I understood the parts you described. I am thinking of how to find / get the 'tube' device you showed, and where to get a pump that will push the water at just the correct speed to ensure the pasteurization effect has been completed, and how to control it. I intend to collect the water in two 1100 liter tanks, and produce potable water into a third 1100 liter tank, as needed. I am not a community, but a home owner looking to stop getting water deliveries when rain is falling around us. Thanks
Now THAT's an idea that can save a lot of lifes if done at a large scale. Governments should put these in third world countries so people can have clean water to drink. Provided it rains a lot there that is...
What details do you need? Rainwater on its own is quite clean and clear but may be contaminated by common pathogens that can cause diarrhea, but easily treated to make it bio-safe for human consumption i.e. "potable water" by simple heat treatment known as "pasteurization" 65C for 6minutes. For the sake of long term sustainability and renew-ability, I would recommend using free solar thermal energy. I am available to assist you and your community. Contact me.
Alex, Please tell us more. I live in Philippines and want to capture all the rain water for drinking and cooking, etc. Thanks for the ideas, but I need a few more details.
Depending on what standards you set for potable water, really. If your concern is about pathogenic microbes, harvested rainwater needs sterilization and solar pasteurization is one sustainable and renewable method. If your "cleaning up" is about environmental contaminants like vehicles and industrial emissions, river water is no cleaner than rainwater, really.
Solar UV Water Sterilization like you have mentioned is possible; but virtually unverifiable unlike solar water pasteurization via a simple beeswax thermometer like the WAPI (Water Pasteurization Indicator). Unless all pathogens are destroyed, solar UV water sterilization can cause more harm than good by giving a false sense of drinking water safety.
"The tube" you refer to is "the diverter" and it can be fabricated locally rather easily from existing plumbing material. You will also need no pumps as solar thermosiphon is available. What you need is a thermo-valve. Contact me at akayconsult@gmail.com for private conversation.
