Yes. All plastic for the 10 Stage Water Filter and the 10 Stage Replacement cartridges is made from BpA-free and phthalate-free polypropylene.

The 10 Stage Water Filter will provide clean, healthy, great-tasting water for a family of four typically for 1 year approximately 800 gallons. This includes water for drinking, for cooking, for cleaning vegetables, etc.  It is important to note, though, that the life of the filter can be limited by the water quality in your area, especially in areas whose tap water has high amounts of sediment.

Whether your municipality is replacing large water pipes in your neighborhood or the maintenance team at your complex is working on the building’s pipes, this work can loosen sediment that can then be seen and/or tasted in your tap water. The great news is that you have a 10 Stage filter that will protect you from this debris! However, it is possible that this extra “gunk” can clog your filter, thus shortening the filter’s life. Enviro Products recommends that, either during or after any water pipe work in your area, if any significant slowing of your water flow from the 10 Stage occurs, that you replace your cartridge.

The 10 Stage Water Filter System sits on your countertop and has a white tube that leads from the 10 Stage to your faucet. At the end of this tube is a metal (silver) mechanism called a diverter valve (aptly named, as it diverts your tap water to your 10 Stage). The diverter valve attaches to any standard faucet. You just unscrew the aerator (the screen at the end of your faucet) from your faucet. Then, simply screw on the diverter valve (an adapter for male to female threads has also been provided, if necessary).  It is that easy!

When you turn on your faucet, tap water will come out as normal.  If you wish to get filtered water, simply pull out the pin on the diverter valve and the water will then run through the filter, providing you clean, delicious water from the filter spigot.  DO NOT PUSH THE PIN BACK IN WHILE THE WATER IS STILL RUNNING (this can break the mechanism).  When done, Just turn off the water at the faucet as you would normally do.  The pin on the diverter valve is spring loaded and will automatically return on its own when the water flow is terminated.  When you turn your water back on, it will come through your faucet as normal again.

There is not an adapter for the various amount of sprayer faucets available, therefore counter-top installation is not an option.   A 10 Stage Plus Under-Sink System can be purchased separately that allows for under sink mounting that will tap directly into the cold water line (note: a certified plumber must do this installation).  The Under-sink System comes with a beautiful brushed nickel faucet, fittings and tubing, along with a high-pressure housing. Please consult a certified plumber regarding pressure regulator requirement.

The 10 Stage Plus Counter Top system is designed for counter top use only.  A 10 Stage Plus Under-Sink System can be purchased separately that allows for under sink mounting that will tap directly into the cold water line (note: a certified plumber must do this installation).  The Under-sink System comes with a beautiful brushed nickel faucet, fittings and tubing, along with a high-pressure housing. Please consult a certified plumber regarding pressure regulator requirement.

The 10 Stage Water Filter is for use with cold water only.  The reason for this is that the filter contains 2 stages of carbon filtration and carbon deteriorates with exposure to hot water.  If you run hot water through the 10 Stage Water Filter, it will dramatically shorten the life of the filter and may even, if enough hot water passes though, destroy the 10 Stage’s filtering ability.  However, please do not worry if hot water passes inadvertently through the filter for only a brief period.  A second or two of exposure will not cause any damage.

If your 10 Stage Water filter is new, the diverter valve pin may simply need a little lubrication.  If you look down into the top of the diverter valve, you will see a small hole.  Place 1 or 2 drops only of cooking oil into this hole and then very gently pull the pin in and out a couple of times.  Once you reattach the diverter valve to your faucet, it should work normally.  However, should the problem persist, please contact one of our friendly customer service staff at (800) 592-8371 to assist you.

If you have had your 10 Stage Water Filter for some time (many months or years), the most common culprit is mineral deposits.  Unscrew your diverter valve from your faucet (it can stay attached to the tubing, however) and place it in equal parts hot water and vinegar.  Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.  Then, if you look down into the top of the diverter valve, you will see a small hole.  Place 1 or 2 drops only of cooking oil into this hole and then very gently pull the pin in and out a couple of times.  Once you reattach the diverter valve to your faucet, it should work normally.  However, should the problem persist, please contact one of our friendly customer service staff at (800) 592-8371 to assist you.

