Two Phase Filtration System With A Metal Bucket, Stainless Steel Mesh, And Canvas Drop Cloths

Catching rainwater in tarps inevitably results in having all kinds of organic and inorganic debris in the catchment pond. Often the weather is stormy with high winds so a lot of sand gets in the mix. Additionally there can be insects, dried dead plant material, and much more. In order to minimize the scope of potential contamination over time, I've devised multiple phases of filtration before using the rescued rain water as potable drinking water. Here is a method showing the first two phases whereby a metal bucket with a hole drilled at the bottom, covered by a stainless steel screen mesh, filters out most of the larger particles.

It then drains down onto two layers of canvas drop cloth which act like a coffee filter to get even more fine grain materials out before dropping into the galvanized stock tank below. Once in the stock tank the water is stored for months or years. It will by no means be sterile, and it will be filtered further before use, however at remains in storage with much less decaying organic materials in the mix.