Water is as important to us as the air we breathe. After all, we use it to irrigate and grow the food we eat. And where does it come from naturally? In the form of rain! Use this DIY water filter to teach your kids about rain harvesting and its benefits:
- Saves water
- Used to water plants
- Helps prevent erosion
This DIY water filter is made from easy-to-find items and can help sift out unwanted particles, which is important for preventing bacteria overgrowth if you’re going to store your rainwater long-term.
Simply catch the rain in the filter and watch as it trickles into the base.
Materials Needed
- 1 Clean Plastic Bottle
- Gravel
- Sand
- Activated Charcoal Powder (Not grill charcoal, which may contain lighter fluid)
- Box Cutter
- Rubber Band
- Cloth Fabric
DIY Water Filter Craft Instructions
Step One: Cut your liter bottle bottom horizontally in the middle. The top portion will serve as your water filter.
Step Two: Turn your new water filter upside down and remove the lid. Fashion a piece of cloth fabric over the spout with a rubber band.
Step Three: With your water filter upside down and the cloth fabric secured, add the following, in this order:
- A layer of sand
- A layer of activated charcoal powder
- An extra layer of sand
- A layer of gravel
Step Four: Fit the water filter into the bottom part of the original bottle, which will serve as your water collector.
Step Five: Test your rain catcher by pouring colored water into the top portion.
Step Six: Have your kids place your DIY water filter system outside on a rainy day to collect water and watch as it fills with clean, refreshing rain.
*Disclaimer: Please exercise caution and use adult supervision when working with sharp objects and keep small pieces out of reach of young children.
