How to Build Water Purification Systems

It can be somewhat tricky to build your own home water purification system.  This is because you can’t tell if all of the contaminants have been removed simply by looking at your water.  However, it is possible to make your own effective home water purification system if you are willing to invest a little time and energy into doing so.

1. Determine what contaminants are in your water by conducting a chemical analysis.  This is important because it will determine the type of home filtration method that you should use. 


2. Become familiar with the three basic methods of home water filtration: boiling water, chemical treatment and filtration.


3. Study each of these methods to determine which is best for you.  Boiling is the best way to treat biologically contaminated water.  Chemical treatment is also very effective though.  If you choose to use chlorine treatment there are a lot of things that must be taken into consideration, including: water temperature, sediment level and contact time.  Filtration is the most difficult method to use because you will need to know the size of the microorganisms that you are attempting to filter out.

Boiling Method

1. Boil water until it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. 


2. Continue boiling the water for 30 minutes.


3. Increase the temperature of the water to 180 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any microorganisms. 


4. Continue boiling for 5 minutes.

Chemical Treatment

1. Choose between iodine and chlorine treatment.  Iodine is more effective if you’re not allergic to it.


2. Purchase a chemical treatment kit.


3. Read the instructions on the kit.  If you do not follow them carefully, this method will not work.

Chlorine Treatment

1. Consider chlorine treatment if you are allergic to iodine.


2. Purchase a chlorine treatment kit and read the instructions on the label.


3. Use great care to follow the instructions because things like water temperature, sediment level and contact time can affect how the kit works.

Filtration Treatment

1. Purchase a water filtration system from a store.  There are generally two types: one that will attach to your water spigot and one that is essentially a pitcher that you will run your water through.


2. Turn the filtration system on whenever you are using your sink or take time to run the water through the pitcher.