SHTF Water Filter

[streaker69]

I like it. Inexpensive, looks to work quite well. Doesn't take up alot of space.

Is it ideal? Of course not, there are companies that make better tools . . . for a whole lot more money.

I have to say, I might have to throw something like this together. For something to have in case of emergencies, and perhaps a bit longer, it would do a fantastic job.

That was my goal, to build something relatively cheap, but functional. Some of the instructions out there call for a little spigot to be installed on the clean water bucket. I chose not to do this as I see it as another point of failure. Snap that plastic spigot off and now all your clean water leaks everywhere.

[EODguy]

Nice job, filters like that have been used in some places with horrible water, and they do work. Here are some we've used.

http://www.monolithic.com/stories/a-...ng-water-filte

[PA Rifleman]

Nice job, filters like that have been used in some places with horrible water, and they do work. Here are some we've used.

http://www.monolithic.com/stories/a-...ng-water-filte

Looks like something went haywire with your URL link.

Is this it?

• http://tinyurl.com/yeluox6

If so, interesting...

[EODguy]

Looks like something went haywire with you link.

Is this it?

• http://tinyurl.com/yeluox6

If so, interesting...

Yep, thats it. Monolithic sells it but it can be hard to find on their website. If you go to the "buy" tab you can find it.

[streaker69]

Yep, thats it. Monolithic sells it but it can be hard to find on their website. If you go to the "buy" tab you can find it.

You can buy the core components here for cheaper than their site: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/CAMP352-1.html

And then pick up any white HDPE buckets that aren't made from recycled plastic for under $5 each plus about a $1 for the lid. Save on shipping. Getting buckets shipped to your home is rather expensive.

CTD also has replacement filters for around $10. Good to have a couple extras on hand.

[streaker69]

After careful consideration (spurred on by a tragic dropping of the filter bucket) I decided to change the filter.

I went with the smaller version, the larger one just swings around too much without a real good way to keep from moving.

Size comparison, but same filtering capability.


Filter test running.


I also drilled a small hole in the side of one of the "crosses" in the gamma seal lid so that air could get back in as it filters.

[Sandcut]

These bucket filters are nice and are very effective and safe and provide a large amount of water for extended periods of time. They are a perfect setup if you're going to be stationary. I used one of these for about a year in Peace Corps in Africa. I never once got a case of the Third World Shuffle.

As far as the little spigot on the side goes, you would be better off having a bucket with the spigot for dispensing the water for use. Otherwise, you're either pouring it directly from the bucket, which spills all that clean water or you are scooping the water out with a cup, which risks contaminating the clean water. You just have to make sure that you take care to place your dispensing bucket somewhere where it won't get bumped.

I haven't tried it yet, but I've read that you can get food grade buckets from bakeries. They get the premade frostings shipped in them. I need to get some for my maple syrup processing this spring. I'll let you know if I can pick some up.

[streaker69]

I haven't tried it yet, but I've read that you can get food grade buckets from bakeries. They get the premade frostings shipped in them. I need to get some for my maple syrup processing this spring. I'll let you know if I can pick some up.

I'm gonna swing by tomorrow to a couple of bakeries and see if I can score some buckets.

Thanks for the tip.

[streaker69]

I was at two bakeries today, and looked at the buckets they're using for frosting. they appear not to be HDPE buckets, but the softer lower density buckets. Not really useful with the gamma seal lids.

[streaker69]

So I have a question for you engineering types. The filter works fine, but it's slow. Do you guys think that maybe adding a couple pounds of air pressure inside the can would speed the process some?

Use a bicycle pump to add the pressure..