Have you heard of the LifeStraw? It’s a small water filter designed for one person that removes virtually all bacteria and parasites from unclean water. It has saved lives all over the world during natural disasters, helped areas with unclean drinking water, and even won awards for how effective it is.
But of course we had one question for the LifeStraw: can it make pee drinkable? If it’s truly such an amazing device, can it make drinkable water during the worst possible circumstances?
We put it to the test, so read on to see if a LifeStraw will need to be part of your zombie apocalypse kit.
Before we get started, here’s what a LifeStraw looks like:
▼ Unfortunately it does not currently come in curly-straw form.
The device is actually quite amazing. It can filter up to 1,000 liters (264 gallons) of water, enough for one person to last a year. Of course, we won’t be drinking nearly that much, unless our brave Japanese taste-tester P.K. Sanjun really has to go.
▼ Here he is, prepped and ready with one cup of pee for testing. How was it…?
▼ Mmm…still tastes like pee!
Unfortunately this taste-test ended up being a failure. While the LifeStraw may remove all parasites and bacteria, it does nothing about salt. It cannot be used to make ocean water or other salt water drinkable, and since urine typically has a high salt level, it’s going to be like drinking from a salt shaker.
Also the LifeStraw does nothing about taste either. It’s still going to taste like pee no matter what. That may be an issue.
Here’s the video of P. K.’s taste-test, if you want to see human suffering in action:
It seems like the search will have to go on for a portable device to turn pee into drinkable water. Until then we’ll all just have to settle for drinking cans of princess urine, going to urine cafes, and playing urine video games. It’s a wonderful, urine-filled world out there, and we’ve only just started to drink it all in.
What happens if you make instant noodles with Coca-Cola instead of water?
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
A visit to the oldest Yoshinoya chain in Japan for one last beef bowl before it closes for good
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Let’s make some French cuisine using two bucks worth of junk food from the convenience store!
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japanese woman mistaken for bear
Return of Totoro sequel short anime announced for Ghibli Park
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Leave a Reply