Author Archives: Orpheus

Slow sand filter construction

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Orpheus

Update May 5, 2014: This filter is still functional after 2 and a half years of operation. It was frozen solid this winter (until Feb. 2014) for 2 months. Temperatures were down to 10 degrees F. for several days, and … Continue reading →

Posted in slow sand water filter study and construction | 6 Comments

Chlorine, THMs and HAAs (Trihalomethanes and Haloacetic acids) and other chemical water pollutants

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Orpheus

Are there THMs or HAAs in the water you drink? Unless you are on a well, or use a slow sand filter, or do not get your water from a source that has been treated with Chlorine, you are probably … Continue reading →

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DIY first flow diverter (part 2 is done and available on youtube)

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Orpheus

This is the parts list for the diverter. It does not show the 1/2 inch pipe, 1/2 inch threaded adapter, 55 gallon barrel, or the o ring that is used for the vent.  The inch and a half pipe that … Continue reading →

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Moss, roofing material, and roofwater harvesting: The roots of moss do not “eat away” at your roof.

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Orpheus

As a response to one of my posts early this year, someone mentioned their opinion about the damage moss does to your roof: August 23, 2011 at 1:40 pm (Edit) “In the information on a first flow diverter, a comment … Continue reading →

Posted in slow sand water filter study and construction | 2 Comments

Using roof water on a vegetable garden

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Orpheus

I recently received an email regarding using “roof water” on a vegetable garden: “. . . . I am writing about your article on roof water harvesting using slow sand filtration. I am working with a group on a community … Continue reading →

Posted in slow sand water filter study and construction | 7 Comments

Concrete block cistern

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Orpheus

Roof water harvesting is a good idea, but how does one store the water? A large container can be quite expensive and may require considerable space; and water is very, very heavy. If the container is to be above ground … Continue reading →

Posted in slow sand water filter study and construction | 2 Comments

Science, observations, experiments, results, peer review and the internet

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Orpheus

Biological sand water filters (otherwise known as slow sand filters) are becoming popular. To all those people who have put up YouTube videos claiming to have built a slow sand filter that can be backwashed by forcing water into the … Continue reading →

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slow sand filter, biological sand filter – nomenclature vs design

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Orpheus

First let me say; it has become increasingly obvious that collaboration is a powerful tool for the development of technology. Just look at Android which came from Linux – the ultimate technology collaboration example. When Linux first came out, certain people laughed … Continue reading →

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DIY first flush diverter provides cleaner roof water

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Orpheus

I have part one of the video on the diverter up on YouTube. It is here: Some questions included how does the pipe seal if there is only glue on one part? How long are the pieces? The friction fit … Continue reading →

Posted in slow sand water filter study and construction | 3 Comments

New diverter construction

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Orpheus

The new diverter is finished and installed. A video will be out when I get time to edit all the files. In the mean time here are some screen shots of a few of the videos and some photos of … Continue reading →

Posted in slow sand water filter study and construction | 7 Comments