Economical DIY clay water filters in Africa
What's the story
For millions across Africa, access to clean drinking water is a daily struggle.
Conventional purification methods are expensive and out of reach for most people.
This article explores the development of cost-effective DIY clay water filters as a practical alternative.
Utilizing locally available materials, this novel solution improves water quality for daily use, offering a sustainable answer to a critical challenge.
Fundamentals
Understanding the basics of clay filtration
Clay filtration takes advantage of the natural properties of clay and sawdust.
When they are combined and heated in a kiln, the sawdust burns away, leaving behind tiny pores in the clay.
These pores are small enough to remove harmful bacteria and sediments from water, but large enough to let water pass through.
This process significantly improves the safety of drinking water.
Preparation
Gathering your materials
To start building your own clay water filter, you will need the following:
Access to natural clay: This is often found near riverbeds or can be purchased from local suppliers for a minimal cost.
Sawdust: This is the pore-forming agent and can usually be obtained for free from local carpenters or woodworkers.
Access to a kiln: Community centers or local potters might let you use theirs for a small fee.
Crafting
The mixing process
The secret to a successful filter lies in achieving the optimal clay and sawdust mixture. As a rule of thumb, aim for a fifty-fifty split between clay and sawdust by volume.
Combine these ingredients with water and mix them thoroughly until you get a uniform mixture that can be easily shaped.
Remember, this step is critical as it sets the foundation for the filter's porosity and, ultimately, its effectiveness.
Kilning
Shaping and firing your filter
Once your mixture is prepared, mold it into pots or candle-shaped filters, depending on your preference and the resources available to you.
The molded filters should then be allowed to dry slowly over a period of several days before being fired in a kiln at approximately 800 degrees Celsius to 1,000 degrees Celsius.
This process incinerates the sawdust, creating microscopic pores crucial for filtration.
Usage
Implementing your filter
After firing, you can test your filter by pouring contaminated water through it into a clean container below.
If properly constructed, this process will dramatically decrease turbidity and eliminate bacteria from the water, rendering it safer to drink.
However, bear in mind that while these filters substantially enhance water quality, they do not eliminate chemical pollutants. Therefore, always choose your initial water judiciously.