Recontamination risks

• Product design minimizes the risk of recontamination due to:
• Hand contact with treated water or disinfected surfaces.
• Contact between device components and contaminated surfaces.
• Regular cleaning or maintenance.
• External contaminants (insects, dust, dirt, etc. entering upper container).
• Untreated water entering safe storage container.

Key indicators

• Product design discourages users from dipping drinking vessels into untreated water container.
• When maintaining or changing filter elements, untreated water is prevented from contaminating the safe water chamber.
• If hand contact with the “clean” side of filter elements is inevitable (for maintenance or cleaning), residual disinfection may be necessary.

Supporting evidence

• Safe water system (SWS) publications—FAQ sheet page. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/safewater/publications_pages/pubs_faq.htm#disinfectant. Accessed April 4, 2011.
• Full list of supporting evidence and additional materials.