Latest News & First Water Press Releases

Certificate of Analysis for Water Purification

In our continued effort to provide the most trusted water purification systems to the people who need it most, First Water has received a Certificate of Analysis for each purification system in our product line.  When water purification systems are deployed in the field, it is essential that they operate efficiently and effectively.  This product testing will help customers have the confidence that they have deployed the best solution possible for their water sustainability needs.

water purification testing

The Triad Laboratory

First Water has teamed with Triad Forensics laboratory for product testing.  Triad is a full service, ISO compliant (ISO 17025) testing laboratory in Winston-Salem, NC.  They are the  only private forensics laboratory in North Carolina and serve clients across North America, Europe and Asia. All Triad testing is compliant with: AIHA, AMA, AOAC, APHA,DEA, EPA, FDA,ISO/IEC 17025:2005, NIOSH,OSHA, and ASCLD-LAB International.

The First Water line of water purification systems is the ideal solution for both the U.S. and International market.

Domestically, our line of products is utilized in the emergency management and disaster response sector.  The Responder and Outpost team together to provide a flexible, portable and cost effective solution to water disruptions for hospitals, public health agencies, campuses or any other critical infrastructure.

Internationally, the Villager provides a fixed base, community level solution in the developing world.  The units are easy to deploy and highly effective in eliminating water borne illness found in the world’s poorest countries.  Along with the Villager, the Responder provides a portable solution to support mission teams or other aid workers.

You can find more information on these water purification systems at http://firstwaterinc.com/

June 9, 2010 at 9:24 am | international, usa | No comment



Flex-Chlorinator Now Available

First Water Systems, Inc. today has made available the Flex-ChlorinatorTM to work with both the OutpostTM and ResponderTM water filtration product lines.  The new Flex-ChlorinatorTM augments the cleaning process of the water by providing a second source of disinfection after the ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection.  It additionally adds a residual disinfectant that stays with the cleaned water similar to the way water treatment plants work.

The new Flex-ChlorinatorTM is an optional addition to the treatment process for use when source water is suspected of being heavily contaminated by viruses, or has not been previously treated through a municipal system, or when local authorities require the chlorination of cleaned water.

The Flex-ChlorinatorTM comes in the same rugged Pelican case that is used with the ResponderTM.  Its unique design is totally “green”, and does not require any power source.  The proprietary injection system has been designed to be used with common bleaches such as Clorox.  Included with every Flex-ChlorinatorTM are two collapsible 5 gallon clear plastic containers used to dilute the bleach.  If the containers become lost or damaged, any common 5 gallon water container will work.

Using the Flex-ChlorinatorTM couldn’t be easier.  The injection system is precisely calibrated to always inject the chlorine in an amount that will not add undesirable taste.  Simply place the Flex-ChlorinatorTM next to an OutpostTM or ResponderTM, add the bleach and water to the dilution tank, hook up the hoses, and it starts working immediately.  The amount of chlorine entering the water automatically adjusts based on the flow of water going through the system.  Each five gallon container of diluted bleach will last for about a day with normal use of the OutpostTM, and the only need for an operator is to switch a hose from one dilution tank to the other when the tank becomes empty.

If you are in an area that requires the addition of chlorine to water, the Flex-ChlorinatorTM from First Water is the only system that provides the capability in a portable, safe, easy to use mechanism without any power requirements.

November 29, 2009 at 10:56 am | international, usa | No comment



First Water Responds to Equador Flooding

First Water Systems, Inc. responded to a request by the government of Ecuador to provide assistance with the historic flooding experienced by approximately one third of the country. While in-country, First Water personnel also deployed to the mountainous areas of the north, meeting with and learning the critical clean water needs of the native Incan Indians.

While Ecuador is known for its incredible beauty, it is also home to the Machangara River, considered by many as the most polluted river in the Western Hemisphere. It is common to see both raw sewerage and industrial chemicals being dumped directly into the river. Prior to approval to deploy its patented water purification equipment, First Water first had to first directly drink from the Machangara, and also run extensive tests on the quality of the purified water. After seeing First Water personnel drinking the putrid water, Mr. Mario Ramos, Minister of Public Health, also drank the water and immediately moved to implement the technology at all 200 emergency shelters addressing the current flood crisis.

