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GENERAL QUESTIONS
CUSTOMER SERVICE QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Where do I buy First Need Portable Water Purifiers? What is a First Need Water Purifier What is it supposed to do? What is "Structured Matrix™" technology? How does it work? Don't you need chemicals to destroy bacteria, viruses? Why are First Need canisters sealed? Why are First Need water purifiers the best value?... the best products on the market? How big is a First Need Purifier? Which First Need purifier is right for me? Why not just buy bottled water? Why not just buy a filter? Who else makes a product like First Need portable water purifiers? With so many products on the market, how do I know First Need products will continue to be available?

CUSTOMER SERVICE QUESTIONS

I lost my Instruction Pamphlet - Can I get another one? How should I care for my First Need water purifier on trips... or long term storage? When do I change the canister? First Need Base Camp - When do I change the cartridge? How do I check to be sure my canister or cartridge is still effective? How do I backwash my First Need Deluxe Water Purifier? What is "Matrix Pumping", "hands-free pumping" or "gravity assist pumping"- How do I do it? How do I get replacement parts, new instructions or warranty service? I have an "original" First Need water purifier that I purchased 8-10 years ago, what parts continue to be available? What are the advantages of upgrading to the newest First Need Deluxe water purifier?

GENERAL QUESTIONS

 WHERE DO I BUY FIRST NEED PORTABLE WATER PURIFIERS?

Information Request Form

General Ecology Inc. has qualified distributors in many major metropolitan areas throughout the United States and the world.

If there isn't a distributor near you, you can buy factory direct from General Ecology Inc. Contact us today to place an order or to find a distributor in your area. Please be sure to include your mail address or facsimile number to receive an order form or a listing of a dealer near you.

 WHAT IS FIRST NEED PORTABLE WATER PURIFIER.... WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO?

Simply stated, First Need portable water purifiers are truly unique, compact, lightweight units designed to change virtually any treatable non-salt water into delicious drinking water that is both safe and enjoyable to consume.

In addition to sophisticated technology, we know the importance of durability, especially on international treks, or adventures in backcountry, U.S.A. With this in mind, we designed the First Need Deluxe to be especially rugged, dependable, simple, and easily serviced.

Likewise, ease of use inspired us to create for the First Need Deluxe the "Direct Connect" feature for easy attachment to popular trail bottles and "hands free" pumping with our matrix gravity assistance feature.

First Need Trav-L-Pure shares the same sophisticated "Structured Matrix" Technology as the First Need Deluxe but is designed with the hotel traveller in mind as well as the outdoor enthusiast. Trav-L-Pure is a self-contained canister with a spout for easy flow of pure water into glasses and bottles as well as an "easy pour" design to fill the purifier from faucets, taps and containers.

First Need Base Camp is a high flow, high capacity system supplying water purification for expeditions and groups. Like the smaller First Need Units, the Base Camp utilizes "Structured Matrix" technology but with the addition of a durable stainless steel pressure vessel and a pre-filter designed for the most rugged terrain. A newly designed double acting metal pump permits easy pumping as well as hook-up to most gravity matrix systems.

First Need purifiers require no additions of chemicals, no hold time, no double-pumping and no electricity. The First Need units are chemical free drinking water purifiers.

 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.

 DON'T YOU NEED CHEMICALS TO DESTROY BACTERIA, VIRUSES?

Normally, yes. Chlorine, bromine, iodine, ozone and sometimes silver and other pesticides (economical poisons) are frequently used in efforts to destroy bacteria and viruses

Because it is General Ecology's goal to remove chlorine and other chemical pesticides as well as microbiological contaminants - for pure refreshing water - it makes no sense to add even more during the purification process

We are proud that extensive scientific research -proven again and again by world wide testing and use for over 25 years- and ingenuity enabled General Ecology to develop a truly chemical-free purification process to remove bacteria, viruses, chemical contaminants and aesthetic contaminants without multiple pass through, added chemicals, electricity or hold time

General Ecology does not make any claim not backed by testing of authorized facilities. We know people rely on our products for their health and well being - we take that seriously.

