3M Introduces New DIY Filtrete Water Filtration Products

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Filtrete Brand from 3M, known for its air filtration products for heating and cooling systems, is introducing a new line of do-it-yourself, plumbed-in Filtrete Water Filtration Products.

“The new line of Filtrete Water Filtration Products also allow for simple do-it-yourself installation and maintenance with easy one-quarter turn filter changes — no tools needed.”

The family of Filtrete Water Filtration Products includes four different filtration levels and three types of installed systems so homeowners can customize their selections based on their water filtration needs. The basic and standard filtration levels filter sediment to reduce cloudiness as well as chlorine taste and odor to improve water taste, while the advanced and maximum filtration levels filter harmful contaminants like microbial cysts and lead, which may be in water.

According to a recent survey¹ commissioned by Filtrete Brand, approximately one in four homeowners (24 percent) currently live or previously lived in homes that made them feel sick or unwell. One way Filtrete Brand is helping address this concern is by developing the new Filtrete High Performance Drinking Water System with Maximum Filtration Plus which reduces health-effect contaminants that may be found in water. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), individuals exposed to the below contaminants above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) may potentially experience health effects²:

Cryptosporidium cysts can cause gastrointestinal illness (i.e. diarrhea, vomiting and cramps);
Long term exposure to lead may contribute to delays in physical or mental development in children, and kidney problems and high blood pressure in adults; and
Long term exposure to select herbicides and pesticides can cause problems with the kidneys, liver, thyroid, and cardiovascular and reproductive systems, as well as increase the risk of cancer

“Each family’s water filtration needs differ, and we set out to develop this new line of products to ensure we’re meeting those varying needs,” said Gretchen Hauble, New Products Marketing Manager of 3M Company. “The new line of Filtrete Water Filtration Products also allow for simple do-it-yourself installation and maintenance with easy one-quarter turn filter changes — no tools needed.”

There are three different types of Filtrete Water Filtration installation systems, including Drinking Water Systems used with Existing or Dedicated Faucets, High Performance and Sump Style Whole House Systems, and Universal In-Line Refrigerator Filters.

The new plumbed-in systems are currently available at Walmart stores nationwide and can also be purchased online. Filtrete replacement filters and other accessories are also available.

For more information on Filtrete Water Filtration Products, visit FiltreteWater.com and register to receive seasonal e-newsletters featuring special offers, filter change reminders, better home living tips and more. Find us on Facebook (Facebook.com/FiltreteWater) and on Twitter (@FiltreteWater).

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs about 84,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

¹ This survey was conducted by an independent firm, Wakefield Research, among a sample of respondents who have forced heat and/or central air conditioning in their home. The study was conducted in May 2012. A total of 1,001 qualified surveys were received. The margin of error for total responses is +/- 3.1 percent.
² U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), May 2009 http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants

For additional Filtrete press materials and images, visit Filtrete.com/pressroom