This is an indication that the diverter valve is not working properly.

If your 10 Stage Water filter is new, the diverter valve pin may simply need a little lubrication.  If you look down into the top of the diverter valve, you will see a small hole.  Place 1 or 2 drops only of cooking oil into this hole and then very gently pull the pin in and out a couple of times.  Once you reattach the diverter valve to your faucet, it should work normally.  However, should the problem persist, please contact one of our friendly customer service staff at (800) 592-8371 to assist you.

About 2/3 of the way down the housing you will see where the base and the top portion of the housing meet.  Turn the housing canister upside down so that the bottom of the housing is pointing up.  Now, simply unscrew the base of the housing from the top portion just like you would a lid off of a jar (counter clockwise).

Tip: If the base won’t budge, chances are good you have mineral deposits that have built up on the threads.  To solve this issue, all you need to do is soak the housing in a hot water and vinegar solution.  This can be done in your sink or a bowl, whatever is most convenient for you.  You only need enough water to cover where the base and top of the housing meet.  The water does not need to be boiling, but it does need to be hot (your hottest tap water should be sufficient).  Then, add 1 cup of vinegar.  Let the housing soak for about 5 to 10 minutes (this is very important, as the housing will need to be warm when attempting to open your housing. If the housing cools down you will have to start the soak all over again).  You may need to repeat the soak a couple of times, but this should do the trick.  If you have soaked the housing a few times and you still cannot get it open, please contact one of our friendly customer service staff at (800) 592-8371 to assist you.

If you have a cartridge that is all white or cannot see multiple layers, you have a filter that is our 10 stage plus cartridge. It still fits the housing and filters different contaminants. For more info check out our 10 stage plus page.

If you have a filter that has layers, but the plastic cartridge looks different, odds are you have the right filter!  Just be sure the replacement cartridge box says “10 Stage” on it.  It is common for the plastic shell of the cartridge to be slightly different in shape and /or color from cartridge change to cartridge change.  Regardless of these differences, the cartridge will still fit in your 10 Stage housing and will filter just as well as your previous cartridge.

It is also important to note that the replacement filter layers can appear to be different sizes than the ones in the filter you are removing. Remember, your old filter cartridge has been wet for a year and many of the layers have expanded with moisture.  Layers can also be crooked or slanted and the filter will work just fine.

It can take 30 seconds for the water to flow through the filter the first time.  You will also hear some gurgling during this time.  If you have waited this long, however, and still no water is coming out of the spigot, odds are good that your filter cartridge is in upside down.  There will be one end of the cartridge that has KDF-55 (the gold media).  This end should be pointing at the ceiling once your 10 Stage is all re-assembled and sitting again on your counter.  Of course, if you have the 10 Stage mounted underneath your sink, the 10 Stage is upside down and, in this case, the end of the cartridge with the Gold, KDF will be pointing at the ground.  Please check that the cartridge is in properly.  If it is installed correctly and you are still not getting any water, please contact one of our friendly customer service staff at (800) 592-8371 to assist you.

The most common reason for this is that the cartridge was inserted upside down.  There will be one end of the cartridge that has KDF-55 (the gold media).  This end should be pointing at the ceiling once your 10 Stage is all re-assembled and sitting again on your counter.  Of course, if you have the 10 Stage mounted underneath your sink, the 10 Stage is upside down and, in this case, KDF-55 (gold media) will be pointing at the ground.  Please check that the cartridge is in properly.  If it is installed correctly and you are still experiencing an odd taste, please contact one of our friendly customer service staff at (800) 592-8371 to assist you.

This is normal and is caused by loose filter media passing through the filter.  Simply let the water run until it is clear and you are ready to use your filtered water. PLEASE NOTE: This may take up to 10 minutes in some cases.

As the filter media gets wet for the first time, it begins to expand and settle.  This can cause a pressure release that leads to a drip or leak from the filter spigot.  This drip will continue to diminish over the next few days and then will stop completely.  If you have a drip or leak that is coming from someplace other than the filter spigot, please review our other FAQs and if they cannot resolve your issue, contact one of our friendly customer service staff at (800) 592-8371 to assist you.