 WHY ARE FIRST NEED DELUXE AND TRAV-L-PURE CANISTERS SEALED?

Some people ask why we don't have a changeable cartridge or element for our personal use First Need Deluxe and First Need Trav-L-Pure portable water purifiers. We've designed these purifiers with a factory sealed canister to avoid exposing users to potentially heavy concentrations of pathogens . . . Giardia and Cryptosporidia in particular . . . that accumulate on the outer surface of the purification element. Relying on our own experience and on comments from other experts such as those at the National Centers for Disease Control, the chances for infection are considerably increased if users are required to open their units and brush, rinse or otherwise remove accumulated concentrations of disease-causing organisms. It is far safer to replace the entire sealed canister. Additionally, pesticides, herbicides, etc., are not removed by brushing, backwashing and similar cleaning techniques.

First Need Base Camp purifier has a changeable cartridge. Its larger capacity typically requires less frequent cartridge changes than that of the smaller, more compact First Need Deluxe and First Need Trav-L-Pure purifiers. Base Camp's pressure vessel is made of stainless steel, designed to withstand many years of use. The user is fully protected from microbiological contaminants to the end of the cartridge life of a First Need Base Camp purifier.

 WHY ARE FIRST NEED WATER PURIFIERS THE BEST VALUE?... THE BEST PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET?

Because First Need water purifiers do more, better and consistently work effectively longer than other products!

In fact, to our knowledge, General Ecology's "Structured Matrix" is the only technology independently certified to meet the U.S. Federal Guide Standard for Microbiological Purifiers without the use of chlorine or other chemicals, "hold time", electricity or multiple processing. Our purifiers also remove many chemicals, even in trace quantities, and foul tastes and odors, to provide "bottled or better" quality at a fraction of the cost.

With easy pumping, fast flow rates, top quality materials and instant effectiveness, each type of First Need water purifiers are durable, dependable and economical.

 HOW BIG IS A FIRST NEED PURIFIER?

Each of the First Need portable water purifiers is lightweight and compact for its individual purpose. Of course as a larger capacity system, with a stainless steel pressure vessel, the First Need Base Camp is also larger in size.

For detailed specifications, contact one or our Customer Service Representatives. Additional information is also located at our Specs Page on First Need portable water purifiers.

 Which First Need purifier is right for me?

Camping/Hiking

First Need Deluxe portable water purifier is our most popular individual portable water purifier for camping, hiking and treks through the wilderness. Its purification technology makes it well suited for international trips as well as trips in the U.S. backcountry or to nearby camping grounds. Designed to be durable, compact and lightweight, First Need Deluxe has an "easy grip" palm molded pump handle and "direct connect" attachment to most popular trail bottles. With a few easy pumps, you get pure water instantly when and where you need it. Deluxe kit also features our newest weighted pre-filter that is also designed to float - ideal for either fast moving streams or slow moving rivers and a gravity assistance system for "hands free pumping" while you attend to other matters at camp... like eating, resting or just enjoying the outdoors.

First Need Base Camp is the portable water purifier for small groups and expeditions - with a larger capacity and faster flow rate, First Need Base Camp provides your group with safe water for drinking, cooking and washing. Scroll down to "Group Expeditions" to learn about the many features of First Need Base Camp.

First Need Trav-L-Pure is the most versatile of our portable water purifiers for use with faucets and taps as well as the outdoors. Simply pour water into the self-contained canister and pump to fill a water bottle or a glass from Trav-L-Pure's "easy flow" spout. Container can double as a carrying case for water to be pumped when and where you need it. Scroll down to "Hotel/Resort" travel to learn more about this sophisticated portable water purifier.

