How To Make A DIY Water Filtration System In 5 Easy Steps

Do you want to know how to make a DIY water filtration system that is very useful in a survival situation? Read on and check out the simple steps to have safe, drinkable water!

Water Filtration: A Sure Way To Acquire Potable Water

In survival situations, finding water is definitely an essential skill in order for you to survive. Water is important in regulating our temperature and maintaining the bodily functions of our cells, organs, and tissues. But when the only available water is not drinkable then you have to filter it first. I'll show you one sure way to turn muddy water into potable water with the use of a DIY filtration system. Below is a list of simple instructions to build a water filtration system that is extremely useful especially when SHTF.

Things You Will Need To Make A Water Filtration System: 

• Charcoal
• Piece of cloth
• Plastic water bottles
• Fine grit and coarse grit sand with some gravel
• Knife

Step 1: Cut the bottom of the plastic bottle

Take your water bottle and using a knife, cut the bottom part out so as to be able to easily insert the materials inside. Additionally, you have to poke a small exit hole on the bottle cap so it can drip out of your filtered water container.

Step 2: Put the cloth inside the bottle

Take a piece polyester or cotton clothing and fold it a couple of times. Make a small cup shape and insert it into the plastic bottle to act as the final piece of the filter. Use the knife to fit the cloth firmly.

Step 3: Crush the charcoal

Wrap the charcoal in a piece of cloth and using your knife's handle, crush it into tiny bits and pieces until it resembles sand. It is better to have finer granules of charcoal so there is less space for the water to pass through to make sure water is filtered thoroughly. Charcoal has lots of activated carbon. It traps water pollutants into the pore structure of the carbon substrate. In addition, charcoal helps in removing bad odor and taste in contaminated water making it safe to drink and less appalling to the senses.

Step 4:  Pack charcoal and sand inside the bottle

Tightly pack the crushed charcoal into the plastic bottle. Add the fine sand, and finally, a layer of coarse sand with a little bit of gravel. This is to stop the charcoal and sand from floating. Add every component in this particular order.

Step 5: Test the water filter

It is now time to check our water filtration system. Pour the water into the filter and wait until it trickles down. You'll be surprised to see the muddy water turn into drinkable water. However, filtration may not be enough and just to be really safe, boiling the water for about 7-20 minutes is most preferable.

Watch this video for the full tutorial on how to make your own DIY water filtration system!

Drinking unfiltered and impure water may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other water-borne diseases. Therefore, when you find yourself in a survival situation, knowing how to make a water filter is highly favorable. There is a strong possibility you'll survive and avoid harmful consequences if you are armed with the right knowledge.

Do you have other ways to make a DIY water filtration system? We would surely like to know it. You can tell us in the comments below!

Now you know how to make a DIY water filtration system, check out this emergency water storage tips for preppers like you!

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.