6 Homemade Water Purifier Projects You Can DIY Easily at Home

Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for good health, but unfortunately, not everyone has access to it. Contaminated water can lead to serious illnesses, such as cholera and dysentery, and can be particularly dangerous for children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. In this article, we will explore six homemade water purifier projects that you can DIY easily at home, helping to ensure access to clean drinking water.

1. Sand and Gravel Filter

The sand and gravel filter is one of the simplest and most effective water purification methods you can make at home. All you need is a large plastic container, sand, and gravel. First, drill a hole in the bottom of the container and attach a spigot. Next, fill the container with alternating layers of gravel and sand, making sure to start and end with a layer of gravel. The water should be poured into the top of the container and will flow out through the spigot at the bottom, having been filtered through the sand and gravel.

2. Ceramic Water Filter

Ceramic water filters are a low-cost solution for providing clean drinking water. To make a ceramic water filter, you will need a clay pot, sawdust, water, and a ceramic filter cartridge. First, mix clay and sawdust together to make a paste. Next, apply the paste to the outside of the pot, making sure to leave a small opening at the bottom for water to flow through. Once the paste has dried, fire the pot in a kiln to make it hard and waterproof. Finally, insert the ceramic filter cartridge into the opening at the bottom of the pot, and fill the pot with water.

3. Solar Still

A solar still is a simple, low-tech method of purifying water that uses the sun’s heat to evaporate water and then condense the vapor into clean water. To make a solar still, you will need a large plastic container, a smaller container, plastic wrap, and a rock. First, place the smaller container in the center of the larger container and fill it with contaminated water. Next, cover the larger container with plastic wrap, making sure to seal the edges. Finally, place a rock on top of the plastic wrap, directly over the smaller container. The sun’s heat will cause the water to evaporate, and the plastic wrap will collect the vapor, which will then condense and drip into the smaller container as clean water.

4. Charcoal Filter

A charcoal filter is an effective and inexpensive way to purify water. To make a charcoal filter, you will need a plastic container, sand, gravel, and activated charcoal. First, drill a hole in the bottom of the container and attach a spigot. Next, fill the container with alternating layers of gravel, sand, and activated charcoal. The water should be poured into the top of the container and will flow out through the spigot at the bottom, having been filtered through the charcoal.

5. UV Water Purifier

A UV water purifier uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other microorganisms in water. To make a UV water purifier, you will need a clear plastic container, a UV light bulb, and a power source. First, fill the container with contaminated water. Next, place the UV light bulb in the container and turn it on. The UV light will kill the microorganisms in the water, making it safe to drink.

6. Boiling Water

Boiling water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to purify water. To boil water, all you need is a heat source and a pot. Simply fill the pot with contaminated water and bring it to a boil. Boiling the water for at least one minute will kill most types of bacteria and viruses, making the water safe to drink. After boiling, allow the water to cool before consuming.

It is important to note that boiling water will not remove chemical contaminants from the water. If your water source contains chemical pollutants, other purification methods will need to be employed.