 HOTEL/ RESORT TRAVEL

First Need Trav-L-Pure portable water purifier is ideal for business or vacation travel in the U.S.A. or abroad. Complete with carrying case, this self-contained unit can double as a water bottle. Designed to fit into suit cases and sit on counters, First Need Trav-L-Pure is an easy, lightweight, compact, accessory that can travel the globe with you. Fill the Trav-L-Pure from the "easy fill" top from your hotel faucet or a pitcher of water. Pump to obtain water from its spout designed to quickly and efficiently fill a glass, bottle or pitcher.

Great for civilized camping or emergency preparedness too.

 

 GROUP EXPEDITIONS/ FAMILY CAMPING

First Need Base Camp portable water purifier is our largest portable water purifier. Its 300 series stainless steel pressure vessel can withstand the toughest trek while its high capacity (1000 gallon avg. capacity, based on clean wilderness waters) can supply your group or expedition with pure, safe water anywhere, anytime.

Newly redesigned double acting pump is made of metal for ensured durability. Its double action increases the amount of water pumped with each upward as well as downward movement and enables the Base Camp to be adapted to a customer's gravity assistance set-up. A carrying case, heavy-duty pre-filter and 30 inches of tubing is included with the First Need Base Camp.

Yet despite its large capacity and many features the Base Camp is a compact system, its pressure vessel measuring less than 6 inches in diameter and 6 inches high. Base Camp lives up to its name as a popular water purifier used at Mt. Everest Base Camps and other expedition sites around the world. Ideal for emergency preparedness too.

 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Each of our First Need purifiers is well suited for emergency preparedness with the First Need Base Camp being most popular because its larger capacity is well suited for families and groups. Decide how you plan to use your purifier if potable water or pressurized water is not available to you because of natural or man made disasters.

If you plan to pump from a container of water or nearby lake, stream, or other non-salt water source, First Need Deluxe or Base Camp water purifiers may be best suited for you because their tubing and design enables you to pump straight from the source. Alternatively, you may prefer to pour water into your purifier, making the First Need Trav-L-Pure a better option.

Also consider how much water you or your family plans to consume each day, the larger First Need Base Camp may best meet your needs with the least amount of pumping. Alternatively, smaller families or those willing to pump a bit more may find the First Need Deluxe or Trav-L-Pure water purifiers an ideal solution

If you already own, or are considering purchasing a Seagull® IV X-1F, X-1FP or X-1D water purifier, General Ecology makes "Emergency Preparedness Conversion Kits" that easily convert your Seagull IV water purifier into a manual pump system for the duration of the emergency and back again once water pressure returns. Contact General Ecology Inc. for further details.

 WHY NOT JUST BUY BOTTLED WATER?

It is lighter, more economical and more satisfying to carry a First Need water purifier with you on your trips. You can have "bottled water" quality when and where you want it. Rather than tepid bottled water that you have lugged up a mountain, you can drink that crystal clear, spring water by pumping it through your system. In a matter of minutes, you are drinking that refreshing water safely without fear of microbiological contaminants.

Likewise on trips away from home... no more worries of drinking hotel or resort water or alternatively, feeling the pinch when you have to buy it from a mini-bar or hotel store just to quench your thirst or brush your teeth. The First Need Trav-L-Pure features an easy flow entry for water straight from the faucet to the purifier and with a few pumps... into your glass, container or onto your tooth brush. You never run out of pure water if you carry a First Need Purifier with you on your trip.

Simplify Your Life ... forget the worries involved in purchasing, storing, lugging and disposing of the containers associated with bottled water ... get a First Need Water Purifier today.

 WHY NOT JUST BUY A FILTER?

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.

Articles that state "do you really need the protection of a purifier versus a filter" surprise us. Why would you not purchase the best system available for your use? It would be a shame to guess wrong and ruin a trip. It is no fun to be sick whether its the backcountry or your local park.

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.

WHO ELSE MAKES A PRODUCT LIKE FIRST NEED PORTABLE WATER PURIFIERS?

