A Filtron costs $35 and
includes manufacturing, accuracy testing, delivery, and education on the use of
the filter with the family. This $35 is a one time donation and the filter lasts
from 3 to 6 years depending on the turbidity of the water
The water filter itself is made of a mixture of clay, sawdust,
and water formed into a ball of wet clay. This ball of clay is then placed
into a form and pressed out into the correct shape. The pot is then put up
to dry for seven days after which it is fired in a kiln. Once fired, it is
painted with a colloidal silver mixture which reduced the porosity of the pot
from 10 microns to 2 microns. When you put water into the top of the
filter, the water drips right through the clay pot, but the 2 microns block out
all fecal coli- form and e -coli bacteria. What comes out of the filter is
clean fresh water. The filters are checked by an outside laboratory
for quality control to make sure that the filters are working properly before
distribution.
How does HEART decide which countries to work
in?
HEART does not own or manage water filter manufacturing
facilities but offers technical know-how in filter making to a
local sponsoring organization. They will typically read about
the clay filters on the internet or hear about them at a
conference and then get in touch with PFP. A process then begins
of evaluating the practicality of a new project. This is done
utilizing the Project Guidelines available on our website.
Potters:
The base for HEART's pottery activity is in Nicaragua with
occasional involvement in neighboring countries. We may work
elsewhere by request and after an assessment by director or
coordinator and if a consultant or volunteer is available.
Contact our Marketing and Communications
Director:
John White, 102 Serenity Court, Douglassville,
PA 19518 (610) 689-0808
Contact our Coordinator of Filter and
International Projects:
Ron Rivera, P O Box 3868, Managua, Nicaragua,
Central America (011)(505)277-3807
