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The technology of the water filter is
simple, effective, and, sustainable. A
round-bottom ceramic pot is made from a
mixture of clay, a combustible material
(sawdust or rice husks), and colloidal
silver. The colloidal silver is a naturally
occurring anti-bacterial which improves the
bacteria removal rate for the filter. First,
the clay and combustible are both sieved
through a fine mesh screens, then mixed
together with a measured amount of silver
and water until a homogeneous mixture is
formed.
 The
mixture is made into a filter using a filter
press. It is kiln fired to about 1000
degrees Celsius, burning out the combustible
material and leaving micro pores coated with
the silver to clean the water. During the
firing process, about ˝ inch of charcoal is
produced within the filter to improve taste
and color. The filter, which is designed
with a rim, is placed on a five gallon
plastic storage bucket with a spigot at the
bottom for dispensing.
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A lid is placed on the filter to prevent
contamination. When used, water is poured
through the ceramic pot and filtered into a
plastic receptacle bucket (approx 5 gal)
with a spigot at the bottom. Safe drinking
water is easily poured from the spigot by
all members of the household.
The flow rate of the filter ranges from 20
to 30 liters per day depending upon how
often the filter is refilled. Filters are
cleaned by lightly scrubbing the surface
when flow rate is reduced, and it is
recommended that the filter is boiled every
three months to insure optimum
effectiveness. The effective useful life of
the filter is at least 5 years.
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