General Ecology, Inc. started with a single objective - to create an ideal water purification technology with an ecological and healthful balance. Developed by multi-disciplined scientists and engineers to protect against modern environmental and ecological water borne problems, "Structured Matrix™" purification technology combines truly advanced concepts and purification techniques not available from any other product. Prior to the late 1960's, the availability of safe drinking water was not considered to be a problem. Although stories in the media only hinted at troubles on the horizon, knowledgeable scientists and other experts who were studying the extensive pollution of both our groundwater and our surface water supplies, began realizing the full extent of the coming water quality problems. Recognizing this fact, Richard T. Williams, president and founder of General Ecology, Inc., researched technologies worldwide for a suitable system to provide what became known as a point-of-use and point-of-application, drinking water purification. Finding even the best existing technology to be inadequate to remedy modern pollution problems, he organized an effort first to define and then to develop, manufacture and responsibly distribute advanced technology drinking water purification systems. Mr. Williams, formerly a research and development engineer with the renowned Lawrence Livermore Labs, brought together top scientists and engineers from the California Institute of Technology, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of California at Davis and the Max Planck Institute in Germany. This group, comprised from diverse, comprehensive and proven technical backgrounds, marked the beginning of General Ecology which was incorporated in 1973. General Ecology Inc.'s purification and separation technology was scientifically developed from basic research that was then optimized to effectively, reliably and ecologically remove a broad range of contaminants. These included all three forms of water borne disease-causing microorganisms, specific toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, foul tastes, odors, sediment and other particulate matter. This proprietary technology now known as General Ecology Inc.'s "Structured Matrix" technology is independently certified to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's very rigorous Microbiological Standard for Drinking Water Purifiers, which encompasses pathogenic cysts, disease bacteria and viruses. General Ecology® purifiers with "Structured Matrix" technology have become the industry's standard of excellence against which other products are evaluated. While most General Ecology products are used in residential, boating and recreational applications, our customer list also comprises national and international airlines, government agencies, military and emergency preparedness organizations, professional outfitters, scientists, research laboratories, medical research teams and major corporations. General Ecology products are sold in over 40 countries. Among General Ecology's more popular trade names are Seagull® IV, First Need®, Trav-L®-Pure, Aquapolish®, Nature Pure® Ultrafine, Nature Pure Micromatrix, Microlite®, Versa-Pure®, Superior and Spark-L-Pure. Many of General Ecology's products and product features are patented with both U.S. and international registration. Trademarks and Tradenames are registered internationally. The outstanding success of "Structured Matrix" purification technology is continually evidenced by laboratory tests unmatched by competition and by over 27 years of customer satisfaction through service to a wide range of sophisticated users worldwide. General Ecology, Inc. continues to meet and surpass our goals ensuring that our customers receive the many benefits of refreshingly pure, great tasting water.