Basic Water Needs

Basic Water Needs is a company established in 2008 that develops, produces, and distributes water purification and conservation products. They supply Dutch-designed Tulip water filters to over 3,000,000 people worldwide and also offer small submersible solar pumps for irrigation or fishponds. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and simple domestic water solutions for all income groups, including the Base of the Pyramid.

The company's flagship product is the Tulip water filter, which is designed to be simple to use and last for thousands of liters. They also provide basic gravity-fed water filters and small submersible solar pumps that efficiently supply water for vital applications like irrigation or fishponds. These products are intended to empower users by reducing travel time to water sources and promoting a healthier lifestyle through higher water consumption.

The company has a global reach, having provided clean and safe drinking water to over 1 million people in over 30 countries. They maintain a network of more than 100 agents and their customers include major organizations such as Jica, Red Cross, USAID, Water Aid, and Unicef. Their products are exclusively distributed through dedicated importers and agents who receive extensive support and guidance.

The Tulip water filter is recognized for its environmental sustainability, having been awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label for two consecutive periods. It is estimated that one filter avoids the emission of between 0.4 and 1.7 tons of CO2 per year, contributing to a total diversion of over 1,200,000 tons of CO2. These solutions are integrated into programs that incentivize carbon credits to combat climate change.

The company's water filters are designed to remove fine particles, harmful bacteria, and parasites, which are often the source of bad tastes in water. While the filters do not remove dissolved substances that cause lesser tastes, they effectively improve water quality for consumption. Some reviewers note that the filtered water tastes much cleaner and fresher compared to the source water.

New filters require a break-in period where the first 20 liters of filtered water should not be drunk to wash out small internal particles. The dry ceramic element takes around 5 minutes to become completely wet before water can start flowing. After this initial phase, the filter reaches its maximum flow rate after filtering approximately 20 liters of water.

To maintain the filter, users should scrub the element with a supplied scrub pad, a soft cloth, or an unused toothbrush with the brush cut short. Over-scrubbing can shorten the filter's life, as around 60 times of scrubbing may make the diameter too small for sufficient bacteria removal. The washable pre-filter should be removed frequently and cleaned in clear water to prevent clogging from sand and clay particles.

The company's headquarters are located at Moutlaan 20, 7523 MD Enschede, The Netherlands, under the trade name TulipFlo BV. They can be reached by phone at +31 643069651 or via email at [email protected]. Visitors can also find additional resources, manuals, and FAQs on their official website.

On Trustburn, Basic Water Needs holds a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews. The majority of these reviews are 5-star ratings, with a few 4-star and 3-star ratings. Reviewers consistently praise the product quality, ease of use, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.

The company's approach to sustainability is attributed to their Dutch-designed filters that reduce the need for boiling water, a mainstream alternative. By avoiding non-renewable biomass for boiling, they contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. This eco-friendly solution aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and supports carbon credit programs.

The company's history spans over 15 years since its establishment in 2008, during which they have supplied innovative water filters to millions of people. Their products are streamlined in design and widely available, ensuring that all income groups have access to safe domestic water products. They continue to aim for the ultimate goal of offering safe water in every house for everyone.

For first-time customers, it is important to understand that the filter may have a slow or inconsistent flow initially, especially with highly turbid water. Users should clean the filter regularly with a scrub pad or soft cloth to restore the flow rate. Additionally, the first 20 liters of water from a new filter should be used for non-drinking purposes to avoid an earth-like taste.

The company's products are designed to be simple to use and last for thousands of liters, making them suitable for various water conditions. They are particularly effective in areas where water supply is unpredictable, as they provide a reliable source of safe drinking water. The solar pumps also help in efficiently supplying water for irrigation or fishponds, supporting productive endeavors.

The official website of Basic Water Needs is basicwaterneeds.com.