At the heart of every Waterlift cartridge lies a simple natural material, that’s been supercharged into an ultraporous adsorbent.

Here’s How It Works:

High‑Temperature Steam Activation

The charcoal is heated to approximately 800 °C in a controlled steam environment. Under these conditions, steam reacts with the carbon surface, etching away impurities and widening microscopic channels.

Creation of Micropores

As steam carves through the material, millions of new micropores (ranging from 0.5 to 2 nm in diameter) are formed. This “pore network” multiplies the charcoal’s surface area – up to 1,200 m² per gram – creating an enormous interior landscape where contaminants can lodge.

Powerful Adsorption

When water passes through the activated carbon bed, chlorine molecules, organic compounds, and particles are trapped within these pores via Van der Waals forces and adsorption chemistry. The result is water that’s free from chlorine taste, odors, and color.

Removes 99.9% of Tap Water Contaminants

...as small as 0.01 microns!

  • Coffee

    100 micron
  • Beach Sand

    80 micron
  • Human Hair

    70 micron
  • Pollen

    40 micron
  • Dust Mite

    20 micron
  • Bacteria

    0.5 micron
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  • Chlorine & Contaminant Adsorption

    Activated carbon’s vast network of micropores captures chlorine molecules and a wide range of organic compounds, preventing them from passing into your drinking water.

  • Taste & Odor Removal

    By trapping the chemicals responsible for unpleasant flavors and smells, the filter ensures every sip tastes clean and fresh – no more stale or “chlorinated” aftertaste.

  • Scale Inhibition

    The carbon surface also interferes with the formation of limescale by adsorbing calcium and magnesium precursors, helping to protect your kettle, coffee maker, and plumbing from buildup.

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Research & Certifications

Performance of Activated Carbon in Household Water Filters (Siong et al., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia & University of Leeds)

This bench‑scale study compared two types of granular activated carbon (GAC‑A vs. GAC‑B) and found that GAC‑A achieved over 95 % reduction in turbidity and total suspended solids, as well as significant decreases in BOD and COD – demonstrating superior adsorption capacity in home‑use filters.

Effect of Activated Carbon Compaction on Water Filtration Efficiency (Mersal et al., 2024)

Investigating compacted versus uncompacted GAC, the researchers showed that compacted filters produced noticeably clearer water with higher dissolved‑oxygen levels, lower ammoniacal nitrogen, and a higher overall Water Quality Index score (80.4 vs. 78.8), underlining how cartridge construction enhances performance.

Modeling PFAS Removal Using Granular Activated Carbon (Patterson et al., 2019)

Using rapid small‑scale column tests (RSSCTs), this paper demonstrated that point‑of‑use GAC cartridges can effectively remove a broad spectrum of PFAS compounds – highlighting activated carbon’s versatility beyond chlorine removal.

NSF/ANSI 42 Compliance

Waterlift's cartridge design and performance is engineered to meet the rigorous criteria of the NSF/ANSI 42 standard in drinking water treatment:

Material Safety & Leachate Limits

All filter components are produced from food‑grade, BPA‑free plastics and activated carbon media tested in-house to ensure no harmful leaching.

Structural Integrity & Flow Rate

Cartridge construction has been optimized to maintain consistent flow (≥2 L/min) throughout its 500 L service life, aligning with NSF flow‑rate specifications.

See what our customers say!

Customer Testimonials

Everything you need to know about Waterlift, answered here

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does each cartridge last?

Each Waterlift cartridge is designed to filter approximately 500 liters of tap water, which typically covers 1 to 2 months of daily use for a household of 2–3 people. For optimal performance, we recommend replacing the cartridge every 30–60 days, depending on your water quality and usage.

Can I rinse and reuse it?

No, Waterlift cartridges are not designed for rinsing or reuse. Activated carbon loses its adsorption capacity over time as its micropores fill with contaminants. Rinsing cannot regenerate the filter or restore its effectiveness – regular replacement ensures clean and safe water.

How do I recycle the old cartridge?

While the cartridge casing is made of recyclable plastic (type #5), the internal carbon cannot be recycled through standard municipal systems. To minimize waste:
Separate the plastic mount from the used carbon (dispose in household trash).

Is it suitable for hard water?

Yes, Waterlift is perfectly suited for hard water. Instead of removing healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium, it uses ion-exchange technology to convert them into a non-calcifying form. This helps prevent limescale buildup in appliances such as kettles and coffee makers, while still allowing your water to retain its natural mineral content.

And that’s a good thing – these minerals don’t just support your appliances, they can also enhance the flavor of your water. Unlike fully demineralized water, which can taste flat or lifeless, mineral-rich water often tastes more refreshing and crisp.

Can Waterlift cartridge remove all contaminants?

Waterlift is expertly engineered to remove chlorine with high efficiency – eliminating bad taste, odor, and helping prevent scale buildup. Since chlorine is one of the most common and harmful additives in tap water, that’s where Waterlift truly shines. For less common contaminants like fluoride or heavy metals, we recommend pairing it with a specialized filter for complete coverage.

Is the filtered water safe for babies or pets?

Yes – Waterlift-filtered water is safe for the whole family, including infants, toddlers, and pets.

The filter removes harsh chlorine, odors, and taste-altering substances without adding chemicals, making it a gentle and clean hydration option for sensitive systems.

However, if your baby requires sterile water (e.g., for formula), always boil the filtered water before use as a precaution.