…purify your drinking water with a stick of charcoal… …Japanese have been doing it for centuries… Binchotana carbon made from tree branchesis renowned for its ability to soften water and absorb impurities, including chlorine. The manufacturer recommends refreshing the charcoal after three months by boiling it for 10 minutes http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204652904577195082476753016.html?KEYWORDS=binchotan