FAQ : Frequently asked questions ÖKO

The answers to your

questions

Category 1: Before using ÖKO

Our user manual followed by frequently asked questions

Click to download the ÖKO EUROPE user manual

First use of the gourd?

Simple and ultra-fast! All you need is a nearby water tap!

Before use, you need to run 1 L through the filter to remove any dust caused by packing and packaging (like most new filters).

Then you can drink!

Unscrew, fill, screw and press => your water will be of much higher quality for better hydration & recovery!

Can I filter fruit juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea or other non-soft water liquids with ÖKO?

NO, our filter is designed to filter ONLY SOFT water .

You've probably seen videos of ÖKO EUROPE (or certain influencers with our permission) filtering soft drinks. There's a DISCLAIMER every time.

WHY US and not YOU?

Because we have to prove to you VISUALLY that ÖKO filtration is instantaneous, as soon as the water passes through the filter. Because if we only put clear, fresh tap water through the filter, you might doubt the instantaneous nature of the filtration, since you'd see NO visual difference.

What's more, from a distance, you can't smell the huge difference in texture, taste and odor.

So never reproduce it at home , or you'll damage your filter irreparably.

ÖKO EUROPE cannot be held responsible for any malfunction resulting from such unauthorized filtering.

You can use the bottle WITHOUT THE FILTER for fruit juice or your favorite beverage, but under no circumstances may you use the filter to filter other liquids other than ONLY fresh water.

If the fresh water comes from a muddy puddle, rivers, streams, lakes or non-potable springs, it' s natural water: you can filter it if you have no other choice.

To put it plainly: NEVER intentionally add anything other than fresh water yourself!

The warranty against manufacturing defects will be void and you will not be entitled to a refund or replacement at our expense.

Always be responsible and careful.

Always choose the clearest, most running water possible.

And if you don't have a choice, the ÖKO filter is there to help you drink safe drinking water.

Does the ÖKO filter remove mineral salts and trace elements (limestone, magnesium, potassium, sodium, etc.)?

NO, the filter does not filter mineral salts or trace elements (dissolved salts).

If you own a TDS device, which measures the quantity of minerals (conductors) present in water, you should find the same measurement BEFORE and AFTER filtration with ÖKO. This device costs from €5 to €30 on the net.

Can seawater be filtered?

No, the ÖKO filter is designed to filter freshwater ONLY.

Seawater contains too many mineral salts and irreparably damages filtration quality.

If you have a softener with salt addition, we strongly advise against using ÖKO, as the amount of salt will irreparably damage filtration quality.

If you have a mechanical softener without salt addition, no problem, you can filter with ÖKO.

Traveling, trekking or hiking in foreign countries? Do you need to filter non-drinking water?

NEVER PLACE THE CAP and PIPET in the water. Only the body of the gourd and as gently as possible.

NEVER put your fingers in your mouth afterwards without cleaning them first.

NEVER put your mouth to the pipette to avoid contamination from outside the gourd.

Be as hygienic as possible when filtering dubious water. You'll avoid any gastric problems that have nothing to do with the filter itself.

Tip number 1

Always carry one or more spare filters. It weighs just 47 g and takes up no space. You may need to filter heavily contaminated water, which will more quickly clog the 400 pores that make up the filter.

Tip number 2

Use a filter sock or cloth to pre-filter your water if it is contaminated with mud, for example. You'll preserve the life of your filter, and therefore its filtration efficiency.

Tip number 3

If you're going trekking in hostile places and countries over a long period of time, take along an ÖKO SWIG, a filtering straw that uses the same membrane as your water bottle and operates by suction. For use in extreme situations only. Weighing just 67g, it won't weigh you down.

Tips 4 and 5

If you're going to "hostile" countries, carry micropure tablets with you in case of doubt about water quality. Available from chemists or online. Rinse the water in the flask to eliminate any unpleasant taste or odour. Note that the filter will not last as long as the 400 L, given the high concentration of chemicals.

Be wise and always opt for the clearest, most transparent water possible when you have the choice.

List of countries :

The list of countries where the filter is effective (see above) is of an informative nature, as many of our users have used it in countries not on this list, with no worries whatsoever.

