How to Purify Water Using Natural Resources

Recent research has shown that the sun's UV rays can be used to purify water in a technique called Solar Radiation Disinfection (SODIS). The World Health Organization has recommended this technique for use in developing countries as it is an appropriate, low cost technology that relies only on the natural resource of the sun to work.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 2-liter plastic PET (polyethylene terephthalate) pop bottles with caps
  • 1 sheet corrugated iron
  • 6 liters dirty water
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Rinse the bottles with tap water to clean them. Remove the labels. If the bottles are heavily scratched or marked do not use them.

    • 2

      Fill two thirds of each bottle with dirty water. Screw on the caps and shake each bottle for 20 to 30 seconds to improve oxygen saturation. Fill each bottle to the top with dirty water and screw on the caps.

    • 3

      Place the corrugated iron sheet on the ground outside. Position it where it has greatest exposure to the sun. Lay the bottles horizontally on their sides on the metal. For best results, the bottles should follow the ridges of the sheet.

    • 4

      Leave the bottles for six hours if it is a sunny day. If there is more than 50 percent cloud cover, leave the bottles for two days. After the allotted time the water will be ready to drink.