Mixing
Water filters: is there always a tradeoff between longevity and safety
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
My research thus far has acquainted me with a kind of trade-off: one can try to minimize the amount of contamination (from bacteria/parasites) or one can try to minimize the amount of particulates that could clog the filter. I concede there are many factors to consider, but it essentially boils down to this:
faster moving water has less contamination risk from bacteria/viruses as it's constantly being diluted, however faster water tends kick up more sand/silt particulates which over time can pose a legitimate clog hazard to the filter.
Other things to consider would be depth and temperature. If we go too deep we would encounter contamination from bacteria living on the nutrient rich bottom, but if we go too high, the higher temperatures enable bacteria/parasites to grow. Here is a cool picture illustrating this:
Source
Question
Is there any way to have the best of both worlds; such that we both minimize the risk of contamination and clogging? I would imagine we'd have to put more effort in to it, so an assessment of whether or not it's worth the effort might be informative too.
gear water-purification water
edited 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
asked 4 hours ago
Arash Howaida
35017
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
My research thus far has acquainted me with a kind of trade-off: one can try to minimize the amount of contamination (from bacteria/parasites) or one can try to minimize the amount of particulates that could clog the filter. I concede there are many factors to consider, but it essentially boils down to this:
faster moving water has less contamination risk from bacteria/viruses as it's constantly being diluted, however faster water tends kick up more sand/silt particulates which over time can pose a legitimate clog hazard to the filter.
Other things to consider would be depth and temperature. If we go too deep we would encounter contamination from bacteria living on the nutrient rich bottom, but if we go too high, the higher temperatures enable bacteria/parasites to grow. Here is a cool picture illustrating this:
Source
Question
Is there any way to have the best of both worlds; such that we both minimize the risk of contamination and clogging? I would imagine we'd have to put more effort in to it, so an assessment of whether or not it's worth the effort might be informative too.
gear water-purification water
edited 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
asked 4 hours ago
Arash Howaida
35017
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
My research thus far has acquainted me with a kind of trade-off: one can try to minimize the amount of contamination (from bacteria/parasites) or one can try to minimize the amount of particulates that could clog the filter. I concede there are many factors to consider, but it essentially boils down to this:
faster moving water has less contamination risk from bacteria/viruses as it's constantly being diluted, however faster water tends kick up more sand/silt particulates which over time can pose a legitimate clog hazard to the filter.
Other things to consider would be depth and temperature. If we go too deep we would encounter contamination from bacteria living on the nutrient rich bottom, but if we go too high, the higher temperatures enable bacteria/parasites to grow. Here is a cool picture illustrating this:
Source
Question
Is there any way to have the best of both worlds; such that we both minimize the risk of contamination and clogging? I would imagine we'd have to put more effort in to it, so an assessment of whether or not it's worth the effort might be informative too.
gear water-purification water
edited 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
asked 4 hours ago
Arash Howaida
35017
My research thus far has acquainted me with a kind of trade-off: one can try to minimize the amount of contamination (from bacteria/parasites) or one can try to minimize the amount of particulates that could clog the filter. I concede there are many factors to consider, but it essentially boils down to this:
faster moving water has less contamination risk from bacteria/viruses as it's constantly being diluted, however faster water tends kick up more sand/silt particulates which over time can pose a legitimate clog hazard to the filter.
Other things to consider would be depth and temperature. If we go too deep we would encounter contamination from bacteria living on the nutrient rich bottom, but if we go too high, the higher temperatures enable bacteria/parasites to grow. Here is a cool picture illustrating this:
Source
Question
Is there any way to have the best of both worlds; such that we both minimize the risk of contamination and clogging? I would imagine we'd have to put more effort in to it, so an assessment of whether or not it's worth the effort might be informative too.
gear water-purification water
gear water-purification water
edited 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
asked 4 hours ago
Arash Howaida
35017
edited 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
asked 4 hours ago
Arash Howaida
35017
edited 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
edited 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
edited 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
40.2k14105232
asked 4 hours ago
Arash Howaida
35017
asked 4 hours ago
Arash Howaida
35017
asked 4 hours ago
Arash Howaida
35017
35017
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
If the water is muddy or there are swimmers, then the usual solution is to prefilter before treating.
