Care & Use

HOW DO I SEPARATE THE INNER PRESS FROM THE OUTER [RE]FILL?

Use a twisting motion to help facilitate separation. If the INNER PRESS feels stuck, grab the LOOP CAP and twist clock-wise while pulling apart. This will unhinge and release the INNER PRESS.

When your GRAYL is completely dry, the INNER PRESS and OUTER [RE]FILL may require more force to separate. Make sure to twist as you pull apart.

HOW DO I FILTER WATER WITH A GRAYL?

Fill the OUTER [RE]FILL at selected source. Make sure NOT to fill past the indicated fill line. Utilizing your body weight for mechanical advantage, press with steady downward force. Press on the ground, or below or below knee level.

PRO TIP – Keeping the Loop Cap “on” while pressing creates a comfortable pressing surface which reduces hand discomfort or fatigue (especially when doing multiple presses). Venting the cap (loosening a 1/4 turn) allows air to pass through while purifying.

HOW DO I REMOVE AND/OR INSTALL A FILTER?

To REMOVE, locate the Purifier Cartridge "lock tab" at bottom of INNER PRESS. Then pull out the "lock tab" and unscrew the cartridge (lefty loosey). To INSTALL, insert cartridge into INNER PRESS and screw tight (righty tighty) until Purifier Cartridge clicks into lock slot. Do not over tighten.

WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND "PRESSING" EITHER ON THE GROUND OR BELOW KNEE LEVEL?

Mechanical advantage. No big muscles required. We always recommend pressing with steady downward force at a lower height (either on the ground or a level surface no more than 20 inches) so you can leverage your body weight for mechanical advantage. It's the fastest, most efficient, and easiest way to purify water on-the-go. If you want to test this technique, try from a lower surface and a higher surface (you'll feel the difference).

HOW LONG DOES A PURIFIER CARTRIDGE LAST?

The lifespan of the Purifier Cartridge varies with the quality of the water source; the clearer, the better. High levels of silt or sediment will shorten the lifespan of the cartridge. When using clear water, the cartridge will be effective for ~300 cycles (40gal / 150L) – about three uses per day for three months. As cartridge life nears its endpoint, press time increases. When press time approximately doubles to ~30 seconds, it's time to replace your cartridge.

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF MY PURIFIER CARTRIDGE?

An unused cartridge lasts 10 years if properly sealed. Store in a cool, dry location. Between uses, if you care for them properly, your Purifier cartridges will last up to three years after first use.

The one part of the technology that will degrade is the Activated Carbon (which filters heavy metals and chemicals). Activated Carbon absorbs impurities from the air, so it naturally degrades over time once unpackaged. You can limit this effect by drying thoroughly, then placing it into an airtight bag.

CAN I USE THE PURIFIER CARTRIDGE TO FILTER LIQUIDS OTHER THAN WATER?

No.

DOES THE PURIFIER CARTRIDGE MAKE SEA WATER SAFE TO DRINK?

No. Salt water contains ions like magnesium and sodium that our filters are not effective against. To remove salt from ocean water, you need a desalinization filter.

CAN I PUT ANY GRAYL COMPONENTS IN THE MICROWAVE OR FREEZER?

No.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY GRAYL FREEZES?

We advise changing the Purifier Cartridge after two (2) freeze/thaw cycles. GRAYL conducted freeze/thaw tests in an independent lab to determine the effect of freezing your GRAYL. After a single freeze/thaw cycle, the Purifier Cartridge maintained performance. However, after three freeze/thaw cycles the Purifier Cartridge suffered a drop in performance below acceptable levels. 

IS THE GRAYL DISHWASHER SAFE?

The OUTER [RE]FILL, INNER PRESS, and CAP are top rack dishwasher safe; otherwise wash by hand with warm, soapy water. Wash these parts before first use. Rinse cartridge only, no soap.

Note: do not place purifier cartridges in the dishwasher or in soapy water.

CAN I USE SOAP ON A FILTER OR PURIFIER CARTRIDGE?

Do not wash filter or purifier cartridges with soap or other cleaning agents. You may rinse the cartrdige with clean water as needed.

