FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the BioSand Filter (BSF) kill all the bacteria?

Typically the BSF will remove over 90% of bacteria if installed and used properly. Often, the
amount of bacteria left alive will not be enough to make someone sick. However, disinfection
using chlorine, or solar rays from the sun, is recommended to remove any remaining bacteria.

2. Will the BioSand Filter (BSF) take out parasites?

Yes, typically 100% of parasites are removed if the BSF is properly installed and used. It is
important to note that most parasites are highly resistant to chlorine disinfection, so the best
way to treat drinking water for parasites is to filter them out.

3. Will the BioSand Filter (BSF) remove the dirt in the water?
Yes, the BSF removes over 95% of the dirt (suspended solids or turbidity) in the water.
However, if the water is very dirty (over 70 – 100 NTU-turbidity units) the filter will need to be
cleaned frequently which will make it less effective. If the water is very dirty, it should be
allowed to settle until it is clear and/or filtered through a fine-woven cloth (folded over many
times) to remove most of the dirt before pouring it through the filter. If this is still insufficient
to clean the water, contact your Filter Technician about ‘coagulants’.

4. Why do I need to add chlorine to the filtered water? Isn’t the filter enough?
The filter removes most, but not all, harmful bugs in the water, and all of the parasites that have
a high resistance to chlorine. Adding chlorine to filtered water will kill the bacteria that
survived the filter and prevent recontamination of the water. Without chlorination, those people
with low immune systems – especially children under 5 years – can still become sick. Finally,
if the raw water is very dangerously polluted, further treatment by chlorine after filtering is
necessary.

5. How do I chlorinate?
Dirty water should always be filtered before adding chlorine. Place the chlorine (or bleach) in
the storage container that the filtered water runs into. It is recommended to add enough
chlorine to kill all remaining bacteria in the water and have a little left over to continue to
protect the water. It is difficult to estimate how much chlorine to add to water because it
depends on what is in the water and the concentration of the chlorine solution (bleach is usually
around 5%). Typically, it is recommended to add between 1 to 5 drops of bleach to every litre
of water (or up to one teaspoon for each gallon) and allow 30 minutes before drinking. When
there is a very slight chlorine taste and smell then sufficient chlorine has been added. You may
add a little less next time to reduce the smell and taste so that people continue to chlorinate
their water.

Last Revised 10/17/2008

 6. How do I check the turbidity of the water to see if it is below 70 – 100 NTU?

Fill a 2 litre plastic bottle with the water. Look down through the water in the bottle. If you
can see printing (say the CAWST logo) the water is less than 70 - 100 NTU and can be used
directly in the filter. If the water is too dirty see Question #3.

7. Does the BSF remove salt from sea water? What about pesticides, industrial
contaminants or other chemicals?
The BSF does not remove the salt in sea water. Nor does it remove chemical contaminants
such as pesticides, industrial contaminants, or fluoride dissolved in the water. Some
modifications of the filter are possible to help remove arsenic. Chemical and other
contaminants can only be determined through water testing.

8. What does a good (well installed and maintained) BioSand Filter (BSF) look
like?
Location - Protected from the weather (dust & wind), birds, animal, mosquitoes and insects. Placing the filter
indoors is preferred.
Level - Filter placed on a level spot – even floor, not slanted, no bumps.
No Leaks or Cracks - Drips of water or wet spots under the filter will indicate a leak in the concrete box.
Lid - Clean on the outside and inside; no rotting wood parts; tight fitting but not sealed.
Diffuser - Clean regularly; sand under diffuser should be level and smooth; rotten wood should be replaced;
diffuser should rest securely on the lip. This should be approximately 5 cm (2”) above water level.
Sand Level - The surface of the sand should be 5 cm (2”) below the water level. Contact your technician to add
(or remove) sand if this dimension is not correct; the sand should be smooth and level.

9. What is the best way to use a filter? How can I make it work better?
1. Use the filter daily – this will maintain the water level 5 cm above the sand (measured during the pause
period) and keep the bio-layer alive.
2. Ensure water quality is from the best possible source. Always use the same source if possible. If water is
very dirty allow the water to settle for 24 hours then pour the clear water through a fine-woven cloth
(folded many times).
3. Ensure the receiving container is clean.
4. Add 1 to 5 drops of bleach for each litre (or up to 1 teaspoon per gallon) – for example, if the container
is 20 litres then add at least 20 drops.
5. Remove the filter lid
6. Slowly pour contents of bucket into filter, without letting the sediments enter the filter, and then replace
the lid.
7. When filtration is complete, cover receiving container.
8. Repeat process at least once a day
9. Clean the spout daily.
10. Do not store food on the diffuser plate.
11. Keep animals away from the spout and filtered water.