A handkerchief is usually sufficient for filtering out all of the visible swimming bugs and sand/dirt although it won't filter out any of the things that will make you sick. Then you can treat/filter to kill the giardia/bacteria.
Of course, the precautions necessary depend on the area you are in and how severe the risks are.
answered 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
In moving water put it in a bucket and let it settle for 12 hours.
In still water the top layer is solar disinfected.
Solar disinfection
answered 2 hours ago
paparazzo
6,1701931
Not even going to ask.
– paparazzo
2 hours ago
I once killed a filter in one morning - rain the previous night caused the stream to rise and get filled with very fine silt that a handkerchief would not trap. The filter did trap it, and clogged almost immediately. So, yes, I know have a one gallon collapsible 'bucket' so I can let the fine silt settle out before sending through the filter. Probably not a 12 hour thing, and I wouldn't count on solar disinfecting. And, the container can be used for the final boiling water rinse of dishes during cleaning.
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
@JonCuster Not suggesting you count on solar disinfecting - still filter. Just counter the assertion from OP that the top layer is bad.
– paparazzo
1 hour ago
Understood! More commenting that I don't count on anything but the filter - one of the reasons I don't trust the UV water disinfection gear - how do you know it actually worked...
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
If the water is muddy or there are swimmers, then the usual solution is to prefilter before treating.
A handkerchief is usually sufficient for filtering out all of the visible swimming bugs and sand/dirt although it won't filter out any of the things that will make you sick. Then you can treat/filter to kill the giardia/bacteria.
Of course, the precautions necessary depend on the area you are in and how severe the risks are.
answered 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
If the water is muddy or there are swimmers, then the usual solution is to prefilter before treating.
A handkerchief is usually sufficient for filtering out all of the visible swimming bugs and sand/dirt although it won't filter out any of the things that will make you sick. Then you can treat/filter to kill the giardia/bacteria.
Of course, the precautions necessary depend on the area you are in and how severe the risks are.
answered 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
If the water is muddy or there are swimmers, then the usual solution is to prefilter before treating.
A handkerchief is usually sufficient for filtering out all of the visible swimming bugs and sand/dirt although it won't filter out any of the things that will make you sick. Then you can treat/filter to kill the giardia/bacteria.
Of course, the precautions necessary depend on the area you are in and how severe the risks are.
answered 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
If the water is muddy or there are swimmers, then the usual solution is to prefilter before treating.
A handkerchief is usually sufficient for filtering out all of the visible swimming bugs and sand/dirt although it won't filter out any of the things that will make you sick. Then you can treat/filter to kill the giardia/bacteria.
Of course, the precautions necessary depend on the area you are in and how severe the risks are.
answered 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
answered 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
answered 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
answered 3 hours ago
Charlie Brumbaugh
40.2k14105232
40.2k14105232
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
In moving water put it in a bucket and let it settle for 12 hours.
In still water the top layer is solar disinfected.
Solar disinfection
answered 2 hours ago
paparazzo
6,1701931
Not even going to ask.
– paparazzo
2 hours ago
I once killed a filter in one morning - rain the previous night caused the stream to rise and get filled with very fine silt that a handkerchief would not trap. The filter did trap it, and clogged almost immediately. So, yes, I know have a one gallon collapsible 'bucket' so I can let the fine silt settle out before sending through the filter. Probably not a 12 hour thing, and I wouldn't count on solar disinfecting. And, the container can be used for the final boiling water rinse of dishes during cleaning.
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
@JonCuster Not suggesting you count on solar disinfecting - still filter. Just counter the assertion from OP that the top layer is bad.
– paparazzo
1 hour ago
Understood! More commenting that I don't count on anything but the filter - one of the reasons I don't trust the UV water disinfection gear - how do you know it actually worked...
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
In moving water put it in a bucket and let it settle for 12 hours.
In still water the top layer is solar disinfected.
Solar disinfection
answered 2 hours ago
paparazzo
6,1701931
Not even going to ask.
– paparazzo
2 hours ago
I once killed a filter in one morning - rain the previous night caused the stream to rise and get filled with very fine silt that a handkerchief would not trap. The filter did trap it, and clogged almost immediately. So, yes, I know have a one gallon collapsible 'bucket' so I can let the fine silt settle out before sending through the filter. Probably not a 12 hour thing, and I wouldn't count on solar disinfecting. And, the container can be used for the final boiling water rinse of dishes during cleaning.
