Hollow Fiber Membrane Elasticity

About Mighty Water

Mighty Water is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with local organizations to transform lives around the world through simple, point-of-use water filters. As a global water filter charity, we provide affordable filters, hands-on training, and ongoing support that empower families to access safe drinking water and build lasting resilience against waterborne diseases. With this technology, Mighty Water, in collaboration with Safi, has developed the one of the most affordable clean water solutions in the world.

Why Elasticity Matters

Elasticity is a critical property in hollow fiber water filters used in remote communities because it allows the fibers to flex and recover without breaking under pressure or stress. These filters rely on thousands of microscopic pores to remove bacteria and other contaminants, and even minor damage can compromise performance. Elastic fibers can better withstand the physical strain of washing, backflushing, or transport in rugged environments. In the field, the outdoor camping filters requiring backflushing are often cleaned aggressively or mishandled due to limited resources and training. Elasticity helps prevent fiber cracking or rupture during these conditions, extending the filter’s lifespan and maintaining reliable flow rates. Durable, elastic hollow fibers ensure that families can safely reuse their filters over many years, reducing replacement needs and supporting long-term access to clean water where maintenance and supplies are limited.

The Mighty Water × Safi Gravity Water Filter was tested at the School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. The elastic properties of our new and improved washable hollow fiber membrane material allowed for the fibers to be stretched to nearly 250% of their original length without breaking. Since implementing this durable material worldwide in 2021, we have witnessed a dramatic increase in the longevity of the filters.