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Water is the most important molecule to the human species as it is what we need to survive through hydration and provides us with energy. It covers about 71% of the earth’s surface making it the most dominant feature of the earth. 98% of that water belongs to the ocean and is unusable for drinking limiting to only 2% of that is fresh water but 1.6% of that is locked up in glacier and polar iced caps leaving us 0.006 to be found in rivers and lakes (How Stuff Works, 2011). Therefore, the source of fresh water is scarce and potable water is very crucial to us especially in underserved communities in the third world countries. Not only does water provides the grounds of agricultural and sustaining a healthy lifestyle, but it also serves as a universal element that operates everything on earth. It is very difficult to access water living in the third world countries where the sources are limited and can only be found kilometers away from neighbouring communities and the mission is very time constraining. Therefore, our group’s design focuses on providing underserved communities with the most efficient and affordable way to sustain a clean water source that will provide enough water for everyday uses right inside their home.
 * DESIGN PROPOSAL – HOUSEHOLD WATER FILTER**

There have been many different designs for water filtering system that objected specifically for the poorer populations who live in rural area in countries with poverty. Thus, many people cannot afford drinkable water daily. For instance, the ceramic water filter or the Lifestraw water filter allows users to purify dirty water for instant consumption. In the case of Ceramic water filter or Lifestraw water filter, they each contain special materials that can only provided through the manufacturer (Cooper-Hewitt). Our design focus more on the lower cost of material and more toward household uses instead of portable uses like the Lifestraw. With a filtering system that contain natural material such as sand, gravel and rocks that can be easily made by local manufacturer, this allow users to save more money and obtain clean water at the same time. Our design help purify different type of water such as rain, river or even tab water that require little to no skills to operate.

Our group came up with a design for a household water filter system that families in underprivileged countries can simply and affordably build using accessible materials. The goal of the design is to purify contaminated water into filtered water without having the effort of broiling the water before consumption. The idea is that after people collected water from nearby wells, rivers, rains and other water sources, they can transfer the water into the water filter storage and then water slowly drips out into any container that the family desires. The water filter system will be made out of hard plastic or stainless steel, which gives more cost options for people as they purchase the filter from local hardware stores. As well, it is formed in a cylindrical shape with a triangular opening where the water will dribbles down, the water filter is similarly to the shape of an upside down water bottle. Inside the water filter cylinder contains layers of sands, gravels and water filter screens. Thus, this allows people to effortlessly find these materials from nearby rivers and grounds instead of purchasing it. In addition, people can easily replace these materials for hygienic maintenance without having to repurchases any filter components. The water filter is ­­placed in a wooden stand where people can construct from trees as well as it a way of reducing costs from purchasing costly stands. Also, the water filter and its stand can be placed anywhere in the house for ease of use and consumption.

1. How Stuff Works, 2011. “How much water is there on earth”, online: [], consulted on February 24th, 2011. 2. Cooper-Hewitt. “LifeStraw.” Design for the Other 90%, online: [], consulted on February 24th, 2011.
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