Multi-Layer Charcoal-Sand-Gravel Gravity Bio-Filter¶
Membranes & Advanced Filtration • Est. CapEx: Low-cost / Locally fabricated
Technical Overview¶
A classic appropriate-technology water filter made from a plastic bottle or container layered with gravel, multiple sand grades, and activated charcoal. Intended for emergency preparedness, camping, and homesteading to remove physical impurities and improve taste and odor.
Key Specifications & Engineering Parameters¶
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Category | Membranes & Advanced Filtration |
| Capital Cost | Low-cost / Locally fabricated |
| Primary Mechanism | Contaminated water percolates downward by gravity through progressively finer media. Gravel and coarse sand provide mechanical straining of large and fine particulates, while activated charcoal adsorbs dissolved organic compounds, chlorine, and odors via its high-surface-area pore structure. |
| Target Scale | Household / Village Cluster |
| Standard Lifespan | 10 - 20 Years |
Cross-Reference & Interactive Tools¶
Need to evaluate this technology for your specific field site? Run the WhatWater.info Selector Engine to compare it against 100+ alternative solutions.