General Ecology developed the First Need drinking water technology from basic research and is the sole manufacturer of the product. Many companies have tried, without success, to duplicate the outstanding effectiveness of the First Need portable water purification system. Don't be mislead by companies making claims that they're "just as good", or "better than First Need ". To our knowledge, there is no other portable "purifier" on the market that can remove viruses, bacteria and cysts without chemicals as well as remove chemical and aesthetic contaminants, instantly the first time through without double pumping or hold time.

A better product simply doesn't exist.

Warning: A message to our customers - We strongly recommend that you purchase product from authorized dealers with current models of First Need portable water purifiers in stock. Certain unauthorized individuals in no way connected to General Ecology Inc. have purchased First Need portable water purifiers and have modified them by substituting cheaper quality materials or technology in place of our top quality materials and proprietary, unique "Structured Matrix" technology. Unauthorized modifications invalidate our warranty and more importantly jeopardize your health. Contact General Ecology Inc. if you have questions regarding a company or individual in your area.

 WITH SO MANY PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET, HOW DO I KNOW FIRST NEED PRODUCTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE?

You're right, "new" products seem to come and go quickly in this market.

General Ecology is a well founded, privately owned company incorporated over 25 years ago. We created the "Structured Matrix " technology and remain the only source for this advanced technology even though many companies have attempted to copy it.

Our First Need portable water purifiers have been market leaders for over a decade - continuing to be the only portable chemical-free water purifier. General Ecology's First Need series of water purifiers is supplied to many expeditions, medical research teams, major corporations, government agencies, (including army field hospitals), and individuals' needs.

We are broad based supplying major airlines around the world including United, Delta, American, TWA, Cathay Pacific, Quantas, Mexicana and dozens of others. Currently, we do business in dozens of countries around the world and continue to expand each year - creating truly a world-wide network of support and service for our customers. We believe you can judge a company by its customers, and ours include some of the most sophisticated and discerning in the world.

Contact us to find the nearest distributor or purchase directly if none is readily convenient.

 

CUSTOMER SERVICE QUESTIONS

 HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY FIRST NEED WATER PURIFIER?

First Need purifiers are designed to be durable and withstand damage. Please remember though that its canister or cartridge contains our sophisticated "Structured Matrix" technology. Proper care and storage will preserve the life of this technology and increase your enjoyment of your First Need portable water purifier.

We will gladly send you a replacement instruction pamphlet to a provided mail address. Contact our Customer Service Department by phone, fax or email - be sure to include your mailing address to receive the material. Many of your questions may also be answered below:

On trips, treat your First Need portable water purifier like a sophisticated piece of equipment that although designed to be durable, is not indestructible. We recommend that you minimize the amount of stress placed on the First Need water purifier by preventing it from dropping onto, or banging against, rocks or other hard surfaces while carrying it with you on the trail.

You will achieve best results and preserve the length of your purifier, by pumping water from the cleanest source available. Keeping your pump, canister and as applicable, pre-filter as clean as possible will also assist in preserving the life of your First Need water purifier.

Hint: First Need canisters and cartridges are sturdy, but can break if dropped, especially when frozen. If this happens, please check the unit immediately to be sure the canister (Base Camp housing) doesn't feel "loose" inside, "rattle" or "thump." If so, stop using and replace it at the first opportunity. A frozen canister (Base Camp cartridge) will not permit water to pass until it is completely thawed. Freezing alone does not damage the matrix structure but depending on amount of water inside cartridge/canister, breakage may occur because of the expansion and retraction of the water when frozen then thawed.

Between trips, First Need purifiers should be stored in a dry environment, at room temperature and away from fumes. First Need canisters and First Need Base Camp cartridges are made of adsorptive material that will over time also absorb heavy concentrations of fumes in its surrounding area. First Need purifiers should never be frozen to prevent damage to the "Structured Matrix" material.