Slow sand filters

Slow sand filters are a method for cleaning drinking water by passing it through a bed of fine sand. As water slowly filters through, natural biological and physical processes remove dirt, bacteria, and other impurities. A slim layer of organic material, called the "schmutzdecke," forms on the sand surface, actively trapping and breaking down contaminants. This process produces high-quality, safe drinking water without needing chemicals or complex technology. Slow sand filters are cost-effective, simple to operate, and widely used in small communities and rural areas for reliable water purification.