Katadyn, a global manufacturer of water treatment systems, partnered with organizations to facilitate the delivery of a variety of water treatment devices the company manufactures after Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 hurricane, struck Puerto Rico and surrounding islands September 20 causing extensive destruction.

The hurricane left the majority of Puerto Rico’s 3.4 million residents without power and safe drinking water.

“In the case of contaminated drinking water in Puerto Rico, Katadyn water treatment systems remove harmful microorganisms that can lead to illness,” explained Shawn Hostetter, president of Katadyn North America.

Products are being delivered to families, schools, churches and individuals across affected areas. Truckloads of Drip Ceradyn Filters, 39,000-gallon filtration capacity gravity water filters sufficient for groups, were recently shipped to Puerto Rico via partner organizations.

In addition, Katadyn Micropur MP1 purification tablets that eliminate protozoa, cysts and viruses are being used for filtering water contaminated by sewage. The Hiker Pro MicroFilter and BeFree Water Bottle Filtration Systems have similarly been used for filtering water from lakes, rivers and streams in Puerto Rico. Spectra Watermakers solar powered desalination systems in small portable cases have also been deployed to treat brackish and salt water without the need for gasoline or power.

“With millions of people without drinkable water or electricity after a particularly devastating hurricane season, many have reached out to us for help. As a leader in small portable water treatment technology, Katadyn has ensured the delivery of aid to those who need it via our partners in relief and religious organizations who have the ability to hand deliver products to those who need them,” said Hostetter.

Photo courtesy Katadyn