Algae - Brita Filter

[Cheese Mechanic]

Bit of a strange one this. My Brita filter has decided to grow algae in it. I'm boiling the water in it for tea, so do not see it as harmfull, I would prefer non green water however.

So, two things, firstly, Any idea as to why this is occuring? I fill the jug straight from the tap, so no chance of the growth being passed from another container. Jug stands with its top on , on the kitchen top, usually, but not always full : IE , its kept filled, as against filling just when ready to use:

Secondly , How do I deal with it? Obviously the jug will need to be washed out, but how do I kill the green stuff without tainting the jug? On top of that, any ideas as to how I can stop it occuring again?

Strange huh?

Any ideas anybody?

[soad]

Gulp it down. Algae is good for you.

Throw away your current filter. Soak the pitcher, the insert, everything, in a solution of bleach and water (20% bleach in water will be fine). Leave it to soak for a couple of hours, and then run everything through the dish washer. Put a new filter in.
Do not mix unfiltered water with filtered water. Do not over fill the pitcher. Keep the damn thing in the fridge where it is dark.

[Cheese Mechanic]

soad said:

Gulp it down. Algae is good for you.
Throw away your current filter. Soak the pitcher, the insert, everything, in a solution of bleach and water (20% bleach in water will be fine). Leave it to soak for a couple of hours, and then run everything through the dish washer. Put a new filter in.
Do not mix unfiltered water with filtered water. Do not over fill the pitcher. Keep the damn thing in the fridge where it is dark.

Thanks for that . I was worried about bleaching and tainting the jug. As for the fridge,nail on the head, thats where its going to be in future.

[grumbledoak]

Cheese Mechanic said:

So, two things, firstly, Any idea as to why this is occuring?

The filter is removing the chlorine that was stopping the growth of algae/other stuff in the water. Into the fridge with it, as said, and treat the water as 'fresh'.

[dapprman]

I have the same problem with mine, which is too large to go in to the fridge. As some one else has ready said, it's due to the chlorine beibng removed, but also due to the newer design having the fliter out of the water - never had the problem on my old one. For me I just clean it with water and kitchen cloth each time I change the filter (every 4-5 weeks).

[tr7v8]

We never had an algae problem with the filter but bought a kettle with a Brita Maxi built in. Solves all the problems & saves space.

[Cheese Mechanic]

soad said:

Gulp it down. Algae is good for you.

Throw away your current filter. Soak the pitcher, the insert, everything, in a solution of bleach and water (20% bleach in water will be fine). Leave it to soak for a couple of hours, and then run everything through the dish washer. Put a new filter in.
Do not mix unfiltered water with filtered water. Do not over fill the pitcher. Keep the damn thing in the fridge where it is dark.

Just to catch up. I did exactly what was explained in the quoted post.

Worked a treat. Filter now in fridge

Thanks folks.