Frequently Asked Questions

Question: So, why does this work?  How are germs killed in this ceramic pot?
Answer: Two processes are at work. Because the mixture of rice and clay produce small micro pores, parasites, amoebas, and large bacteria cannot flow through due to mechanical processes. Simply put, water can fit through the pores, most disease causing organisms cannot.  The coating of colloidal silver adds a chemical process to stop other bacteria. Together, this system eliminates 98% of the harmful diseases present in surface water.

Question: How long does this filter last?
Answer:  A study was done at MIT that showed that the filter maintained its effectiveness for over one year, however testing was stopped after one year.  It is estimated that the filter will last with repeated daily use long after one year.  

Question: How does the ceramic pot become so porous?
Answer:  Ceramics are inherently porous.  However, our specialized process of firing the clay and rice husk mixture causes the rice husks to completely burn away in the intense heat of the kiln.  When the rice husks burn out of the mixture, micro pores remain in the newly created ceramic filter which allow for a perfect seepage of water minus the harmful microbes that once infected it.

Question: What maintenance does the ceramic filter require?
Answer: If the water is turbid or cloudy or has a lot of solids in it then it needs to be periodically cleaned with a soft bristle brush.  RDI recommends a monthly cleaning unless visual buildup of solids is identified.  Solids such as leaves or other biomass from a highly contaminated source should be cleaned more frequently.

Question:  How do you know that it works in the village?  Do families really use this?
Answer: Part of the commitment RDI has for maintaining a its community focus for sustainable change is to insure the viability of the filters.  The filters are tracked, and periodically RDI goes back to the community and runs tests on the filters to verify that the filters are still giving families safe, pure drinking water.   Projects at RDI are ONGOING, we cherish the opportunity to impact the lives of families.  If something is working, we test it later to make sure it is still working.  If a project is NOT working we look for new solutions.