If you are hesitant about drinking tap water due to concerns about contaminants, making a homemade filtration system is an easy, affordable, and sustainable solution. Read on to learn DIY techniques to make an efficient and cheap homemade water filtration system.
The first and foremost filtration method is the gravity filtration system. This method is cheap since it primarily relies on gravity to run the water through the filter. This method requires two buckets, a drill or hole punch, sand, gravel or small rocks, activated charcoal, a piece of cloth, and a spigot. First, take the bucket with the lid and drill a hole near the bottom or where it's convenient to place the spigot. Fit the spigot to ensure that there is no leakage.
Place the bucket without the lid over the spigot bucket, and remove the center. Lay a piece of cloth at the bottom of the bucket, covering the hole to prevent the sand from falling through. Add the sand, gravel or small rocks in layers from the bottom to the top of the bucket. Once done, add the activated charcoal over the sand layer. Check to ensure everything is compactly in place, and then pour the contaminated water into the filter. The porous material filters out the impurities and pollutants, giving you clean and safe drinking water.
Another option is the ceramic water filter. A ceramic filter consists of a ceramic candle filter and a plastic water receptacle. This filtration method is highly efficient in removing bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. You may purchase the ceramic candle filter or quickly make one by mixing sawdust, rice husk, and clay.
In terms of making the filter, mix the sawdust, rice husk, and clay thoroughly. Add water to the mixture and knead it until it's pliable. Roll the mixture into a round shape, similar to the shape of a candle. Leave it to dry naturally. Once dry, place the ceramic candle in a container filled with the contaminated water. The candle acts to filter the water, ensuring that it's free from harmful substances like bacteria and viruses.
Lastly, the solar still is a highly efficient method of filtering water, although it requires patience and more materials to make. A solar still requires a large plastic sheet, a drinking tube, and a small pit. Dig a hole in the ground and place the container for the water to fill in. Cover the hole with the plastic sheet, creating a depression in the middle of the sheet. Place a rock in the middle, and let the plastic sheet slope downwards towards the rock. Place the drinking tube at the bottom of the depression. This will allow the water to condense and trickle downwards through the drinking tube. Ensure that most of the air spaces are eliminated so that the water doesn't escape.
In conclusion, making homemade water filtration systems is an affordable and convenient way for filtering water. The above-discussed options offer a variety of filters suitable for different water conditions. The filtration systems' efficiency is heavily determined by the quality of materials used and the filtration techniques applied. Improving the water quality is an essential service to the community, and creating a homemade filtration system is a noble act. With just small adjustments to existing tools, you can provide safe and clean water to you and your family.