The first thing you want to do is check around the area make sure there are no hairline cracks.  If no hairline cracks are visible, tighten the fittings by turning them to the right.  If this does not resolve your issue, please contact our friendly customer service staff at (800) 592-8371 to further troubleshoot the matter.

The first thing you want to do is check around the area to make sure there are no hairline cracks.  If no hairline cracks are visible, it is most likely that the filter has not closed far enough.  In this case there are some different solutions to try:

• Ensure the thin, black O-ring is present and sits flush in the channel just below the threads on the larger half of the housing.

• Attempt to screw the housing pieces tighter together.  If you feel you have I tightened as far as you can and it won’t go any further, apply a smear of Vaseline (or any kind of lubricant such as coconut oil if preferred) to the threads.  This will allow the threads to move more easily and may give that extra fraction of a turn that will tighten the housing completely.  The petroleum jelly will also help seal the housing and help prevent mineral deposits from developing between cartridge changes and can make it easier to get your housing open again.
• If you have applied the petroleum jelly and are still getting the leak, especially after a cartridge change, please remove the cartridge from the housing.  Make sure there is not an old gasket from the previous cartridge still in the housing as it will prevent it from closing completely. Use only the gasket(s) which come with your new cartridge.

If you will simply be away for a few days, there is no need to remove and store your filter.  However, if you will be traveling for weeks or longer, or your filter is in use at a vacation home, when you leave, we recommend removing the 10 Stage filter cartridge from the housing, placing it in a sealed plastic baggie (be sure to get all of the air out) and storing it in a refrigerator.

Fluoride can be removed with reverse osmosis, distilling or with activated aluminum. The 10 Stage does not contain activated aluminum, as it tends to dump in high concentrations of aluminum. Enviro Products has also chosen not to use activated aluminum due to the link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s Disease. Reverse osmosis is the better option, but it, too, has limitations:  it takes 2-3 gallons of tap water to make 1 gallon of R.O. water; also, reverse osmosis removes everything from the water, including good minerals.  Persons whose primary source of drinking water is R.O. water will need to add mineral supplements back into their diet.

We recommend the housing on an undercounter unit be replaced about every six years.  The countertop unit is recommended replacement after ten years.  Replacement recommendations are based on normal use and water pressure.

Beginning with product shipments on 6/15/17, New Wave Enviro has introduced a new Ten Stage Plus Cartridge that addresses serious inorganic water contaminants. In addition, the cartridge housing is now opaque.

The previous cartridge had a transparent housing that wasn’t as strong as the new housing and would sometimes crack when dropped, the new plastic housing continues to be Bpa free.

Step 1). Unscrew diverter valve from faucet.

Step 2). Unscrew metal piece from diverter valve.

Step 3). Pull tube off old diverter valve.

Step 4). Push tube onto new diverter valve so end sits snug against diverter valve.

Step 5). Reattach Diverter Valve to faucet.

The primary purpose of the Enviro Shower Filters is to remove chlorine.  If your well is treated with chlorine, you will see the same benefits from the filter as someone who has municipal water.  As untreated well water can contain bacteria and microorganisms, we would recommend a different option for filtering your shower/bath water.

KDF works through a process called oxidation reduction.  As the water passes over the KDF, the KDF changes the molecular structure of the chlorine via an electro-chemical reaction in which electrons are transferred between molecules.  This results in an inert zinc chloride, which is harmless.  It can also remove up to 99% of water-soluble lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, and other dissolved metals.

Crystal quartz is a natural water softener.  It acts as a mechanical surfactant, allowing for more and better lathering.  It is said in ancient times, quartz is believed to create a specific energy as the water passes over it that creates a sense of well-being.

Yes.  All plastic for the Enviro Shower Filters and the shower filter replacement cartridges is made from BpA-free and phthalate-free polypropylene.

The shower filter will last a typical family of four one year.  If there are only 1 or 2 users of the shower filter, as long as the water still does not smell like chlorine and you are not noticing any increased dryness of your skin and hair or decreased lathering, it is possible to use the filter for up to 18 months.  For maximum benefits, however, we do not recommend using the shower filter any longer.

