Sand filtration systems provide relatively safe, clean and clear drinking water. The technology has been around for decades. These systems can be used to filter out most pathogens, bacteria, chemicals, and particulates. They eliminate the need to boil water and, therefore, reduce fuel consumption. The technology is being used by CAWST (Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology) in Third World locations to provide clean water.
A Calgary-based inventor, David Manz, designed a sand filtration system that is easier to maintain. He advises adding a few drops of bleach to the water after filtration, or to boil the water because the filter may not remove enough pathogens to meet water quality standards in Canada. His sand filtration system would be an excellent choice for removing fine particulates from glacial melt water.
Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST), Calgary, AB
CAWST teaches people in tThird wWorld countries how to build and operate sand filtration systems.
Water Tiger, Vancouver and Victoria, BC
Water Tiger sells the Davnor sand water filter.