As Mr. Ramos has stated “I never imagined anyone could drink this water and survive. This equipment will change everything for us. Because our country has the most active volcanoes anywhere in the world, we need to care for very poor people unable to evacuate from both floods and eruptions where quick response is very critical.”

In addition to deploying equipment throughout the country, Mr. Ramos also plans to develop a Water Strike Team modeled after the successful First Water Disaster Strike Team. First Water is currently planning the training requirements and necessary equipment for the Ecuadorian government to implement a successful Team. The Ecuadorian Water Strike Team is anticipated to be comprised of local Public Health, firefighters, and military personnel. The Team will be trained on use, maintenance and repair of all First Water equipment, as well as operational protocols to respond in the two regular emergency events addressed by Ecuador – flooding and volcanic activity.

April 19, 2008 at 8:54 am | international, usa | No comment



Judith Edwards Joins First Water

Ms. Judith Edwards has joined First Water Systems as the Business Development Director for Healthcare. In addition to her nursing degree, master’s degree in Health Services Administration, and numerous certifications, Ms. Edwards brings a wealth of experience in hospital emergency management. Her role will be helping First Water best respond to the needs of health care providers both domestically and internationally, as well as developing strategic relationships with private providers and government agencies. Her field experience in dozens of hurricanes and emergency responses ensures that the First Water solutions will continue to grow to meet actual health care emergency needs.

Complementing her core responsibilities, Ms. Edwards will oversee the First Water consulting offerings available for health care. The scope of offerings will center on an organization’s mitigation activities, preparedness planning, emergency response, and business recovery. Proprietary guidelines and templates, as well as Joint Commission standards and NIMS compliance criteria, will result in relevant Preparedness Plans for facilities of all sizes.

While being with First Water, she will continue her responsibilities as Commander of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (GA-3 DMAT) for Georgia. Having led the Georgia Team at Hurricane Katrina, the World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorist attacks, and many dozens of other national deployments, she will greatly enhance the capabilities of the First Water Disaster Strike Team.

In her most recent position, she was the Director of Emergency Preparedness for Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). As the largest hospital group in the world, she was responsible for emergency preparedness and response of the one hundred and ninety (190) hospitals in the organization. The company’s response at Tulane University Hospital during Hurricane Katrina, which has been described as the only effective response during the disaster by leading journalists and authors, is but one example of how her leadership in emergency preparedness benefited the company’s many facilities.

The addition of Ms. Edwards to the First Water team exemplifies the company’s commitment to provide health care solutions that ensure facility preparedness and sustainability.

August 15, 2007 at 8:46 am | international, usa | No comment



World Vision Partners With First Water

World Vision announced today that it is teaming with First Water Systems, Inc. and LAM, LLC to bring fresh water to Bolivia in response to its current deadly floods.  The flooding, the worst in decades, has affected as many as 350,000 persons and prompted President Evo Morales to officially declare a national disaster.  Some 20% of the cattle in the flooded areas have drowned and the floating carcasses are contaminating the water resulting in serious waterborne illness.

First Water Systems, the leader in water purification for emergency management, has delivered life saving water purification systems worldwide through its family of patented systems and technology.  Featuring portability, ease of use, advanced filtration and high-power ultraviolet, the provided systems will purify the standing water for drinking, medical, decontamination and cleaning purposes.  The system initially deployed is the OutpostTM, capable of purifying over 700 gallons per hour, with additional systems capable of purifying over 2400 gallons per hour available if required.  In addition to its core technology, First Water is providing a total solution, including bladders to store the clean water, filling stations to facilitate up to 12 lines of people, and clean containers to transport the purified water.

LAM LLC is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Company focused on organizing and coordinating water relief systems and solutions. Through effective management, determination and compassion, LAM is helping save and relieve suffering for countless lives wherever disaster strikes.

By utilizing proven management techniques, combined with state-of-the-art technology, critical infrastructure and driven leadership, powerful change is happening for many is despair. LAM’s CEO Leon McLaughlin, has elaborated that its principal goal is that fresh clean water should be a right, not a privilege.

