Can I purify water from a creek, stream or pond using a slow sand filter?
Yes, but again use extreme CAUTION: Know the exact origin and path of the water in the creek or pond and always ALWAYS have the water tested before consuming any. Urban and suburban areas have many pollutants that flow into creeks and ponds; and many of these substances can be very harmful. If you are in a rural setting and you are sure that the creek or pond is not anywhere near populated areas your worst problem will probably be biological contamination, and the slow sand filter will be able to purify the water. A slow sand filter can remove 99.9 percent of harmful organisms from water. back to top 19.
Yes, but again use extreme CAUTION: Know the exact origin and path of the water in the creek or pond and always ALWAYS have the water tested before consuming any. Also, be aware that many racoons carry roundworms (Baylisascaris procyonis) that produce millions of tiny eggs which are deadly if ingested by humans.43, 44, 45 (see faq 16) These eggs can survive for years in harsh environments. Although infection is rare, it has happened and there is no cure. The eggs are approximately 50 microns in size, so most commercial water filters will remove them easily. A properly operating slow sand filter should be able to remove them. Also, urban and suburban areas have many chemical pollutants that flow into creeks and ponds; and many of these substances can be very harmful. If you are in a rural setting and you are sure that the creek or pond is not anywhere near populated areas your worst problem will probably be biological contamination, and the slow sand filter will be able to purify the wa