Reading percentages

The list is based on the 1.2-micron pore size of the L2 filter in your ÖKO bottle and the 0.1-micron pore size of a conventional hollow fiber. The L2 filter is capable of eliminating contaminants smaller than its pore size, through the phenomenon of electro-aDsoprtion (see the Tests and Technology page). It is therefore capable of filtering bacteria and viruses smaller than 0.1 microns. The L3 filter (0.1 micron pore size) retains all larger particles, but may let through smaller contaminants.

Conclusion:

Or you can rely on electro-aDsorption to attract contaminants smaller than the size of its pores.

Either, you prefer with an absolute size of 0.1 micron, knowing that smaller contaminants can pass through.

The only way to guarantee 99.9999% is by reverse osmosis (calibrated to 0.0001 microns), but this is untransportable and much more expensive.

You are responsible for the water you filter. There are trillions of possibilities for filtering water.

Always use the cleanest, clearest, most flowing water possible.

Avoid muddy, stagnant water unless you have no choice.

How many liters can I make with an ÖKO filter?

It all depends on the filtered water.

400 L : Urban water, i.e. the water from our taps, where most of the contaminants harmful to our organisms are concentrated (chlorine, pesticides and metabolites, PFAS (perfluorinated compounds), heavy metals, drug residues, fluoride and, sometimes, E.Coli bacteria (when filtration plants go haywire).

The majority of our users filter at home and on the move (office, school, sport, airport, service station...),

at friends' etc etc).

100 L to 400 L: Celle rurale is water from rivers, lakes and streams that is transparent to the naked eye.

Transparent doesn't mean it's not loaded with things invisible to the naked eye.

The naked eye can see from 80 - 100 microns (1/1000 of a millimeter). Bacteria measure between 1 and 2 microns on average.

Microplastics between 2 and 10 microns for example.

It ALWAYS depends on the water you'll be filtering.

If it's loaded (with particles you can't see), pores will clog faster.

It's mechanical, and you'll feel it when you apply harder pressure.

A filter's strength lies in its ability to filter out viruses, bacteria and protozoa, which can make us ill.

That's why it's so popular with hikers, trekkers and travelers the world over.

10 L to 200 L: For stagnant water (muddy puddles, sludge, etc.).

The filter will last between 10 L and 200 L.

Again, it all depends on what's in the water that could clog pores faster.

If you have a choice: filter the clearest, most running water possible (tap water is ideal).

If you have no choice, filter puddles and muddy water. At least you won't get sick, but the filter's lifespan will diminish irreparably.

MORAL : there are billions of "filterable" waters, and everything depends on the composition of the water you'll be filtering. Be responsible, because ÖKO EUROPE can't decently stand next to our tens of thousands of users!

A free, ad-free ÖKO Counter app is available so you can count your fillings.

It is available on the App STORE and PLAY STORE.

Does the filter have an expiration date?

No, the membrane has antibacterial ions embedded around the pores, preventing proliferation and decay. As long as you haven't made up the correct bedding for the type of water you're filtering, you can use it.

If you're not going to be using it for several weeks or months, store the filter in a dry, dark place.

As soon as you use it again: iron 1L to reactivate the charging fields and remove any dust caused by storage.

Water temperature compatible with ÖKO?

From 5 degrees to 60 degrees. So you can put it in the fridge (not the freezer).

In sub-zero temperatures, the water in the filter expands and can damage the 400 pores that make up the membrane. When outdoors, be sure to pack it in your backpack so that the water doesn't freeze.

Since the gourd is made of plastic, does it taste like plastic?

No, ÖKO's plastic bottle is eco-responsible and clean.

It's made from PP5 (food-grade polypropylene), which is non-polluting and free from endocrine disruptors, BPA, phthalates and microplastics. When burned, it emits no toxic substances.

The plastic of the ÖKO water bottle has a lifespan of 10 - 15 years (depending on the intensity of use).

What's more, the ÖKO filter contains powdered activated carbon, which removes all unpleasant odours and tastes from the water you drink. You'll rediscover the pleasure of drinking tap water! Your tea, coffee and other herbal teas take on a whole new taste - and sometimes, a whole new color!

Can the water bottle be fitted to a bicycle bottle holder?

Yes, only the 650 mL, and you need a Z-shaped bottle holder so that it doesn't rattle in the bottle cage, as the bottle is thinner in the center (for a better grip). We can send you a photo of a perfect model via our customer service department.

