FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions How can I tell if my drinking water is safe?... What can I do about my drinking water?   click here Water Purifier vs Water Filter... what's the difference?  click here How does "Structured Matrix™" technology work?  click here What makes General Ecology Water Purifiers Different?   click here How can I tell if my drinking water really is safe ... What can I do about my drinking water? There are so many different types of contaminants that it is impossible to be completely sure on all possibilities. You can, however, have your water tested for bacteriological safety and for specific contaminants. The NORS (National Organics Reconnaissance Survey) showed that essentially all treated water supplies have at least trace amounts of chemical contaminants, such as THM's present. More importantly, Giardia and Crypto pose very serious health threats with more cases of illness occurring in "city" water than in wilderness. There is no known treatment except prevention for many of these problems. You can purify your own water at the point and time of use, or you can purchase bottled water. General Ecology® water purifiers are economical to purchase and operate, simple to install and convenient to use. Add pure water convenience to your life. Choose one of our home purifiers for pure water right at your sink or one of our portable water purifiers, for pure water on the go. back to top What is "Structured Matrix"™ technology? How does it work? There are three mechanisms which work simultaneously and synergistically to give the system outstanding effectiveness over a broad range of contaminants. These mechanisms are (1) ultrafine submicron microfiltration, (2) molecular capture and broad spectrum adsorption and (3) electrochemical separations, incorporated into a "Structured Matrix" to provide uniform flow and reliability and to prevent channeling. The first mechanism physically strains bacteria, Giardia, Cryptosporidia and other larger organisms, and particulate matter from the influent water, much like a window screen keeps flies from entering a house. The second mechanism is an integration of pharmaceutical grade, high quality adsorption and molecular sieving materials into the microstructure for high efficiency in removing trichloroethylene, PCB's, pesticides, herbicides and many other chemical contaminants. The third mechanism consists of negative and positive electro-attractive forces, which are permanently induced into the matrix to attract even smaller particles that cannot be removed by microfiltration alone. Because of its unique microstructure matrix in combination with organic removal mechanisms, the Seagull IV cartridge does not have the pathogenic bacteria buildup problems common to GAC, carbon block, extruded carbon and other coarser charcoal filters. To our knowledge, General Ecology's "Structured Matrix" is the only technology formally certified to meet the EPA standard for microbiological "purification" to protect against cysts, bacteria and viruses instantly without multiple pass through, added chemicals, electricity, hold time or production of wastewater. back to top What Makes General Ecology's Products "Different"? We're often asked what makes our drinking water purifiers different. While there are many reasons, probably the two most compelling are (1) General Ecology's technology was specifically designed by multidisciplined scientists and engineers, from a comprehensive overview analysis, to protect against modern societies' environmental and ecological pollutants. Most other products have evolved from older water softening or charcoal filtering products. (2) This "next generation" technology , now referred to as " Structured Matrix" includes a combination of truly advanced purification concepts and purification techniques not available from any other product. It is truly a purification process - instantly and effectively removing from water: disease bacteria, cysts and viruses, as well as chemical and aesthetic contaminants WITHOUT chemical additives, electricity, holding time or double processing. There is no other purification product like it on the market - our technology is a trade secret, unique and proprietary to General Ecology Inc. "Structured Matrix" remains the only technology certified to me USEPA Microbiological Purification Standards against all three classes of water-borne disease microorganisms without the use of chemicals, hold times, electricity and wastewater. We pride ourselves on the years of research and development that resulted in the amazing capabilities of our water purifiers. The testimony to our outstanding success is continually evidenced not only by unexcelled test results but also by 25 years of satisfied users in a wide range of activities worldwide. For more info on "Structured Matrix" purification technology see above question "How does it work". back to top Why Water Purifiers are Far Better Than Mere Water Filters General Ecology, Inc.'s water purifiers are the only water purifiers that utilize "Structured MatrixTM" technology to offer the highest level of water purification instantly without chemicals, pretreatment, double processing or hold time. General Ecology's water purifiers remove viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, PLUS many organic and inorganic chemical and aesthetic contaminants at the highest "purification" micron level (0.4 microns absolute) to provide great tasting water while protecting against water related disease. By comparison, even the very best water filters only remove certain protozoa, and perhaps bacteria and possibly certain aesthetic contaminants, providing a lessor standard of protection than that of General Ecology's water purifiers. Our purification technology is certified to USEPA. Guide Standard for Microbiological "Purification" against disease bacteria, cysts and viruses! Without Chemicals! Why risk merely filtering your drinking water when you can purify it instantly, effectively and economically? Add Purity to Your Life... Check out our Seagull IV water purifiers for Home or Boating use, our Nature Pure water purifiers for RV or Boats and our First Need portable water purifiers for International Travel, Back- Country Camping and Emergency Preparedness. back to top Go Back Powered by Marinet