Answers to Your Questions

ÖKO Product User Manuals

Below are the latest versions of the user manuals for the ÖKO ultra-filtering water bottle and the ÖKO TAP Water faucet filtration system. Click on the image to download the document.

Click to download the ÖKO EUROPE user manual

ÖKO Filter Water Bottle User Manual

ÖKO TAP Water User Manual

Before Using ÖKO

Frequently Asked Questions Before Making a Purchase

How many liters can I filter with an ÖKO filter?

It all depends on the filtered water.

378 L: Municipal water—that is, the water from our taps—where the majority of pollutants harmful to our bodies are potentially concentrated (chlorine, pesticides and their metabolites, PFAS [forever chemicals], heavy metals, drug residues, fluoride, and sometimes bacteria such as E. coli [when water treatment plants malfunction]).

Most of our users filter water at home and on the go (at the office, school, the gym, the airport, the gas station,

at friends' houses, etc., etc.).

100 L to 378 L: Rural water, meaning water from rivers, lakes, and streams that is clear to the naked eye.

Just because something is transparent doesn't mean it isn't filled with things invisible to the naked eye.

The naked eye can see objects as small as 80–100 microns (1 micron = 1/1,000 of a millimeter). Bacteria measure between 1 and 2 microns on average.

Microplastics ranging from 2 to 10 microns, for example.

It will ALWAYS depend on the water you'll be filtering.

If it is contaminated (with particles you can't see), the pores will clog more quickly.

It's a mechanical process, and you'll be able to tell by the pressure, which will be firmer in these cases.

The strength of a filter lies in its ability to filter out pollutants that are invisible to the naked eye.

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

10 L to 200 L: Stagnant water (very muddy, sludgy puddles, etc., etc.).

Once again, it all depends on what's in the water that could clog the pores more quickly.

If you have a choice: use water that is as clear and fresh as possible (tap water or spring water)

If you have no other choice, pre-filter the water to remove the largest particles.

MORAL OF THE STORY: There are trillions of types of “filterable” water, and it all depends on the composition of the water you’ll be filtering.

Be responsible and careful at all times.

Does the ÖKO filter remove minerals and trace elements?

NO, the filter does not remove minerals and trace elements (dissolved salts).
Dissolved salts (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, etc.) generally come from rocks and soils through which the water flows, as well as from various human activities.

Once dissolved, salts dissociate into ions (e.g., Na⁺, Cl⁻, Ca²⁺), which chemically integrates them into the very structure of water.Given their size (less than 1 nanometer) and their chemical integration into water, removing dissolved salts requires specialized processes such as reverse osmosis.

If you have a TDS meter, which measures the amount of (conductive) minerals in the water, you should get the same reading BEFORE and AFTER filtration with ÖKO.

This device costs between €5 and €30 online.

Why did you choose a plastic water bottle?

The plastic used in the ÖKO water bottle is food-grade.

It is made of PP5 ( food-grade polypropylene).

It is recyclable and has a lifespan of several years (depending on how often it is used).

With the ÖKO filter bottle, only the filter needs to be replaced every 378 liters.

Stainless steel and glass are not suitable because they are non-compressible and fragile.

Is this technology really from NASA?

ÖKO filter technology was created and developed by the NASA in 2002 to filter wastewater aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

This is a spinoff—that is, a technology originally developed for space and later adapted for use on Earth, so that the general public can benefit from it.

The ÖKO filter water bottle has even been featured on NASA's official spinoff website because of the simplicity and accessibility of this innovation for everyone.

Will the water bottle fit in a bike bottle cage?

Yes, only the 650 mL size, and you'll need a Z-shaped bottle cage so it doesn't rattle around inside, since the bottle is thinner in the middle (for a better grip).

We can send you a photo of a model that’s perfect through our customer service department.

Otherwise, you can attach it to your handlebars using a stencil that you can find at any sports store or online.

Are my ÖKO filter and cap compatible with other ÖKO models?

Yes, ÖKO filters, bottle bodies, and caps are fully compatible and interchangeable across the various ÖKO bottle models (500 ml, 650 ml, 1 liter, insulated). You can customize your bottle to suit your preferences, including by adding a colorful straw cover available on the accessories page.

What are the delivery times?

Did you just place your order? How exciting!

You will receive an email from ÖKO EUROPE confirming your order. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a tracking number so you can track your order at any time.

We ship your products as quickly as possible, within 24 to 48 hours. Delivery takes between 1 and 3 business days, depending on where the products are shipped 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-day cancellation period upon receipt. Simply send us an email at nathalie@okoeurope.com, or through the "Contact" tab on our website, and we will address it as soon as possible.

Container and Filter Warranty:

The water bottle must be tested within 30 days of purchase to be covered by the warranty in the event of a problem. After that, the warranty is no longer valid.

Everyday Life with ÖKO

Here are the frequently asked questions we receive from ÖKO users

How do you activate your ÖKO filter?

Simple and super fast! All you need is a water faucet nearby!

Before using it, you must run 1 L through the filter to remove any dust from the packaging (as is the case with most new filters).

After that, you can have a drink!

Unscrew, fill, screw back on, then squeeze => your water will be of much higher quality for better hydration and recovery!

Be sure to repeat this rinsing procedure every time you change the filter.

How do you know when to change the filter?

