individual 15 psig or more in some instances the hollow fiber membrane removes bacteria and protozoa through 6 logs or 99 9999 as verified by independent testing laboratories the useful life is depending upon turbidity in the water but with a turbidity level of 1 nts the filter will process approximately 80 gallons the hollow fiber membrane component 49 is not an independently replaceable element but is contained within its own housing 50 which is slid into place before the filter top 41 is attached forming a sealed unit the hollow fiber membrane housing 50 contains side slits 51 covering the majority of the peripheral housing surface thus as the housing 50 is completely open at the base it is also open to the sides of the hollow fiber membrane elements 49 this provides for both radial and axial flow reducing the pressure required and providing improved water access to the hollow fiber membrane bundle as the top sides of the hollow fiber membrane bundle it is potted together 39 with the carbon filter 36 to the outer housing 37 it is not necessary to have a porous retainer over the hollow fiber membrane 49 as the top is solid except for the membranes which are miniature tubes through which the treated water flows the equalization of water flow and force from the sides radially and from the base axially up through the filter and into the hollow fiber membrane housing enhance the applied pressure and resultant water flow the.