Safety Harbor, FL – October 15, 2024 – Sawyer, a pioneer in water filtration and outdoor protection, is transforming disaster relief in real-time by supplying and donating over 20,000 water filters, nearly 1,000 32 oz jugs of sunscreen, and more than 5,300 bottles of Picaridin insect repellent to those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These critical supplies are made possible through the dedicated efforts of local first responders and organizations like the American Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, Convoy of Hope, Save Our Allies, WC Kitchen, Water by Women, Waves for Water, and many more.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, widespread flooding has severely compromised water supplies, leaving over 1.5 million people without access to clean drinking water. Contaminated water has rendered local supplies undrinkable, prompting cities to issue boil water advisories. Sawyer’s donation of water filters represents a significant shift away from the cumbersome logistics of bottled water, offering a faster and more efficient solution. A single Sawyer Tap Water Filter can replace two pallets (1,900 liters) of bottled water, providing 500 gallons of clean drinking water per day. These lightweight, compact filters enable affected communities to safely access water directly from compromised sources, reducing transportation delays and the reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
Sawyer’s water filter technology, widely used by backcountry enthusiasts and in international relief efforts, remove 99.99999% of bacteria and 99.9999% of protozoa, making them critical in preventing waterborne illnesses such as cholera and E. coli, which often emerge in disaster scenarios like Hurricane Milton. With the storm leaving many areas isolated, the portability and durability of Sawyer’s filtration systems have proven essential for both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts.
Sawyer’s filtration products are uniquely designed to be easily restored to their original flow rate, even in heavy-use situations, through backwashing with the included cleaning plunger. Each filter undergoes three rounds of testing to meet the Sawyer Standard, ensuring maximum reliability in the field. More information at Sawyer.com.
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Media Contact:
John Dicuollo, john.dicuollo@backbone.media
Hurricane Relief Effort Images (Credit Sawyer)
About Sawyer
Since 1984, Sawyer has been at the forefront of innovation in water filtration, insect repellent, sunscreen, and first aid. Sawyer’s water filtration systems are popular among backpackers, due to their unparalleled bacteria removal rates and simple, lightweight design. Sawyer filters boast stronger fibers and a 15+ year lifespan, making them the filter of choice for global health initiatives led by the EPA, WHO, UNICEF, and over 140 charity organizations. Supported by 90% of Sawyer’s profits, these programs have impacted over 28 million people worldwide. Most of Sawyer’s products are proudly made in the USA in Safety Harbor, Florida. For more information, visit Sawyer.com.