Please note that, under normal conditions, the water flow does not drop when the filter is ready to be changed, so do not use this as the sole marker to determine whether or not to change your filter.  Remember though, that the life of the filter can be limited by the water quality in your area, especially in areas whose tap water has high amounts of sediment or chlorine.  If at any time prior to a year of use your water flow drops dramatically, please feel free to contact our friendly customer service staff at (800) 592-8371 to help troubleshoot this issue.

First, we need to be sure that the filter housing does not have any cracks.  If it does, please contact our friendly customer service staff at (800) 592-8371.  If no cracks are visible:

• Most common cause for drips is use with a shower head flowing less than 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). The Shower filter is fine with a low flow shower head, though a drip from the housing will probably occur. Repeated tightening may cause damage to the housing

• Did you use the Teflon tape (aka plumber’s tape) that came with the complete shower filter system?  If so, did you use too much or too little?  A couple wrap arounds on the threads should do the trick.  If not, please wrap the threads with the tape a couple of times onto the threads where you attach the filter/shower head.  Then, with the water on, SLOWLY AND GENTLY tighten the filter until the leak stops.
• The filter/shower head may simply need to be screwed on tighter.  With the water on, SLOWLY AND GENTLY tighten the filter until the leak stops.

The first thing you want to do is check around the area to make sure there are no hairline cracks.  If no hairline cracks are visible, it is most likely that the filter has not closed far enough.  Attempt to screw the housing pieces tighter together.  If you feel you have I tightened as far as you can and it won’t go any further, apply a smear of Vaseline or coconut oil to the threads.  This will allow the threads to move more easily and may give that extra fraction of a turn that will tighten the housing completely. The lubricant will also help seal the housing and help prevent mineral deposits from developing between cartridge changes and can make it easier to get your housing open again.

The artist’s rendering on the box shows 2 O-rings inside of the filter housing (these come with the complete shower filter system, but not with the replacement cartridges).  Keep in mind that these o-rings can range in color. With that said your O-rings can actually be clear and, therefore, quite difficult to see.  If you open the housing and hold the 2 pieces in your hand like a cup or small bowl, you will see a ridge that sits down inside each piece.  The O-rings are nestled into those ridges.  You can simply poke into the ridge with a fingernail or toothpick to be sure they are still in place.

This will typically occur if the filter is left unused for some time. Remove the cartridge from the housing and flip the cartridge over and reinstall. This will effectively reverse the flow and clear the clog upon use. You may also smack the cartridge against your palm to break up the media inside.

The bath filter, like the Enviro Products Shower Filters, uses a media called KDF-55.  KDF works through a process called oxidation reduction.  As the water passes over the KDF, the KDF changes the molecular structure of the chlorine via an electro-chemical reaction in which electrons are transferred between molecules.  This results in an inert zinc chloride, which is harmless.  It can also remove up to 99% of water-soluble lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, and other dissolved metals.  So, you only need to toss the filter into tub as it fills with water and make sure it is in the water for a minimum of 3 minutes and you will have a luxurious, chlorine-free bath that is safe for the whole family!

Absolutely! You just need to add these items AFTER removing the bath filter from the water.  Adding them while the filter is still in the water can result in either corrosion of or coating of the filter media that will limit the filtering ability of the media.

The primary purpose of the Splish Splash Bath Filter is to remove chlorine.  If your well is treated with chlorine, you will see the same benefits from the filter as someone who has municipal water.  As untreated well water can contain bacteria and microorganisms, we would recommend a different option for filtering your bath water.

The Splish Splash Bath Filter can be used under normal conditions for approximately 200 baths.

• Press the button and hold it down for a few seconds until the symbols appear on the screen.  Once you release the button, the blinking symbol for users appears on the screen.
• Now, set the number of users by pressing the button until desired number appears in the display.
• Once you set the number of users, press the button and hold it down for several seconds until the symbol of the cartridge appears in the display.  The timer is now activated.

NOTE: The indicator switches off if the button is not pressed within 30 seconds before the timer is programmed.  If this occurs, please repeat the above steps.