Alternatively, you can put it on your handlebars with a stencil found in any sports store or online.

Can I fly with the ÖKO flask?

Yes, by passing it EMPTY through the checkpoints. Then fill it up at the airport toilet sink. You'll save a lot of money by not buying PET1 plastic water bottles, which are full of microplastics and very expensive in these places.

Where can I use my ÖKO water bottle?

Here is an informative list of countries where the ÖKO L2 filter is effective.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0242/6955/3719/files/LISTE_PAYS_FILTRE_OKO_EUROPE_V2.pdf?v=1724595852

You should know that the countries where the L3 filter is recommended have been tested by thousands of ÖKO users over the last 6 years, with no worries of illnesses or other stomach upsets.

The L3 filter will be available as a KIT (you can use the same bottle you're using) in October 2024.

In any case, as a precautionary measure, always carry Micropure tablets or other brands when you travel abroad, where the water is less controlled.

If you have any doubts about the quality of your water, use them and run the water through the ÖKO filter again, and you'll no longer have the unpleasant taste of chlorine. Your filter won't last as long because of the high chlorine concentration, but at least you'll be able to drink healthily!

And what about respect for the environment?

For instant filtration and direct flow (without suction, so you can heat pre-filtered water for your coffee or tea, for example), you need a flexible body, because it's the pressure exerted by your hands that sends the water into the filter and out through the pipette.

To achieve this, we have chosen the world's most environmentally-friendly and recycled plastic: polypropylene (PP5).

This food-grade plastic is odorless and light to carry.

Free from BPA, phthalates and harmful agents.

The water bottle also has a very long shelf life. You no longer need to buy bottled water.

Once the filter has done its job, simply separate the membrane from its PP5 receptacle, place the 1st in the refuse bin and the 2nd in the yellow garbage can for recycling.

How to care for your ÖKO water bottle

All parts can be unscrewed or disassembled.

The filter does not clean itself; contaminants are trapped inside the filter membrane.

EXCEPT if you've had to filter mud, you can rinse the outside of the filter with tap water to remove soil and other particles, which will extend the life of your filter.

All other parts should be washed regularly in cold or lukewarm water.

A user manual is included with every ÖKO water bottle!

Wipe down the outside of the bottle body, especially the screw thread and the base, to avoid lime deposits which make your bottle look dirty.

If you follow these recommendations, your water bottle will last for many years.

Category 2: Ordering

What are the delivery times?

Have you just confirmed your order? What a thrill!

You will receive an e-mail from ÖKO EUROPE confirming your order. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive your tracking number, so you can follow your order at all times.

We ship your products as quickly as possible, within 24 to 48 hours. Delivery takes between 1 and 3 working days, depending on where the products leave from.

How many days do I have to request a refund if I don't like the product?

As with any product in Europe, you have 14 days to cancel your order after receipt. Simply send us an e-mail to nathalie@okoeurope.com, or via the Contact tab on our website, and we'll deal with it as quickly as possible.

Container and filter warranty :

The bottle must be tested within 30 days of purchase to benefit from the warranty in the event of a problem. After this period, the warranty is void.

Category 3: Customer account

I can't access my ÖKO account / I can't reset my password

It is very likely that you have taken advantage of the feature that allows you to place orders without creating an account on the site.

Try creating your account using the same email address you used to place your order, and you'll find all your orders.

I can't connect to ÖKO Counter

Please note that the ÖKO EUROPE account and the ÖKO Counter mobile application account are different and not linked. You may therefore have two different e-mails or passwords!

You also need to create an account on the mobile application to use it.

Please note that if you forget your password on the mobile application, it's possible that the email to reset your MdP will arrive in the spam folder. Don't forget to take a look.

I can't find my referral link

Go to the https://okoeurope.com/pages/parrainage or use the widget at the bottom left of the site (10€ button).

Or use the ÖKO Counter mobile app, with links synchronized between the site and the app every month or so.

I can't use a discount coupon

Our discount codes (excluding sponsorship rewards and special offers) are reserved for new customers and are for one-time use only.

Category 4: How to obtain substantial discounts

following your 1st order?

Can't find the answer to your question?

Convinced?

Order your ÖKO water bottle!

48-hour delivery

Satisfied or your money back

French-speaking customer service

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