1)       Remove the filter from its box.

2)      Place one washer on the stem of the filter.

3)      Insert the stem through the hole in the top bucket and through the lid of the bottom bucket.

4)      Place the 2^nd washer on the stem and attach the wing nut.

5)      Turn the wing nut until tight.

6)      Fill about 1/3 of the top bucket with water and check for leaks.

7)      If a leak is detected repeat step 1 thru 6.

8)      Place the sock over the filter and use one rubber band to hold the sock in place.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THERE IS NOT A LEAK AROUND THE FILTER STEM.  THE CLEAN WATER, IN THE BOTTOM BUCKET, WILL BE CONTAMINATED BY THE WATER FROM THE TOP BUCKET.

FILLING INSTRUCTIONS

9)       Before using the filter system we suggest you  sanitize the buckets with a diluted bleach solution.  1 teaspoon of bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water will do the job.

10)   Wipe down the outside and the inside of each bucket with the bleach solution.  Let dry for 15 minutes.

11)   Assemble the filter unit and set on a level surface.

12)   Fill the top bucket with water Use a third bucket or container to maintain system integrity and hygiene.

13)   As water is removed from the bottom bucket add that amount of water to the top bucket.

FLOW RATE

14)    It will usually take a couple of days for the flow rate to reach its’ maximum output—around ¾-1 gallon per hour.  The flow rate increases as the ceramic shell and the mixed media (inside the ceramic shell) become saturated with water.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

15)    When the flow rate of the filter decreases, this would indicate that the sock and the filter might need to be cleaned.

16)   Using rubber gloves remove the "dirty" sock and rinse it in clean water.

17)   As the filter is used and is in contact with dirty water the white ceramic shell will become stained and the pores of the clay will become clogged with particulates.

18)   Using a Scotch-Brite pad (green scrub pad) GENTLY rub the surface of the filter.  This will remove some of the stain and dirt. Remember this retains the bacteria so use gloves.

19)   Rinse with clean (filtered) water.

20)   Reassemble the filter unit and fill it with water.

General Emergency Considerations

Ø   Each individual requires 1 gallon of drinking water per day to survive.

Ø  Add to that cooking and hygiene needs then 2 or 3 gallons per day per person is basic.

Ø  With that a family of four can require as much as 12 gallons of clean water each day.

Ø  To store enough water for two weeks would require a 200 gallon holding tank. Or 800 purification tablets!  The better option is to produce your own purified water.

Ø  Using our gravity feed filtration system you can produce an average of 12- 24 gals per day using 3- 6 gallon buckets.  With other issues to deal with, plan to fill the system twice a day morning and night and you will produce ample water for a family of four. You can obtain more output by keeping the top bucket full and thus put more head pressure on the filter.

Ø  If you require more water we have a system to pressurize the top bucket and increase outflow to 70 gallons per day. The kit includes a screw-on sealed top lid with air valve and hand pump.

Ø  We recommend using three buckets to keep the system intact and insure the bottom bucket does not become contaminated. One bucket is used to retrieve water from your pool. pond, or stream. Carefully pour it into the top bucket then retrieve a reserve supply for the next batch.

Ø  It is usually raining during most emergencies so you can collect rainwater using a tarp that is sloped to your retrieving bucket for collection. The area of an 8x10 tarp will collect 30 gallons with 1 inch of rainfall. The rainwater is clean but may have other stuff blow in.

Ø  The Tarp can also serve to supply shelter for outdoor cooking or gathering areas as well as protect belongings. Have a few with you in each car at all times.   

Things to remember

NEVER USE ANY TYPE OF SOAP WHEN CLEANING THE BUCKETS, THE SOCK OR THE FILTER.  THIS WILL RUIN THE FILTER AND WILL NO LONGER FUNCTION PROPERLY.

IMPORTANT

     Once you start using the filter, the activated carbon is only good for about 6-8 months.  The ceramic shell, which is filtering out the bacteria, will last between 1-2 years.  The carbon, inside the ceramic shell, will become packed over a period of time and you will need to shake the filter, to loosen the carbon.  Replacing the filter depends upon the flow rate.  If the flow rate is very slow even after cleaning the filter, it should be replaced. 

Cleaning your ceramic filter is important to maintaining both filtration and flow rate. U clean (previously filtered) water, and a scotch-brite pad or soft brush, to rub the surface of the filter. This gentle cleaning releases dirt, dead bacteria and organisms trapped in the pores of the surface. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the sediment of the water you filter the more contaminated the water, the more frequent. You may notice a coating on the ceramic cone a reduction in flow resulting in less output over the same time frame. 

If you begin to taste stale water then the carbon inside the ceramic cone has run its course. You can add an inline external carbon filter to the drip system or change out the ceramic filter. Generally we see the ceramic last for most of a year but the carbon can lose it effectiveness within six to eight months. Keep in mind if it passes through the ceramic it is clean it just may have an odor or stale taste.

Don’t forget to disinfect the spigot while you are at it. Let the bucket air-dry in the sun if possible. The sun is nature’s UV treatment. Next, carefully reassemble your water station and you’re ready to purify more water! This routine maintenance of your ceramic water filter system will help improve flow rate while prolonging the life of your filter.

Charcoal Filler

Several factors influence the effectiveness of activated charcoal. The pore size and distribution varies depending on the source of the carbon and the manufacturing process. Large organic molecules are absorbed better than smaller ones. Adsorption tends to increase as pH and temperature decrease. Contaminants are removed more effectively if they are in contact with the activated charcoal for a longer time, so flow rate through the charcoal affects filtration. Because adsorption works by chemically binding the impurities to the carbon, the active sites in the charcoal eventually become filled. Activated charcoal filters become less effective with use and have to be replaced.