Water Filtration Pitchers to Japan

Bensalem-based Zero Technologies, developers of ZeroWater, the only dual ion exchange tap water filtration pitchers and dispensers, will donate 2,000 of its 8-cup pitchers and filters to residents of Japan.

Americans can request that a ZeroWater pitcher be delivered to their friends or family in Japan by calling (877) 398-0606 and providing the name and Japanese address of the designated recipient.

According to a release, live operators will process requests from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on a first-come-first-served basis (one request per household).

"I know from personal experience how difficult the current situation is, as my brother and his family live in Japan," said Doug Kellam, chief executive officer at Zero Technologies.  "We are a small company with limited resources, yet we want to help in any way we can.  We also know that a lot of American families are worried about their friends and loved ones living in Japan, and we hope that this will give them an opportunity to provide support."

Since the tragic events, ZeroWater has received many inquiries from Japan regarding the company's filtration pitchers and dispensers and their ability to reduce the levels of radioactive materials in tap water. 

In response to these inquires, ZeroWater provides the following information to make sure people have the most accurate information possible:

• ZeroWater pitcher filters are unique in that they utilize a mixed bed ion exchange technology to de-ionize tap water.  This is the same type of de-ionization using a mixed bed-ion exchange technology that is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency, and commonly used by the nuclear power industry, to reduce levels of radioactive contaminants from water.  Ion exchange is further recognized by the Department of Defense for reducing radioactive elements in water.
• ZeroWater has conducted limited testing that indicates its products reduce the levels of certain radioactive materials. 
• There are currently no protocols in the United States for third-party certification of filters to reduce radioactive elements in drinking water, other than radon and radium, which generally occur naturally.  Because of this, ZeroWater cannot certify that its filters are able to reduce the amount of any specific radioactive substance to a level that would make the water safe for consumption. 

To help overcome this lack of certification protocol, ZeroWater is working with the Water Quality Association (WQA) to develop a protocol for testing specific element removal, including the key elements of concern in Japan. 

"Unfortunately, protocols have not been developed largely due to the difficulties and safety concerns when working with radioactive elements along with the low possibility of any threat of contamination in U.S. tap water," said Tom Palkon, director at WQA. "The WQA has extended an invitation to ZeroWater to work together to design test protocols for radioactive elements in water, and we hope to develop certification standards that will help ensure safer drinking water for generations to come."