Health & Safety

ARE ALL GRAYL COMPONENTS BPA-FREE?

Yes, all GRAYL components are BPA-free. We only use BPA-free food-grade plastics such as Polypropylene #5 and ABS.

ISN'T TAP WATER GOOD ENOUGH?

Maybe. Throughout the USA, Canada and Europe, tap water is generally safe. High levels of chlorine kill pathogens (germs) so you don't get sick. But the USA EPA allows drinking water to contain trace amounts of a wide range of impurities - certain heavy metals (lead, arsenic, iron), industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals, elements you can taste (chlorine, copper). The activated carbon used in GRAYL® filters has been proven to greatly reduce many of these contaminants. The result: great tasting water and one less thing to worry about.

WHAT TYPE OF FILTER MEDIA IS USED IN PURIFIER CARTRIDGES?

The Purifier Cartridge uses a patented G3+™ Filtration Media– three filtration technologies in one for added protection: 1) A triple-charged mesh traps disease-causing germs while allowing water to flow quickly, 2) Activated natural carbon (made from coconut shells) attracts and traps many heavy metals, industrial chemicals, 3) An integrated anti-microbial agent suppresses the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria, keeping GRAYL fresh between uses.

WHAT IS THE PORE SIZE (MICRONS) OF THE PURIFIER CARTRIDGE?

Pore size is not relevant to G3+™ technology; it's like asking how much horsepower a laptop computer has. Pore size is relevant in 'mechanical filters', which work by forcing water through tiny pores in a filter. In a mechanical filter, the biggest pore must be smaller than the smallest germ. The downside of mechanical filters is that tiny pores prevent rapid flow of water, so they work slowly or require lots of pressure. Instead, G3+™ technology uses electroadsorption; relatively large pores overlaid with a positively-charged mesh (think little magnets) that latch onto germs. The result is fast-flowing, clean water so you can #PurifyWaterAnywhere.

WHAT IS ACTIVATED CARBON?

Activated carbon absorbs waterborne impurities. Carbon has been used for thousands of years - the ancient Phoenicians (1200 BC) stored water in charred barrels for long sea voyages. Carbon is "activated" with heat and oxygen to create tiny pores, which increases the surface area. GRAYL's purifier media incorporates ultra-powdered activated carbon throughout the filter, creating an even higher surface area than in most activated carbon filters available. GRAYL's carbon is made from natural coconut husks and adsorbs a wide range of impurities commonly found in tap water, including various metals, organic molecules and industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals.

IS THE FILTERED & PURIFIED WATER FROM GRAYL SAFE FOR DRINKING IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD?

Yes. Our Purifier Cartridge is GRAYL's best protection against the full-spectrum of waterborne pathogens that cause human disease (viruses, protozoa and bacteria). Of course, we always recommend filtering the cleanest possible water available.

IS THE PURIFIER CARTRIDGE EFFECTIVE AGAINST CYANOTOXINS (A.K.A. BLUE ALGEA)?

No. GRAYL's purifier media is not recommended for use with cyanotoxin poisoned drinking water. Cyanotoxins are created when cyanobacteria (or 'blue algae') proliferate in freshwater lakes, under certain conditions, likely exacerbated by global warming. Water containing cyanotoxins is very no bueno for human health.

Activated carbon, one technology in GRAYL's purifier media, can reduce cyanotoxins but not to a level that is sufficient to make the water safe. Reverse osmosis is the only filtration method effective against cyanotoxins.

Warranty & Return Policy

WHAT IS GRAYL'S WARRANTY?

Every GRAYL is accompanied by a ten (10) year warranty covering workmanship and materials. For replacement information please contact us at: www.thegrayl.com/pages/contact

WHAT IS GRAYL'S RETURN POLICY?

Items can be returned within 30 days of the date of receipt. They must be in new, unused condition. For this reason, we encourage customers to give the system a dry run (without water) to understand operation and each of the different components. Shipping charges are non-refundable. In the event of a return or if a package isn't deliverable by a carrier - only the cost of the merchandise is eligible for a refund. Please contact us with any questions about our policy or to initiate a return: info@thegrayl.com