Last Revised 10/17/2008

10. Which water should I use?
The BioSand filter will be helpful in cleaning any water except sea water or chemically contaminated
water. For best results, the water should not be too dirty (above 70 - 100 NTU). Always use the
cleanest source water available and try to use the same source if possible.

11. What are the mistakes often made by new users of the BioSand Filter (BSF)?
1. New users want to attach a valve on the spout. This keeps the water level too high and prevents oxygen
from reaching the bio-layer.
2. New users ‘swirl & dump’ the filter too often which reduces the effectiveness of the bio-layer.
3. New users add chlorine to the water that goes into the filter instead of adding chlorine to the container
that receives the filtered water. Adding chlorine into the top of the filter will kill the bio-layer and
reduce the effectiveness of the filter.
4. New users will often not allow the dirt in the water to settle out before pouring the water through the
filter.
5. New users will often not use the best source of water because it is inconvenient.
6. New users will place the filter outdoors rather than indoors. This increases the risk of recontaminating
the filtered water.
7. New users will often put food in the filter as it is cooler in the reservoir.
8. New users often don’t use the water for all of their needs; bathing, dishwashing and cooking as well as
drinking.
9. New users will often use a dipper or scoop to take the water out of the storage container. This can cause
recontamination. The water should be poured out of the storage container.

12. What does the bio-layer look like?

The bio-layer is not visible except possibly as a slight discolouration at the top 5 – 10 cm of the sand.

13. Does anything from the filter dissolve into the water and cause a possible health
risk? (cement, sand or bio-layer stuff)?
No, the cement, sand and bio-layer will by themselves not cause any health risk. However, if the sand
is brought from a river, stream or lake area, it may be contaminated with bacteria and must be cleaned
(washed then dried under the sun or heated) to remove any possible health risk. Also, the pipe inside
the filter including the spout should be disinfected when the filter is installed.

14. How should water from the filter be stored?

The water should be stored in a clean, closed container which allows the water to be removed by
pouring. Also, the water should be disinfected using chlorine to prevent recontamination during
storage.

Last Revised 10/17/2008

15. What if the flow from the filter is very slow?
This means that the top layer of sand in the filter is plugged with dirt. This material should be removed
using the ‘swirl & dump’ technique:
Remove the lid to the filter; remove the diffuser
“Swirl” your hand (up to the first knuckle), or an appropriate tool (5cm deep), around the surface of the
sand at least 5 times. You will disturb the surface of the sand but don’t mix the surface layer below the top
5–10 cm of sand. The water above the sand will become dirty.
Scoop out dirty water with small container (i.e. cup or cut open plastic pop bottle) Avoid scooping out sand.
Throw out the dirty water outside the house in an appropriate location
Repeat this until all the water has been removed from the filter
Replace diffuser
Add 20 litres or 5 gallons of water – replace lid
Check flow rate
Repeat if flow rate is still low

16. How often do I change the sand?

The sand should never need to be changed. It is cleaned by the ‘swirl & dump’ technique described
above.

17. How high should the water be above the sand?

The top of the water, during the pause period (the period when no water is flowing through the filter),
should be 5cm above the top of the sand. This allows the oxygen in the air to keep the bio-layer alive.
If the sand is less than 5 cm, remove some sand, if it is greater than 5 cm then clean sand should be
added. Contact your Filter Technician of the Community Steward for additional sand.

18. How often can I run water through the filter?

The filter can be used continually. You can add water anytime there is sufficient room in the top of the
filter, although normally the filter is not run at night.

19. What do I do if my filter dries out?

This may happen if the filter is left unused for a long period of time or if there is a leak. The water level
must be re-established by filling the filter through the pipe (using the spout) so that the water rises from
the bottom up preventing air from becoming trapped in the sand. This can be accomplished in the same
way that the initial sanitation of the pipe is done. The Filter Technician or Community Steward should
do this.

Last Revised 10/17/2008