Ceramic Water Filters
How does the filter help?
LWR is the only organization in Laos producing high quality low cost ceramic silver filters. Ceramic filters provide protection against bacteriological contamination and are critical in reducing water-borne disease. The LWR ceramic silver water filter effectively removes bacterial contamination from source water at a fraction of the cost of other filters. Field experience and clinical test results have shown this filter to effectively eliminate approximately 99.88% of most water born disease agents. Water can also be safely stored after it is filtered.
The ceramic water filter factory in Laos.
What is the ceramic water filter?
It is a simple, pressed bucket shape 11” wide by 10” deep, made with a mix of local terra-cotta clay and sawdust or other combustible, such as rice husks. The simplest press utilizes a hand-operated hydraulic truck jack and two-piece aluminum mold. After firing to about 860 deg. C. the filter is coated with colloidal silver. The combination of fine pore size, resulting from milled, screened materials, and the bactericidal properties of colloidal silver produce an effective filter.
See through picture of the filter and plastic jug
A 1.5 to 2.5 liter per hour rate of filtration is determined by the combination of clay/combustible mix and firing temperature. For use, the fired, treated filter element is placed in a five gallon plastic or ceramic receptacle with a lid and faucet. A basic production facility with three or four workers can produce about fifty filters a day.
The filter with a stand
Pricing for ready to use filter units is determined by local production costs. For $29, Lao Water Resources can provide a beneficiary with a filter (ceramic element, housing, lid, cap, and water tap), a cleaning brush, and a pictorial instruction sheet. For $46, Lao Water Resources can also provide a water bottle and filter stand. Replacement filter elements generally cost $4 to $6.
Information and photo on ceramic water filters taken from Potters for Peace