As a general rule, it's time to replace your filter as soon as you notice that the water is no longer perfectly clear, that his taste is deteriorating or that the flow slows down.

To make your life easier, the free, ad-free“ÖKO Counter”app is available to help you accurately track the number of times you’ve refilled your bottle. You can download it from the App Store or the Play Store.

Can I use ÖKO to filter fruit juice, soda, coffee, tea, or other liquids that aren't fresh water?

NO, our filter is designed to filter SOFT waterONLY .

You've probably seen videos where ÖKO EUROPE (or certain influencers with our permission) filters sodas. There's always a DISCLAIMER.

WHY US and not YOU?

Because we have to VISUALLY prove to you that ÖKO filtration is instantaneous as the water passes through the filter. After all, if we were to use only clear, fresh tap water, you might doubt that the filtration is instantaneous since you wouldn’t see ANY visual difference.

Furthermore, from a distance, you can't sense the huge difference in texture and taste, or the lack of smell.

So never try this at home, or you risk permanently damaging your filter.

ÖKO EUROPE cannot be held liable for any malfunction resulting from such unauthorized access.

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

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

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

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

Always be responsible and careful.

Always choose water that is as fresh and clear as possible.

And if you have no other choice, pre-filter the water using a cloth or something similar to remove large particles that will clog the filter’s pores more quickly—since the filter is designed to filter out WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE.

Can I add electrolytes?

Add electrolytes only after filtration.

Can you filter seawater with the ÖKO filter?

No, the ÖKO filter is specifically designed to filter freshwater only.

If your water passes through a water softener that uses salt (dissolved salts), please note that the ÖKO filter does not remove these dissolved salts. The decision of whether or not to consume this water depends on your personal preferences and beliefs regarding mineral salts. You remain responsible for the final decision regarding the quality of the water you drink.

Can the OKO TAP / ÖKO water bottle be used after a water softener?

Yes, ÖKO filters can be used after a conventional water softener.

But there are a few important points to keep in mind, especially if the water softener uses salt (sodium chloride).

First and foremost, the sodium level must not exceed 200 mg/L—the limit permitted for drinking water in Europe—bearing in mind that the ÖKO TAP filter adds a very small amount of sodium.

In addition, water that is too salty can shorten the filter's lifespan.

Does the filter have an expiration date?

No, the membrane contains antibacterial ions embedded around the pores, which prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. You can use it as long as you haven't reached the volume limits specified for the types of water being filtered.

If you won't be using it for several weeks or months, store the filter in a dry place away from light.

The next time you use it: run 1L through it to reactivate the charge fields and remove any dust that may have accumulated during storage.

Is the water temperature compatible with ÖKO?

From 5 degrees to 37 degrees. So you can put it in the fridge (not the freezer).

If the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the filter will expand and may damage the 400 pores that make up the membrane. When outdoors, be sure to put it in your backpack so the water doesn’t freeze.

I filtered hot water—is that a problem?

Just a few seconds—no problem.

Any longer than that: the filter may be damaged → it is recommended that you replace it.

Can I take the ÖKO water bottle on a plane?

Yes, by bringing it EMPTY through security. Then, you can fill it up at the sink in the airport restroom. You’ll save a lot of money by avoiding the purchase of PET1 plastic water bottles, which are quite expensive in these places.

What should I do with the used filter?

Once the filter has served its purpose, simply remove the membrane from its PP5 housing, place the first part in the general waste bin and the second part in the yellow recycling bin.

How do I care for the ÖKO water bottle?

All parts can be unscrewed or disassembled.

The filter does not need to be cleaned; contaminants are trapped inside the filter membrane.

UNLESS you've had to filter out mud; in that specific case, you can rinse the outside with tap water to remove dirt and other particles, which will extend the life of your filter.

All other items 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 water bottle thoroughly—especially the screw thread and the base of the thread—to prevent limescale buildup, which can make your water bottle look dirty.

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

How do I clean the L3 filter?

Unscrew the L3 filter from the water bottle so you can attach a bottle of clean water to the built-in thread on the L3, allowing the clean water to flow in the opposite direction to perform a backwash.

I received a joint—how should I position it?

Place the gasket at the base of the threaded section on the flask body.

Why add a Micropur tablet in certain countries?

In some countries, it is necessary to add a Micropur tablet as a precaution due to the presence of certain viruses and bacteria not found in Europe. Read the dedicated page.

Using the ÖKO water bottle while traveling abroad or on a hike

Frequently Asked Questions Before Making a Purchase

Check out our page dedicated to using our products while traveling, trekking, hiking, and abroad

Filter customer reviews by your future destination ("Filter by") to see what people are saying

Use of the Website

Here are some issues that may arise when using our website

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

It's very likely that you've used the feature that lets you place an order without creating an account on the site. Try creating an account using the same email address you used for the order, and you'll be able to view all your orders.

I can't log in to ÖKO Counter

Please note that the ÖKO EUROPE account and the ÖKO Counter mobile app account are different and are not linked. This means you may have two different email addresses or two different passwords!

You'll also need to create an account on the mobile app to use it.

Please note: If you forget your password on the mobile app, the email to reset your password may end up in your spam folder. Be sure to check there.

I can't seem to use a discount coupon

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

What is a pre-order?

Pre-order is an ordering option for customers who wish to reserve an item ahead of its official release, and it also allows customers to take advantage of an attractive promotion.