Are bio-sand water filtration systems effective?

Appropriate Technology Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene
#1

ECHO Asia trains on bio-sand water filtration systems. We have seen enthusiastic adoption of this appropriate technology from our network.

However how effective are they really over the long term at providing safe drinking water? How durable are the components, and how do they perform with maintenance below recommended levels?

We are currently following up with network members to understand the physical performance of the filtration systems over the long term. This includes interviews, site visits, and water quality sampling. We plan to update you all on the results in an EDN later this year.

We are also interested to hear from you! Tell us about your own experience with bio-sand water filtration!

We acknowledge Aqueous Solutions, who developed the designs that we’ve adapted to promote.

Resources on these bio-sand water filtration systems can be found here: Charcoal / Biochar Water Treatment | Aqueous Solutions

For our preferred 300 Liter design, see specifications for the design of these systems here: https://www.aqsolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/blue-barrel-system-manual-English.pdf

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#2

I have experience with bio-sand filters in Haiti that is very promising. I know it doesn’t work for all contaminants, but we successfully removed fecal organisms from the drinking water. I know others who have had these same filters in the country for years and they are still working great. It’s important that they are getting used regularly, or the healthy bio-life in the filter dies. But as long as they are managed and used, they are a fantastic solution for resource limited areas.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AcMEvxjn2/

#3

I would like to know if Echo would be willing to offer a training program in Harrison AR to a community of about 120 families.

#4

Hi Layni!

You can reach the ECHO North America office at northamerica@echocommunity.org or calling 239-567-3375. Their ECHO community landing page with information is here: North America | ECHOcommunity.org

#5

Thanks for sharing @Roger_Gietzen!

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#6

We’ve distributed 760 household ceramic water filter units (almost same technology as bio-sand filter developed by Clean Water International Philippines) since last year to indigenous families in Bukidnon, Philippines, through the benevolent support of Compassion International. Anecdotal evidence showed a decrease in the percentage of children and/or families who have suffered from waterborne diseases (amoeba, typhoid fever, diarrhea) from our covered communities. Coupled with proper sanitation and hygiene, using this kind of technology will ultimately end or mitigate the prevalence of water-related illnesses specifically in hard-to-reach rural areas. Glad to share this experience!

#7

Shaun, they have certainly pasted the test of time…been used globally for decades if not centuries. We have used them in Honduras for more than 20 years. The one thing that surprised me about them is they all are only effective in one location. In other words, if you use it at your farm and then try to move it down the road to a different water source, it will not be immediately effective because the bacteria and contaminants in a different water source are different. In other words, it naturally acclimates to the water it is being fed. Therefore, if you move it, you need to go through the initial 10-15 day process of getting it acclimated to the new water source. Then it will be fine. Glen