Figures that speak for themselves

Figures that speak for themselves – what our filter system has been proven to deliver

Trust begins with transparency. And transparency begins with data. In a comprehensive physical and chemical analysis, independent, accredited laboratories put the MAUNAWAI filter system through its paces – with clear results. From heavy metals and pesticides to chlorine: the measurements demonstrate excellent filtering performance across a wide range of pollutants.

The participating institutes

The tests were not carried out in a single laboratory, but by several independent institutes – a key factor in the validity of the results. Those involved were the Commercial Institute for Environmental Analysis (GIU) in Teningen, the Laboratory for Environmental Analysis (UmLab) in Kassel and the IIREC in Krems an der Donau. The analyses included dilution tests, long-term measurements and comparative studies of tap water from various cities.

Basic physico-chemical parameters

Three basic values provide insight into the fundamental changes to the water caused by the filtration process. Electrical conductivity – a measure of the quantity of dissolved ions in the water – was between 420 and 500 µS/cm after filtration, i.e. well below the limit value of 2,500 µS/cm. The pH value shifted slightly towards the alkaline side compared to tap water and stood at around 8 – a desirable countermeasure against the widespread acidification of the body’s internal environment. The redox potential showed a slight increase to between 227 and 252 mV, indicating the successful removal of organic substances.

Heavy metals: below the detection limit

The MAUNAWAI system demonstrated its particular strength with regard to heavy metals. Lead – one of the most toxic heavy metals in drinking water – was filtered out so effectively that the concentration after filtration was below the detection limit. The same applies to mercury, silver, iron and manganese. For copper and zinc, which are actually beneficial in small quantities as physiological trace elements, the levels were around one-tenth of the limit value.

A special note from Dr Medinger: As most radioactive elements are also heavy metals, the excellent separation capacity for heavy metals suggests that radioactivity can also be effectively retained.

Chlorine: completely removed

Chlorine contained in tap water – both free and bound – was reduced by the MAUNAWAI system to below the limit of detection. The initial value of 0.75 mg/l (total chlorine) was above the limit of 0.3 mg/l. After filtration, chlorine was no longer detectable. This also explains why MAUNAWAI water is consistently described by test subjects as having a pleasant and fresh taste – even when it is stale or warmed.

Nitrate: 71% reduction

Nitrate is one of the most common contaminants in German drinking water, caused by intensive agricultural fertilisation. The legal limit is 50 mg/l. The test was conducted using an initial value of 100 mg/l – i.e. double the limit. The MAUNAWAI system reduced the nitrate content by 71% to 29 mg/l, thereby ensuring that the limit was safely not exceeded, even with heavily contaminated water.

Organic pollutants: outstanding results

In the case of organic pollutants, the MAUNAWAI system significantly exceeded the already good results. The total organic carbon (TOC) parameter showed a removal rate of around 88%. For trihalomethanes – compounds of health concern produced during water chlorination – the reduction was 99.2%. From an initial value of 91.8 µg/l (above the limit of 50 µg/l), only 0.7 µg/l remained after filtration.

All 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) tested – carcinogenic compounds resulting from combustion processes – were below the limit of quantification after filtration. The same applied to all 23 pesticides tested, including lindane, atrazine, simazine and other common plant protection products.

The overall verdict

Dr Medinger sums up the results: “Overall, based on the analysis, the MAUNAWAI system’s ability to remove a wide variety of inorganic and organic pollutants can be highly commended.”

Minerals are retained

Amidst all these impressive reduction figures, one aspect deserves particular mention: the removal of the hardness-forming elements calcium and magnesium was between 60 and 70 per cent. That may sound like a lot at first, but from a physiological perspective it is just right. Dr Medinger emphasises: “A greater reduction of these elements would not be desirable from a physiological point of view.” The remaining calcium and magnesium levels help supply your body with these essential minerals – whilst at the same time significantly reducing water hardness, which improves taste and reduces limescale deposits.

Taste: consistently rated as pleasant

A result that is often overlooked in pure numerical analysis, but is particularly relevant to you as a consumer: the taste of MAUNAWAI-filtered water was consistently described by test subjects as very pleasant. It is particularly striking that MAUNAWAI water tastes pleasantly tea-like even when left to stand or warmed – a characteristic that hardly any other water treatment process achieves. Good taste is no coincidence: it is the sensory indication that the balance between purification and preservation is just right.

What the figures mean for your everyday life

You may be wondering: “Is my tap water really so contaminated that I need a filter?” The answer depends on where you live, the age of your water pipes and many other factors. German tap water is generally well monitored – but the limits set by the Drinking Water Ordinance do not cover all substances, and monitoring stops at the property boundary. What happens in the final metres of old domestic pipes is the responsibility of the homeowner. Lead from old pipes, copper from newer installations, trihalomethanes from chlorination – these are real contaminants found in many households.

The MAUNAWAI filter system gives you the assurance that these substances are reliably reduced, as verified by independent laboratories and with documented reduction values. At the same time, it preserves the valuable minerals and the natural taste of your water. The results show: with MAUNAWAI, you don’t have to choose between safety and naturalness. You get both. 

If you would like to know which substances may be present in German tap water and where the Drinking Water Ordinance reaches its limits, read on in the ‘Understanding Water’ section.