JAL Filter Description
Description
The JAL Filter, a water treatment technology for use at the household level, based on the oldest known way of water purification -- sand filtration.
The modular design is essentially a round cylinder, filled with one carefully graded layer of sand, water sits atop the sand where a biofilm is created that further filters the water of harmful microorganisms.
Development
Brett Gresham creates a unique filter design while serving in Afghanistan
The JAL Filter, a water treatment technology for use at the household level, based on the oldest known way of water purification -- sand filtration.
The modular design is essentially a round cylinder, filled with one carefully graded layer of sand, water sits atop the sand where a biofilm is created that further filters the water of harmful microorganisms.
Development
Brett Gresham creates a unique filter design while serving in Afghanistan
Performance
Through 12 months of testing with heavily polluted
water the JAL filter gained a steady state of 98%
to 99% removal of coliforms, including fecal
coliforms.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Benefits
- Low-cost
- Easy to use
- High flow rate
- Pre-filter protects lower filter
- Constructed from local materials, including pottery
- Minimal maintenence
- Not 100% microbial removal, may require post-disinfection
Recent Developments
2006 Development
A bioremediation supernatant water layer was incorporated into original design.
2007 Pilot Project (pending funding)
For 2007, initiation of India implementation program as a two-year pilot study.
Future Considerations
The JAL filter modular design can easily incorporate simple techniques for arsenic mitigation.
A bioremediation supernatant water layer was incorporated into original design.
2007 Pilot Project (pending funding)
For 2007, initiation of India implementation program as a two-year pilot study.
Future Considerations
The JAL filter modular design can easily incorporate simple techniques for arsenic mitigation.
Resources
References
& Links
- JAL Filter.org
- The Household Slow Sand
Filter
Source: Tearfund -
Cost
Capital Costs: $10-$15 US
