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Community Slow Sand Filter

BioSand & Media Filters • Est. CapEx: $6,000 USD • Lifespan: 7–15 Years


Technical Overview

A community-scale water treatment system using sand and biological processes to produce high-quality drinking water. Used in both developed and developing countries with simple operation and minimal maintenance.


Key Specifications & Engineering Parameters

Parameter Specification
Category BioSand & Media Filters
Capital Cost (CapEx) $6,000 USD
Power / Energy 100% Gravity / Zero Power
Target Scale Village / Community (200–1,000+ people)
Standard Lifespan 7–15 Years
Technology Maturity Commercially Available
Primary Mechanism Water passes slowly through a bed of sand where a biological layer (schmutzdecke) forms, trapping particulates and digesting pathogens. Cleaning is done by scraping the top layer of sand rather than backwashing.

Cross-Reference & Interactive Tools

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