Biosand Water Filter
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Instead of activated carbon and other water filtration technology, sand is used.
This is best for areas where water sources are untreatable.
The early biosand water filter invented by David Manz Ph.D. of the University of Calgary inspired the production of the small slow sand filters that runs off and on.
When the sand is clogged with the debris, leaves, and twigs and other objects in the water, the surface of the sand is simply stirred to restore the flow of water.
Constructing a sand water filter may cost $30 or $70 and will require training to perfect the technique and produce quality water filters. What is needed is a container, concrete or plastic the size of a water cooler. A plastic pipe is inserted and filled with layers of gravel and sand.
When dirty water is poured on the sand, a diffuser plate distributes the water evenly over the layer of sand. The filter travels through the sand bed and continues down to the layer of gravel. The water collects in the pipe, usually plastic, which is placed on the filter's bottom.
The commercial biosand water filters consist of prepared sand poured on top of gravel housed in a box usually concrete. A shallow pool of water sits on the sand slowly creating a film that filters harmful microorganisms from the water.
It is not complicated to operate. You simply pour the water into the sand and collect the water that is released in a clean bucket or container.
This may appear unsophisticated technology, but a biosand water filtration performance evaluation showed that this can remove as much as 99 percent of contaminants. It can also remove 99 percent of lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc and all sediments present in the water. The device can provide 30 gallons of water sufficient for a family of four or five.
The device was tested extensively for its effectiveness and more organizations are funding the fabrication of slow sand water filters to reduce the incidence of water borne diseases in the third world.
Advantages and Drawbacks
When water flow slows down, it's time to clean up. It should not be used for two or three weeks; and during this time, the filters have to be filled daily.Cleaning the biosand involves stirring the water above the sand. If you are not sure of the correct procedure, ask the supplier to show how it is done and follow instructions carefully because errors can cause the filter to function inefficiently.
For a very cheap water filter, a biosand water filter can remove the following:
- Bad odor and muddy color
- Microbes
- Sediments
- Slow water flow
- Microbial removal is not 100 percent
- Cannot dissolve fluoride and chlorine
- Cannot remove toxins from fertilizers and pesticides
- Is ineffective during rainy season
Other Uses
The biosand water filter was designed to provide people in impoverished countries access to clean water especially in areas where it is simply impossible to treat water sources. But other than this, you can use this for your vacation home where you are unsure of the water's safety.The idea of pursuing the construction of biosand water filters can also be adopted by socio-civic organizations to help communities have safe drinking water. You can seek expert advice or professional training.
Related article: Slow Sand Water Filter - The Most Eco-Friendly And Low Maintenance Water Filtration
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