Here you can learn how RDI has specially designed two inexpensive and culturally appropriate filtration systems that provide clean water for private home use as well as public water dispensation.


Click here for a detailed view of how the ceramic filtration system is made.

 The Ceramic Filtration System - Overview For a mere $10 US dollars an easy to use filtration system can be constructed and installed using locally available materials.  This system is especially valuable in areas where electricity is not available or where minimal understanding of germs and water born illness is prevalent.
How does it work?
  1. A specially constructed clay/ceramic pot is placed inside the top of a large water storage container. 
  2. Contaminated water is poured into the ceramic pot.
  3. As the water seeps through the porous pot, nearly all of the impurities are removed.
  4. Pure drinkable water is collected in the large water container.
  5. Drink up!

Pros: Very inexpensive.  Very easy to use.  Removes all germs and bacteria from water.  Works with both rain water and surface water.  Purifies 2 liters per hour. (as of this publication)

Cons: Cannot remove arsenic from water.  As a result, this is not a good device for arsenic contaminated well water.  (Its best used in Cambodia for rain and surface water.) Not time efficient for purifying large quantities of water. 


Click here for a detailed view of how the Ultra-Violet filtration system is made.

 The Ultra-Violet Light Filtration System - Overview For approximately $20 US dollars a UV "zap chamber" can be constructed entirely out of materials that are readily available in the Cambodian marketplace.  This is a very effective method of purifying water in public dispensation areas or for an urban home.  Anywhere AC or DC current is available (and a basic understanding of how dirty water must be treated) this system can be effectively employed. 

How does it work?
  1. A filter must first remove solids from the water.  This can be a sand and rock 'sifter' or a screen of some sort.
  2. The UV light is given power.  (the unit is turned on)
  3. Water is then sent into the input of the "zap chamber" whether through a gravity system or pump.
  4. The UV light instantly kills bacteria in the water.
  5. Pure drinking water is collected from the output.
  6. Drink up!
Pros:Can purify about 100 gallons per hour.  Removes all germs and bacteria from water.  Works on AC current or even a car battery.   Very cost efficient. 

Cons: Field tests have shown that some rural people fail to operate the system properly despite its relatively simple method of use.  Power failure renders this filter useless.  This filter cannot remove arsenic from water.  Requires a "solids" filter at some point before water goes through the inlet.