The Fresh™ Filter in your CamelBak Groove reliably reduces contaminants for 300 refills of the bottle, or approximately 3 months of use at 3 - 4 full bottles per day (48 gallons / 180 liters).  You may need to change the filter more or less often depending on the amount of water you consume. 

Over time, the filter becomes saturated and is able to absorb fewer contaminants. If used past the effective life (3 months, 3 - 4 full bottles per day) the filter will remove contaminants less effectively and will flow more slowly. Changing the filter regularly ensures that you have clear refreshing great-tasting water.

To change your filter:

• Unscrew the cap from the bottle.
• Unscrew the filter housing and tube assembly 1/8th turn to remove from the cap.
• Hold the Fresh Filter by the collar and pull it out of the filter housing.
• Remove a new Fresh Filter from its wrapper and rinse thoroughly, inside and out under running tap water for 15 seconds.  With a new filter, you may experience trapped air bubbles or small particles of carbon in the first few sips. These are harmless, and rinsing the filter should minimize their occurrence.
• Hold the new Fresh Filter by the collar and slide it into the open end of the filter housing.  The collar will remain visible above the end of the filter housing when fully inserted.
• Insert the filter housing and tube assembly into the cap and rotate it 1/8th turn.  You should feel gentle resistance as the new filter engages the seal in the cap.

Fresh Filters can be disposed of in household trash; they are not meant to be placed in curbside recycling or compost.  However, the filter is made from a sustainable plant-based source and weighs only 0.2 oz so the waste is minimized.

The blue/black/clear/pink/grey thing is our CamelBak Big Bite™ Valve. This patented feature provides easy drinking and spill-proof safety. Do NOT remove or cut this piece to drink. Simply bite it slightly and sip as you would out of a straw.  Here’s another bonus:  a recent study by Pepperdine University revealed that people who drink from CamelBak Bottles drink up to 24% more water than people who drink from other reusable bottles or plastic disposable bottles.

These bottles are designed specifically for cycling, via an innovative, hassle-free feature called the CamelBak Jet Valve. Made from medical-grade silicone and designed to flow automatically when you squeeze the bottle, the Jet Valve vents pressure and seals shut automatically when you're done. It's simple, and there’s no biting involved.  You can either put the nozzle between your lips or open your mouth and squirt. The JetValve opens automatically when you squeeze, then shuts automatically to prevent drips. Since there's no pop-top valve to shut off you can guide the nozzle into helmet vents easily without accidentally shutting off the valve.

The rotary valve under the nozzle on the cap is a secondary lock-out. We recommend using the lock-out exclusively for storage i.e. if you're storing the bottle in a bike bag or trunk. Leave it open during rides or for easy access when you're drinking from the bottle. You can also lock out your backup bottle on the bike to prevent any unexpected squirts from potholes or other big hits.

Only use your Groove with potable tap water.  The Fresh™ Filter contained in your CamelBak Groove does not remove harmful microscopic pathogens that may be contained in tap water outside of the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.  Your CamelBak Groove is not a purifier and not certified to be effective against bacteria, cysts or viruses.