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
@JonCuster Not suggesting you count on solar disinfecting - still filter. Just counter the assertion from OP that the top layer is bad.
– paparazzo
1 hour ago
Understood! More commenting that I don't count on anything but the filter - one of the reasons I don't trust the UV water disinfection gear - how do you know it actually worked...
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
In moving water put it in a bucket and let it settle for 12 hours.
In still water the top layer is solar disinfected.
Solar disinfection
answered 2 hours ago
paparazzo
6,1701931
In moving water put it in a bucket and let it settle for 12 hours.
In still water the top layer is solar disinfected.
Solar disinfection
answered 2 hours ago
paparazzo
6,1701931
answered 2 hours ago
paparazzo
6,1701931
answered 2 hours ago
paparazzo
6,1701931
answered 2 hours ago
paparazzo
6,1701931
6,1701931
Not even going to ask.
– paparazzo
2 hours ago
I once killed a filter in one morning - rain the previous night caused the stream to rise and get filled with very fine silt that a handkerchief would not trap. The filter did trap it, and clogged almost immediately. So, yes, I know have a one gallon collapsible 'bucket' so I can let the fine silt settle out before sending through the filter. Probably not a 12 hour thing, and I wouldn't count on solar disinfecting. And, the container can be used for the final boiling water rinse of dishes during cleaning.
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
@JonCuster Not suggesting you count on solar disinfecting - still filter. Just counter the assertion from OP that the top layer is bad.
– paparazzo
1 hour ago
Understood! More commenting that I don't count on anything but the filter - one of the reasons I don't trust the UV water disinfection gear - how do you know it actually worked...
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
Not even going to ask.
– paparazzo
2 hours ago
I once killed a filter in one morning - rain the previous night caused the stream to rise and get filled with very fine silt that a handkerchief would not trap. The filter did trap it, and clogged almost immediately. So, yes, I know have a one gallon collapsible 'bucket' so I can let the fine silt settle out before sending through the filter. Probably not a 12 hour thing, and I wouldn't count on solar disinfecting. And, the container can be used for the final boiling water rinse of dishes during cleaning.
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
@JonCuster Not suggesting you count on solar disinfecting - still filter. Just counter the assertion from OP that the top layer is bad.
– paparazzo
1 hour ago
Understood! More commenting that I don't count on anything but the filter - one of the reasons I don't trust the UV water disinfection gear - how do you know it actually worked...
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
Not even going to ask.
– paparazzo
2 hours ago
Not even going to ask.
– paparazzo
2 hours ago
I once killed a filter in one morning - rain the previous night caused the stream to rise and get filled with very fine silt that a handkerchief would not trap. The filter did trap it, and clogged almost immediately. So, yes, I know have a one gallon collapsible 'bucket' so I can let the fine silt settle out before sending through the filter. Probably not a 12 hour thing, and I wouldn't count on solar disinfecting. And, the container can be used for the final boiling water rinse of dishes during cleaning.
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
I once killed a filter in one morning - rain the previous night caused the stream to rise and get filled with very fine silt that a handkerchief would not trap. The filter did trap it, and clogged almost immediately. So, yes, I know have a one gallon collapsible 'bucket' so I can let the fine silt settle out before sending through the filter. Probably not a 12 hour thing, and I wouldn't count on solar disinfecting. And, the container can be used for the final boiling water rinse of dishes during cleaning.
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
@JonCuster Not suggesting you count on solar disinfecting - still filter. Just counter the assertion from OP that the top layer is bad.
– paparazzo
1 hour ago
@JonCuster Not suggesting you count on solar disinfecting - still filter. Just counter the assertion from OP that the top layer is bad.
– paparazzo
1 hour ago
Understood! More commenting that I don't count on anything but the filter - one of the reasons I don't trust the UV water disinfection gear - how do you know it actually worked...
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
Understood! More commenting that I don't count on anything but the filter - one of the reasons I don't trust the UV water disinfection gear - how do you know it actually worked...
– Jon Custer
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2foutdoors.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f20644%2fwater-filters-is-there-always-a-tradeoff-between-longevity-and-safety%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
