Slow Sand Water Filter
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This method was available as early as the 1800s to provide water in small municipalities until it blossomed into a popular economical catalyst for portable water.
Using sand filter for water is still commonly used today in the UK, London, and other European countries.
Like other water purification processes that consist of different filters, slow sand water filters are somewhat traditional methods designed to provide potable water in bulk.
How Sand Water Filtration Works
Water filters based on sand basically consist of:- A tank that serves as the water vessel
- The bed of sand where the actual filtration takes place
- Gravel underlying the sand for supporting the bed of sand
- The drainage system where the filtered water is collected
The bed of sand-also known as the filter bed-is the most significant part of the sand water filters. It requires only the finest of sands and certain standards are to be ensued when constructing this type of water filtration system.
As water settles on the filter bed, a biological layer/film known as the Schmutzdecke forms onto the bed. This biofilm serves the primary filter for the entire system. Here, even particles smaller than the fine sand are filtered.
Alongside, some particles are absorbed and/or eaten by bacteria, snails, fungi, etc. residing on the sand and biofilm. What this means is that an entire ecosystem actually exists inside slow sand water filters.
Since the type of sand used is so fine (plus the biofilm), at this stage only the purified water goes through the filter bed going toward the layer of gravel. Given that the layer of gravel is only used for support, the purified water goes to the drainage system where extra sediments from the layer or gravel are filtered.
Pros And Cons Of Sand Water Filters
This type of water filtration system truly has a place in the hearts of essentially every authority, politician, and even ecological warriors. Here are some of the palpable reasons:1. This method requires very minimal or almost no chemical solutions at all.
2. Since the technique is slow and uses biological components, it requires no electricity therefore using efficiency in the highest rate.
3. The system virtually works and breathes on its own, so minimum supervision is required.
4. With minimum supervision, it also means minimal labor therefore minimal expenses.
5. The elements in the filter such as fine sand and gravel aren't hard to come by for operators.
On the other hand, modern technology can sometimes overwhelm tradition. Some of its cons are the following:
1. Because the sand used in this process is fine, it requires the fresh water to have low turbidity for the entire filtration system to perform satisfactorily.
2. Water is filtered leisurely so the water coming in has to be measured in conjunction with the purified water coming out.
Consequently, this type of water filtration system is not so bad at all. It is eco-friendly, requires low maintenance, and relatively demands low expense rates. This method was adapted by the principles of fresh water coming from rivers and streams, and man eventually found a way to mimic this natural method.
The more natural the process, the purer and cleaner the water is. Time and time again, slow sand water filters have proven that tradition can sometimes be the better choice through efficiency and practicality.
Related article: Water Sediment Filters - Only A Part Of Your Home Water Filtration
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