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The Daily Insight

How do you use a SteriPEN

Author

Rachel Hickman

Published Feb 12, 2026

How it works. SteriPEN uses a short wave germicidal UV light to purify water. The UV light disrupts the DNA within bacteria, viruses and protozoa, rendering them unable to reproduce, and therefore harmless. In clear water the SteriPEN will destroy over 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses and 99.9% of protozoa.

How does a SteriPEN work?

How it works. SteriPEN uses a short wave germicidal UV light to purify water. The UV light disrupts the DNA within bacteria, viruses and protozoa, rendering them unable to reproduce, and therefore harmless. In clear water the SteriPEN will destroy over 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses and 99.9% of protozoa.

Why is my SteriPEN blinking red?

The Classic 3’s three LED indicator lights let you know the status of your SteriPEN and the water purification process. Green blinking LED(s) indicates succesfull water treatment. The red LED indicates unsuccessful water treatement, low battery level, battery replacement needed, or UV lamp replacement needed.

How does a SteriPEN UV purifier work?

Almost like magic, you touch a button, swirl, and voila… clean water that is free of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. The UV light sends out intense wavelengths that decimate these pathogens’ DNA so they cannot reproduce. … The SteriPEN Ultra uses ultraviolet light to get rid of harmful microorganisms.

How long does SteriPEN last?

BATTERY LIFE: The Ultra will purify 50 liters on a full charge, which works out to roughly a 10 day water supply for one person or 5 day supply for two (4-6L per day depending on conditions).

How do you charge a SteriPEN?

Charge your SteriPEN® with the included USB cable using either wall power via the included AC Adapter (100 to 240 V with US prongs) or the USB port on your computer. The USB cable will also work with any USB compatible car charger (not included) or solar charger (not included).

How do you clean SteriPEN?

To clean SteriPEN™, wash with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. Rinse soap from device and dry with a clean, soft cloth. Note that while the battery compartment of SteriPEN™ is designed to be water resistant, it is not guaranteed to be impermeable and should therefore never be submerged.

Are Steripens safe?

Yes. All the life, including amoebas, parasites and bacteria were killed by the SteriPEN and it was safe to drink. It was even safer than the treated/filtered tap water in the same city because everything was dead – including the bacteria.

How do I register my SteriPEN?

As a condition to operation of your warranty, the owner must register their SteriPEN on line () or retain and send copy of original proof of purchase receipt. BE SURE TO REGISTER YOUR STERIPEN ON LINE WITHIN 14 DAYS TO ACTIVATE YOUR LIMITED WARRANTY.

Who owns SteriPEN?

Katadyn said its focus is “in the area of self-sufficient nutrition and drinking water supply.” In addition to Hydro-Photon it has also acquired other companies in the past decade, and the company describes itself as “a one-stop shop for your 360-degree outdoor kitchen needs.”

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What kind of batteries does a SteriPEN use?

Battery: Uses two CR123 batteries (included) Disposable Battery life: 100 treatments (16 ounces/0.5 liters)

Can you use a SteriPEN in a metal bottle?

However, SteriPEN is usually used in water bottles. The plastic, glass, or metal will block the UV light. If you are using the SteriPEN in a large pot though, some of the UV light could get to your eyes and cause damage.

How much does a SteriPEN weigh?

TechnologyuvWeight (oz)3Battery typeInternal USB Rechargeable Lithium-IonLamp life8000 activationsVolume options2 clicks = 1 liter

Which water purifier is best?

  1. Eureka Forbes Aquaguard Aura Water Purifier. …
  2. AO Smith X2 5 L UV Ultraviolet + Ultra Fine Water Purifier. …
  3. Kent Supreme Lite 2020 Water Purifier. …
  4. LivPure RO Water Purifier. …
  5. SI Metal Aqua Grant Plus Electric Purifier.

What is a LifeStraw?

LifeStraw is a brand of water filtration and purification devices. The original LifeStraw was designed as a portable water filter “straw”. It filters a maximum of 4000 litres of water, enough for one person for three years. It removes almost all waterborne bacteria, microplastics and parasites.

Is UV water Safe?

One tried and tested method is ultraviolet (UV-C) water purification. UV-C treated water is considered to be incredibly effective. It is both safe and healthy because the UV-C technique eliminates up to 99.99% of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. … With UV-C, the disinfection happens immediately.

Does UV light really purify water?

Disinfecting your water with Ultraviolet light is exceptionally simple, effective and environmentally safe. UV systems destroy 99.99% of harmful microorganisms without adding chemicals or changing your water’s taste or odor.

Who invented the SteriPEN?

Miles Maiden, inventor of the SteriPEN and other ground-breaking, solar-based water purification technologies, has died.

Who manufactures SteriPEN?

Katadyn Group to Acquire Hydro-Photon, Inc., Makers of SteriPEN. Katadyn Group announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Hydro-Photon, Inc. the makers of the world’s leading ultraviolet, handheld water purifier, the SteriPEN. The acquisition is planned to close near the end of July 2017.

Which UV water purifier is best?

S.No.Product1.Eureka Forbes Aquaguard Aura 7L water purifier UV e-boiling+Ultra Filtration with Active Copper, Mineral Guard Technology, 6 stages of purification Black & Copper2.Faber FWP Galaxy PRO Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier 7L, Black, ro+mat

How much is a UV water system?

Like the size, the price of UV systems varies. Typically, a residential UV system costs around $400 or $500.