Water Purification

Most of Aqua Clara's water purification projects emerge from the research labs of Michigan State University. There, we create new projects and adapt existing ones. Our mission is simple, to provide clean drinking water at an affordable price to anyone in the world.

Our water purification projects started with our first bio-sand filter. These filters rely on affordable, local materials to filter out solid and microscopic pathogens within the water, ultimately making it safe to drink. These filters can be constructed and distributed at a very low cost, making it an ideal solution to water crises all over the world.

The water purification process is simple. The filter is arranged such that the water passes through various layers. One layer consists of micro-organisms that eliminate most water-borne pathogens. Then, the water falls through a layer of sand, eliminating more pathogens and reducing solids in the water. Finally, the water passes through layers of gravel that further filter the water and prevents any sand from completing the trip. With locally sourced sand and gravel as well as cheap PVC pipe, these filters are a cheap water purification solution.

Aqua Clara relies on donors and customers to continue its mission. Find our how you can help by visiting our website.

About Aqua Clara International

Scientists long ago discovered how to purify unsafe water.  To us, the central issue has been in designing solutions that are both sustainable and scalable and that can reach the millions in need while at the same time continuing to function without sustained outside input.  Our target populations are those individuals and families who live on $2 per day or less.

We are a technology transfer organization. Our niche in clean water continues to be in designing science-based technologies that utilize locally available materials where possible and then transferring what we learn to those working in areas of need.  The cost of our technologies varies by country and is dependent on the prevailing costs of raw materials, such as plastic containers, PVC piping, sand, etc. Learn more by visiting our website.