Safe water, free of bacteria and protozoa

Helps to prevent stunting and contributes to cost savings

A notable benefit, although not precisely quantified, is the positive impact on young children. Regular episodes of diarrhea, often caused by contaminated water and lack of hygiene, can lead to stunting in children. Research shows that 58% of diarrhea cases are attributed to water-related issues. Stunting not only compromises a child’s health, making it more susceptible to diseases and infections, but it also hinders its mental and physical growth. Consequently, children affected by stunting are less likely to reach its full height and cognitive potential as adults.

The positive effect of using Tulip Water filters on stunting has been detailed in a publication by Practical Action in 2020 after a lengthy study in Sudan.

Cost savings

Using water filters often encourages the utilization of water sources closer to home, resulting in reduced travel time and less time spent boiling water. This saved time is often redirected towards productive activities, such as work. Additionally, the increased consumption of water leads to a decrease in the consumption of other beverages, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Purified water consumption itself brings about positive effects on health, contributing to an overall healthier lifestyle and a subsequent reduction in illness cases, translating to lower medical costs associated with doctor visits.

These advantages were quantified through a Social Return On Investment (SROI) study. While the study did identify certain limitations, such as geographical cost assumptions, it indicated a financial benefit of approximately USD 20 per year per person or USD 100 per household per year (considering an average household size of 5 individuals).

Diatomaceous earth

Tulip water filters are made mainly from Diatomaceous earth, also known as diatomite, or kieselgur/kieselguhr. Diatomaceous earth is essentially fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled microalgae essential for life on Earth, as they produce about half of the oxygen we breathe through photosynthesis using carbon dioxide.

As a fossil material, Diatomaceous earth is again a key ingredient when fired to manufacture our tubular (candle) filters. The first well-documented successful application dates back to the cholera epidemic in Hamburg, Germany, in 1892. However, it wasn’t until 116 years later that the Tulip candle filters began mass production.

The Table Top system

The Tulip Table Top water filter is a convenient two-bucket filter and water storage system in one. It uses gravity filtration, so no external power is needed. The top bucket holds the raw water, which passes through the Tulip filter and becomes safe to drink in the lower bucket. The water stored there remains safe for an extended period. Cleaning is simple with the provided scrub pad. A Tulip Table Top water filter can purify up to 7,000 liters of water, depending on its initial clarity, after which you can easily replace the filter.

The Tulip water filter was invented by Basic Water Needs in the Netherlands and is produced in China under our close supervision.

Rigorous protection

The filter is specifically designed to meticulously strain bacteria and protozoa (like parasites) from the water, ensuring the delivery of biologically safe drinking water. Notably, it doesn’t filter fully dissolved substances (TDS), including vital minerals that are beneficial.

For all those substances (TDS) that pass through the ceramic layer, there is a second tier of protection: high quality activated carbon derived from coconut shells. Activated carbon is renowned for its ability to attract and retain various chemical substances, encompassing:

• Enhancing the taste, color, and odor of drinking water;
• Neutralizing chlorine;
• Effectively capturing impurities such as pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants like PFOS/PFOA/PFAS.

Remarkably, it also significantly reduces nitrates, nitrites, and heavy metals like lead, mercury, aluminum, and cadmium.

The nano silver renders any bacteria in the clean water container harmless.

Advantages

• Good tasting and clear water.
• A candle lasts about 7,000 liters or 12-24 months;
• 99.9% removal of bacteria and protozoa because of the high quality of the materials used for the filter elements;
• No recontamination. The filter elements leach out 4 to 8 ppb nano silver to avoid recontamination of filtered water;
• Faster flow  because of the smart fast flow hose (increases flow up to 50%);
• Easy filter replacement. An “end-of-life indicator” is included, so users know when to replace the filter elements;
• Lightweight and efficient packaging (50 units of the candle filter in a master box) saving on logistical costs;