Build Your Own Water Filter

This water filter is made out of a 5-Gallon Bucket.  The Spout can be made out of PVC Pipe and added after making a hole in the bucket.
The filter does NOT prevent Giardia (infection caused by bacteria in the water - diarrhea is the main symptom).  To accommodate for this, chemical treatments, such as bleach, can help.

Update:
Asked Question: Do we need to put cotton in the bucket?
Answer: In between the sand layer and the charcoal layer, there needs to be a clean cotton shirt to allow better filtration of the water as it passes through the layers. You won't need cotton swabs or similar items, but a cotton shirt is needed to build the filter.

Asked Question: What kind of sand?
Answer: There is a great blog post at http://www.enlight-inc.com/blog/?p=2139 that helps to answer this question. From the web page:

"1. Sand: Fine sand will provide better quality output at the expense of a very slow flow. Coarse sand will provide marginal quality output and a higher rate of flow than fine sand. A good compromise is to use .15 mm effective size sand and then provide storage for the output water. Never use “beach sand” from an ocean beach, there could be all kinds of contamination in it, including large amounts of salt and anything that can be tracked in by foot traffic. Know where the sand comes from to be sure there is no contamination. Mason’s sand, “play sand”, or commercial bagged sand is a good choice, but must be sifted first, and then washed until the water runs clear. The best, and the most expensive, is filter sand; processed specifically for water filtration and rated for potable water. The sand depth is critical. Very small diameter, shallow filters (4 to 5 inch diameter, and less than 12 inches deep) will not remove much contamination."

Water Storage

Why Store Water?

Natural disasters, such as floods, or earthquakes, may pollute or disrupt water supplies.  Water is more essential in sustaining life than food.  It is wise to have an emergency storage of at least 14 gallons per person.  To protect the quality of the water, it must be pure to start with, treated to prevent microbial growth, and stored in food grade containers that will protect both flavor and purity.

Pre-Stored Treatments

To prevent buildup of bacteria and/or algae, use these treatment guidelines:

• Household Bleach (5% Sodium Hypochlorite)
  8 drops per gallon or half teaspoon per gallon if the water is clear.
  16 drops per gallon or one teaspoon per gallon if the water is cloudy.
  Let stand 30 minutes before use.
• Iodine (2% Solution)
  12 drops per gallon if water is clear.
  24 drops per gallon if water is cloudy.

Pre-Use Treatments

If the water is not pure, use one of the following treatment methods:

• Filtration - There are many good water filters on the market.  The activated charcoal type can also remove bad tastes.  Some models also add chemicals to kill bacteria.
• Chemical - In addition to the ones listed in the pre-stored treatment paragraph above, other good treatment chemicals may be acquired from most outdoor supply stores, such as REI, Columbia, or Bass Pro.  One example is purification tablets.
• Boiling - Boil water for 3-5 minutes, depending on the elevation (the higher the elevation, the longer the water should boil).
• Distilling - This is the most effective method of water purification.  However, it is slow and the equipment required is expensive.  If you plan to use this method, advance preparation will be necessary.

Storage Containers

Good water storage containers are air-tight, resistant to breakage, heavy enough to hold water and have a lining that won't rust or affect the flavor of the water.  The following containers are commonly used:

• Plastic Juice or Soda Bottles - clear plastic containers made of PET Plastic.  Used containers should be thoroughly cleaned.
• Heavy Plastic Buckets or Drums - should be food grade.
• Water Heater - close the inlet valve immediately after the water supply is disrupted.
• Water Beds - a double water bed holds about 200 gallons of water.  This water contains an algicide.  DO NOT DRINK IT.  For non-food usage only, such as clothes washing and general cleaning.
• Bleach Bottles - also for non-food usage only.
  Water storage containers should be protected from light and heat.  They should be stored in areas where potential leakage would not cause damage to the home.

For more information about how to pick a water filter, go to http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/water-filter-howto.html.

September

Water is the single most important item in any emergency storage plan.

Water Storage: Obtain containers to store water for basic storage. Have them filled. Basic Water storage is 14 gallons per person for 2 weeks.

Spiritual:  President Hinckley October 2005 Conference:
We have built grain storage and storehouses and stocked them with the necessities of life in the event of a disaster. But the best storehouse is the family storeroom. In words of revelation the Lord has said, "organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing."
Our people for three-quarters of a century have been counseled and encouraged to make such preparations as will assure survival should a calamity come.
We can set aside some water, basic food, medication, and clothing to keep us warm. We ought to have a little money laied aside in case of a rainy day.

Family:  Family Home Evening Ideas-

• Recycle stored water yearly. Empty water containers and refill with fresh water. Use recycled water wisely.
• Learn how to purify water. Try some water purification tablets. Teach your children how to use them.

Physical:

• Drink 64-96 oz of water per day. If you want a challenge, try drinking how much you weigh in oz. Example: if you weigh 150 lbs drink 150 oz of water.

72 hour kit: 

• Containers: containers should be waterproof and easy to carry. (i.e. backpacks, tote bags, garbage bags, suitcases, duffel bags, foot lockers, 5 gallon bucket with lids, etc.)
• Water: water is the single most important item in your kit. Allow at least 1 gallon per person per day. 
• Items for your kit: plastic 2 liter bottles, strap to carry containers, water purification tablets. 

Recipes:

Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread 

2 c. sugar

1 c oil

3 eggs

2 zucchini (unpeeled/grated)

14 tsp baking bowder

3 c while wheat flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

3 tsp cinnamon

3 tsp vanilla

1/2 c chopped nuts

Mix sugar, oil, eggs, zucchini and vanilla in large bowl. Sift together in separate bowl whole wheat, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to first bowl, stirring to combine will. Add chopped nuts. Fill greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 350 for 45-60 min. It will make 2 loaves. 

Water Purification:

Boiling: This is the safest method. Boil vigorously for 2-3 min to destroy bacteria. Impove taste by pouring water from clean container to another clean container to aerate water.

Bleach Method: Use household bleach with hypochorite. Caution: Be sure hypochlorite is the only active ingredient. Add bleach to water and let stand for 30 min. After 30 min, water should have a distinct chlorine taste or smell.

Water Quantity	Water condition	Quantity of Bleach
1 quart	Clear	2 drops
1 quart	Cloudy	4 drops
1/2 gal	Clear	4 drops
1/2 gal	Cloudy	8 drops
1 gal	Clear	6 drops
1 gal	Cloudy	16 drops
5 gal	Clear	1/2 tsp
5gal	Cloudy	1 tsp

Iodine: use to purify small quantities of water. The taste is not delightful, but the water is safe to use.

Water Quantity	Water condition	Quantity of Iodine
1 quart	Clear	3 drops
1 quart	Cloudy	6 drops
1/2 gal	Clear	6 drops
1/2 gal	Cloudy	12 drops
1 gal	Clear	12 drops
1 gal	Cloudy	24 drops