This new partnership with First Water Systems and LAM will help enhance World Vision’s mobility and flexibility in providing access to clean, safe water as it responds to disasters around the world. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information about how World Vision responds to disasters, visit www.worldvision.org/press.

April 27, 2007 at 8:42 am | international, usa | No comment



Outpost Selected Best New Technology

First Water Systems Wins “Best of Show” from the International Total Facilities Management Conference

For Immediate Domestic Distribution April 19, 2007

First Water Systems, Inc. today was honored to receive the 2007 Best of Show Award from the International Total Facilities Management Conference for its OutpostTM water purification system.  This award is coveted by all exhibitors as it represents the best and most innovative technology among all conference exhibitors.  The OutpostTM was selected by a panel of independent judges, made entirely from the facility managers attending the show.

After the selection was announced, one judge commented “The OutpostTM is extremely compact and creatively designed and engineered”.  Another said “Since I’m responsible for a medical facility, I’m amazed by the value the OutpostTM can deliver in terms of quality of water and versatility.”  Another simply commented “I’ve gone to many, many facilities shows over the years, and I’ve never seen a product represent such a leap forward for facility sustainability during emergencies.”  Steve Flaim, President of First Water Systems, Inc. accepted the award for the company, saying “All of us at First Water are humbled to be chosen the best of the best.  A huge amount of effort from many clients and teammates went into the design of the OutpostTM.  I gratefully accept this award on behalf of every one of them.”

First Water Systems, the leader in water purification for emergency management, has delivered life saving water purification systems worldwide through its family of patented systems and technology.  Featuring portability, ease of use, advanced filtration and high-power ultraviolet, the systems will purify standing water for drinking, medical, decontamination and cleaning purposes.  In addition to the OutpostTM which purifies 720 gallons of water per hour from virtually any contaminated or compromised fresh water source, other systems are available that purify from 60 gallons per hour to 2400 gallons per hour.

First Water Systems, Inc. leads the industry in providing advanced on-demand water purification of virtually any salt-free water for drinking, decontamination, medical needs and HAZMAT mitigation through its patented, reliable, easy to use and cost effective line of solar-based systems worldwide.

Contact us on the worldwide web at www.firstwaterinc.com, or at 770.442.8257.

April 19, 2007 at 2:35 pm | international, usa | No comment



Outpost-4 Now Available

Outpost-4 Now Available
For Immediate Domestic Distribution September 26, 2006

First Water Systems, Inc. announced today that its popular Outpost-3TM water purification system has been replaced by the new Outpost-4TM.  The new system is the latest evolution of products engineered by Aqua-Sun International to bring the best possible value in solar-based water purification.  The Outpost-4TM has the same great feature set as the Outpost-3TM, but offers improvements in some critical areas.

What’s different is significant; the flow has been increased by 25% from 3 gallons per minute to 4 gallons per minute; the height, width and length of the unit has been reduced in every dimension by 3” to 6”, making it easier to fit into virtually any SUV, van or minivan; and the frame is now made from high strength, low weight and low maintenance aluminum.

What hasn’t changed is equally significant; theOutpost-4TMis still solar powered; the overall weight has only increased by a few pounds; and the price has remained the same as the Outpost-3TM.

“I would like to thank all our customers that have helped us develop the design requirements that led to these improvements”, said Greg Hanson, President of Aqua-Sun International, Inc. “This new unit provides greater value, and is engineered to survive the most rugged circumstances.  The increase in flow to 4 gallons per minute provides greater flexibility in use, and the physical properties of the unit enable greater stability and easier mobility.”

Because First Water can offer the Outpost-4TM with no increase in price compared to the Outpost-3TM, the Outpost-3TM is being retired and will no longer be available.

First Water Systems, Inc. leads the industry in providing advanced on-demand water purification of virtually any salt-free water for drinking, decontamination, medical needs and HAZMAT mitigation through its patented, reliable, easy to use and cost effective line of solar-based systems worldwide.

Contact us on the worldwide web at www.firstwaterinc.com, or at 770.442.8257.

September 26, 2006 at 2:30 pm | international, usa | No comment