The operation of the Aqua Rain^® Natural Water Filter is simplicity itself.  No energy is required nor are chemicals necessary for the filter system to work.  Water is poured into the upper container where it trickles down by gravity through the highly specialized ceramic filter elements leaving cysts, bacteria and sediment in the outer layer of the ceramic. After passing through the thick ceramic wall, the water then flows through a bed of silvered coconut shell carbon which adsorbs pesticides, various organic chemicals, and chlorine (if present), along with objectionable color, tastes and odors. The filtered water then drips into the lower container where it is stored for easy dispensing with the handy lever-action faucet.

New, dry elements will need several gallons of water run through them, sometimes 10 or 12, before they are fully wetted and reach their maximum flow rate. In normal usage, water for filtration is placed in the upper vessel in the evening and allowed to filter through overnight. In the morning, most of the water should have filtered through into the lower dispensing container. Additional water may then be added to the upper container for filtration during the day. If maximum production is desired, it will be necessary to keep the upper vessel as full as possible, perhaps refilling every fifteen minutes. To halt the production of filtered water, simply lift the upper container off and empty it. If desired, the stainless steel lid can then be placed on the bottom container which may be used as a convenient and compact counter-top water dispenser.

Over time, small particulates and bacteria may accumulate on the walls of the elements and slow the production of water through the filter. When this occurs, simply remove each of the filter elements and lightly clean the hard surface of the ceramic with a brush or the scrub pad provided. The elements are then reinstalled in the upper filter vessel.  Proper cleaning will restore the Aqua Rain^® Natural Water Filter to full flow rates, each and every time.

The above information was taken directly from the Aqua Rain Manufacturer.