Water filtration - off grid

[billi]

I tested my water supply from a "memade" pond  with surfacewater flowing in , i got it tested twice  first time befor  the Ultrafiltation filter went in  and 3 month later after , first results where beside manganese and iron problems here ,  that it failed to be regarded as potable water , second test said its absolutely fine

in the ten  years in operation , none of us ever had a problem , many  of the school friends  of my son ,  had more problems with the council supplied water   ( but i am not sure if thats related to water )

billi

[woodi]

Hi, yes we harvest rainwater, into a chain of IBC containers, around 5000 litres. It's coarse filtered through a sock filter going in, to remove any bits, and then a mesh filter before the pump, to protect it. Then we use standard 10" filter housings (screwfix), with a particulate filter, then a carbon filter, and last a ceramic. The first two are disposable, the ceramic is cleanable. It slows down the flow by at least 50%, but you can get housings that take multiple cartriges that will allow greater flow. The particle filters are a few quid, the carbon ones around £10 and the ceramic ones about £30. They're a standard size so its easy to get replacements, and our water has tested nice and clean coming out of the other end.  I get it tested annually.
Obviously it helps if you have a clean roof, keep your gutters clean etc which will make life easier on the filters. All works well, I know a few other people using the same setup and they're pleased with it too. Its the lowest cost, simplest way to provide whole house filtration that I've found.