A rain water filter is designed to remove contaminants from stormwater runoff before entering the rainwater storage tanks. Different filters are used in rainwater harvesting systems. One can install these filters of plastic or mesh in gutters or downspouts. Rainwater filters are effective because they trap particles as small as 0.1 microns (one millionth of a meter). This filter system filter even microscopic pollutants, such as bacteria and viruses. That will not pass through the filter.
The EPA recommends installing rainwater filters in areas where there is heavy rainfall. In addition to removing harmful contaminants, rainwater filters help reduce the amount of sediment and debris that flows into waterways during storms. We should replace the filter every three years.
Why use a Rain water filter?
The filtered rainwater is safe for a household without further treatment. Therefore, before using rainwater for bathing, drinking, or cooking, you should consider whether we will need any remedy or not to make this secure.
If you take rainwater from the surface, it’s crucial to ensure it’s cleaned before you drink it to ensure you don’t get any of the usual contaminants in rainwater. A lot of the time, people believe that rainwater is pure and that it does not contain pollutants or effluents. However, this isn’t true because, in reality, the air contains contaminants from gaseous emissions.
Furthermore, these storage tanks for rainwater harvesting could contain metal compounds that threaten human health. These can cause chronic health issues, for example, cancerous tumours.
To ensure that we don’t get ill, we must filter rainwater before using it.
Different Types of Rain water filter for water storage
If you want to use the collected water for household purposes, we must filter this water first. We can use different ways to eliminate bacteria, biological material, and substances that create films on tops or settle at the bottom of the tank as slush.
We may also add a liquid alum solution to the raw water to help bind small suspended elements into larger particles. Then, we can move these larger particles through settling and filtration.
For outdoor use, simple pre-filtration equipment like mesh screens and downstream diverters use to remove large debris particles. However, you will require a filtration system to eliminate dangerous contaminants for indoor use, such as cooking, bathing, and drinking. There are many methods of collecting water that users have used for a long time. In addition to those methods, there are numerous ways to purify and filter rainwater for drinking.
There are four main kinds of filters whose main job is to cleanse water.
Sand Pebbles Filter
Charcoal Filter
PVC-Pipe Filter
Sponge Filter
Sand Gravel Filter
In the sand gravel filter, there are three materials utilized: gravel, Sand, and pebbles. Media less than 2mm in diameter is considered Sand, and anything more significant is known as gravel.
Sand and gravel are indeed employed in filtering media for a long time. The Sand, through which water flows very slowly, is commonly used in one-pass filters. In the United States, more sand filters use in water and wastewater treatment than other advanced technologies in water treatment.
Charcoal Filter
Charcoal usage is an intriguing and significant topic that has proven to be one of the most efficient methods to purify water for cooking or drinking—this material assists in removing microorganisms and chemicals, and various other impurities present in rainwater.
It comprises 25cm gravel, a sand layer, a 25cm 10 cm charcoal layer, and a 10 cm gravel layer. Each layer is separate.
PVC- Pipe Filter
Based on the name, it’s evident that the filter is composed of a PVC pipe between 1 and 1.2m in size. However, its width differs depending on the size of the top.
The pipe comprises three compartments; we will fill every chamber with dirt and Sand. In addition, we can separate the gravel and sand layer with an additional section of charcoal. The dimension of the filter compacted to the size of the filter decreased to the openings at the bottom. PVC The pipe filter is installed either straight or in a vertical direction.
Sponge Filter
Sponge filters are relatively inexpensive since they don’t need many additional elements. We can make these filters from PVC drums. PVC drum. That has an enveloping layer of sponge between the two drums. Typically suitable for homes. Sponge filters don’t need any additional fancy equipment to work, so immediately, they’re simple sponge filters. Sponge filters require only an Air pump and plastic tubing to work.
Despite having three elements, the sponge filter can offer mechanical and some biological filtration.
Best Tank Type to Store Water
A galvanized insulated tank is the most efficient tank to store water for drinking. In addition, galvanized steel is exceptionally safe regarding the possibility of contamination via leaching. Therefore, it is considered safe for the storage of drinking water.
A water tank of any kind is superior to none; ensure that it’s completely enclosed or covered in some manner. There are still some filters for the water to flow through before it reaches its water bottle.
Conclusion
Rainwater is free, and you have not been paying for it. It is among the most renewable water sources and can last longer. Rainwater harvesting is the most uncomplicated process or method to preserve rainwater by storing, collecting, transferring, and cleaning water. It’s a highly efficient method of capturing large amounts of rainwater. We can use it for numerous household and other uses. But, it is ideal .to process it into pure and safe water before using it and then use it in your home, farm, or even to tend to your livestock.