Each Barrier filter will treat approximately 80 gallons of water (varies depending upon water quality).  The cartridge should be replaced after 3 months regardless of the amount of treated water.

Fluoride can be removed with reverse osmosis, distilling or with activated aluminum.  The Barrier Pitchers do not contain activated aluminum, as it tends to dump in high concentrations what it has already filtered.  New Wave Enviro Inc. has also chosen not to use activated aluminum due to the link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s Disease.  Reverse osmosis is the better option, but it, too, has limitations:  it takes 2-3 gallons of tap water to make 1 gallon of R.O. water; also, reverse osmosis removes everything from the water, including good minerals.  Persons whose primary source of drinking water is R.O. water will need to add mineral supplements back into their diet.

The actual liquid volume may vary by 3% from stated volume due to production variations.

The plastic on the caps for the stainless steel bottles is made from polypropylene (recycle code 5).They are BpA-free and phthalate-free.

Stainless steel, unlike aluminum, does not need a plastic lining. The stainless steel bottles and food containers are made completely of #304 Food Grade Stainless Steel.

The lids are #304 Food Grade Stainless Steel, too!

All of our stainless steel products have been independently lab tested to ensure they are lead-free.

The Seriously Safe Stainless™ Steel products are dishwasher safe.  We do recommend, however, that since the openings on the bottles are relatively small, that you wash the bottles with warm water and vinegar or a mild detergent.  Please also be aware that if your dishwasher water temperatures get very high, it is possible for the colors on the tinted stainless steel to fade and/or chip.

All Enviro Product’s bottles have replacement caps available. They can be purchased online at www.aaqua.biz

Wash prior to use.

Bottles can be cleaned with hot water and baking soda or vinegar or mild dish soap.

Secure bottles when filled with water; New Wave BpA-free resin lacks bisphenol A. BPA, which is a building block in Polycarbonate resin. BpA acts to strengthen the plastic. Without BpA, Tritan \ Eastar Resin is vulnerable to breaking when the bottle has water in it and is dropped. Dropping the bottle or allowing it to roll around and bang against solid objects could cause the plastic to crack.

*Keep bottle out of direct sunlight. Sunlight on un-chlorinated water can cause algae growth.

Caps are dishwasher safe (top rack).

We don’t recommend storing filtered water for long periods of time. Many people do use our 3 and 5 gallon bottles for short term storage.

All of the plastic bottles from Enviro Products, except the 2.2L bottle, are made from Tritan™, a co-polyester.  The 2.2L bottle is made from Eastar™ (a modified polyethylene called PETG).  These materials are BpA-free and phthalate-free and are reusable.  All of the caps are made from polypropylene.

The actual liquid volume may vary by 3% from stated volume due to production variations.

Since Tritan™ is a co-polyester, it falls into the “Other” category of recycle codes. The 2.2L Eastar™ Bottle is a reusable and recyclable number 1.  The recycle codes on the bottom of bottles do not elude to the safety of the plastic, but generally speaking, the ease of recyclability.

Enviro Products’ Tritan™ bottles are dishwasher safe. We do recommend, however, that since the openings on the bottles are relatively small, that you wash the bottles with warm water and vinegar or a mild detergent.  The 2.2L bottle should also be hand washed.

Many recycling companies have begun to accept recycle code 7s.  Please contact your local recycling program/company to insure they do collect 7s.  However, there isn’t any reason to throw these bottles away.  The 2.2L Eastar™ Bottle is a recyclable number 1.

Our goal here at New Wave Enviro Inc. lies in providing litter-free alternatives to single-use or limited-use plastic bottles. Enviro Products’ bottles provide an inexpensive reusable alternative for eco-conscious consumers.  If, however, you want non-plastic alternatives, Enviro Products offers a complete line of #304 Food Grade Stainless Steel bottles and glass bottles.

All Enviro Product’s bottles have replacement caps available. They can be purchased online at www.aaqua.biz

Inside the cap is an o-ring which may have become misplaced and not properly seated inside the o-ring groove.

Please remove the cap and re-seat the o-ring back into its groove. Once seated back into place the o-ring should stop the leak.