How to Construct a Low-Cost Water Filter
Most people enjoy drinking filtered water versus water straight from the faucet. Water filters bought in stores can be expensive because you have to constantly replace your filters. With a few tools and supplies you can build your own that will last a long time.
Things You'll Need:
- Bucket
- Drill
- Drill Bit
- Cloth
- Sand
- Charcoal
- Hammer
- Water Jug
- Find a bucket at least a couple gallons in size to use as your filter. A milk jug might not be sturdy enough, try finding a regular bucket with a handle.
- Drill a small hole in the center of the bottom of the bucket. This hole is where the filtered water will drain out.
- Lay cloth on the bottom of the bucket to form a nice layer of protection.
- Pour sand on the layer of cloth. Make sure the layer of sand is no more than three inches thick. Try finding quality sand at a home improvement store, not just sand from outside.
- Crush chunks of charcoal into a powder with a hammer. Pour enough charcoal on top of the layer of sand to create another layer no more than 3-inches thick. Repeat layers of sand and charcoal until you have about 5-inches of bucket space left.
- Pour water in the bucket and let it hang somewhere safe so nobody tips it over.
- Place a water jug under the bucket so the filtered water drains into it. The bucket doesn't need to be real high, just enough to let gravity filter the water for you.