How to build a two-bucket water purification system to prepare for a disaster

In a disaster, how will you make sure you stay hydrated and clean? In this video, you’ll learn how to build a two-bucket water filtration system, which is important in making sure you have plenty of clean water in the event of a disaster. Barbara Bracken from Tualatin Neighborhood Ready! is joined by Claudia Gray from Cedar Hills Ready! to show you how easy it is to put it all together by yourself. Special thanks to Doug Knight, a fellow Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and amateur radio and resiliency volunteer. He worked with these volunteers to produce this video for your benefit. If you like this video, check out our video, "How to clean dirty mucky water to make clean drinking water," at • How to clean dirty muc...
Warning: The CDC says that no matter what filter you use, it may not eliminate all biological risks. The filter we used in this video says it has 99.999% bacterial removal, and virus reduction, so adding a boiling cycle or an additional disinfectant cycle is a good additional precaution and is recommended by the CDC. For example, you can use a bleach shock (1/4 teaspoon/gallon water) prior to filtering.
Kit Supplies & Tools:
- Drill & the following drill bits: 3/4, 5/8, & 1/8
- Two (2) five-gallon food grade buckets with lids, available from grocery stores, hardware stores, or online.
- 18" length of 5/16" outer diameter plastic tubing, available at hardware stores and some pharmacies.
- A high quality water filter:* The filter we use in this video is the 4x4 ceramic filter, designed and manufactured by Texas-based company, Just Water www.justwater.me/products/4x4-...
*There are a variety of filters available on the market. Some better than others. We recommend getting the We do not endorse any particular products or filters, and we are not affiliated with any water filtration companies. Check out the following guidance from the CDC, which includes recommendations on what to look for in filter systems: www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drin...
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The mission of Cedar Hills Ready! is to create caring, connected and resilient neighborhoods. We are committed to making sure every neighbor is prepared and has the best chance of survival in the event of a disaster.

[@rickhaslam96]

Great video, thanks ladies! I'm English but live in Romania. Due to the situation in Ukraine, I've stepped up preparations for us should the situation escalate. I'm going to have a go at making one these (maybe more). Thanks again!

[@KarenRonningHall]

Good to hear that this is helpful for you. Its very good to be prepared, especially under your circumstances. Hoping you are able to stay safe. Check out our water prep page on our website for additional tips: www.cedarhillsready.info/water-supplies.html You may also want to invest in a couple of extra buckets to create a sanitation and hygiene station. Check out our tips for doing that on: www.cedarhillsready.info/sanitation-and-hygiene.html Take care!

[@bonnieandersoncolon2685]

I think we should do it globally. smart move.

[@johnnyc8775]

Well done ladies, that was a very clear presentation.

[@kinikiniosadjifo2491]

Thanks you so much to save life all over the world. Great job.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cedarhillsready]

You're welcome!

[@mikeg3660]

You lady’s rock! …. Great info and well presented and demonstrated.

[@cedarhillsready]

Glad this was helpful! :)

[@starbright5236]

GO, LADIES!!! I'm INSPIRED!

[@extraordinarywolf320]

They are very easy to make!! I have one but i used 2 Berkey water filters , They are excellent filters!! 👍🏼🙏

[@donovanstales]

Been searching & came across your informative video. Ordering my kits today getting the silver version with radiation filter. We have radon in ground & nuke plant 10 miles away! THANK YOU!

[@KarenRonningHall]

So glad you found it helpful, Valerie!

[@wisdomsquare28]

Thank you!

[@michelelee1876]

Perfect. Thank you so much!

[@dnlbrgs57]

Outstanding... simple... effective.

[@vic2796]

The washer goes on the bottom of the filter touching the bottom of the bottom bucket . You put the washer on the outside on the lid which is wrong and will not allow a proper seal

[@oilspeculatorhater]

Thank you for your informative well done video.

[@cedarhillsready]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sohelalam99]

I like this your making the house water Filter

[@cedarhillsready]

Glad it is useful for you. :)

[@jacannon58]

Thanks for the info ,big help!

[@cedarhillsready]

Glad to help!

[@heiditucker2471]

You all are the bomb ,thank you for your help in the videos. I'm going to get these and. Get started !!!!

[@cedarhillsready]

Yay! Glad we could be helpful. :)

[@elizabethstevens4720]

Easy instructions. Great job!!

[@cedarhillsready]

Glad it was helpful!

[@allycatspreparedlife5313]

Great info ladies

[@cedarhillsready]

Thanks for watching!

[@bonnieandersoncolon2685]

Thank you for the education video. It is wonderful. Much needed.

[@cedarhillsready]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MonkeyMind69]

Appreciate you ladies showing demonstrating how to do this ;-)

[@cedarhillsready]

You are welcome! :)

[@lujitsu1251]

Excellent, thanks. I’d like to see it in action.

[@cedarhillsready]

Hi there! We've definitely used this design. The flow rate is much increased when you add the tubing to the filter; otherwise, it really takes a while to filter the water. Also, I recommend getting a backup filter because the ceramic can break if you accidentally drop it. We learned that from experience.

[@williamwood6616]

Homerun dude

[@ebarling4730]

Do you need to add an air hole to the bottom bucket? I made something similar but just with some large plastic screw lid containers and a candle filter. I found it didn’t flow well until I added an air hole to the bottom tub (at the top). Not sure if that's a common problem or if I did it right? It seems to be working through! 😅 Thanks, this is great info! 😊🙏💫

[@cedarhillsready]

I'm so glad that worked for you. What we used to increase the flowrate is a syphon tube connected to the stem of the filter coming through the lid of the bottom bucket. The syphon tube made a HUGE difference in flowrate. A picture would explain it better; check out the bottom of the first page of this instruction sheet for more information: www.neighborsready.org/uploads/1/4/2/8/142830157/bucket-system-instructions-maintenance-just-water.pdf You can also check out all of our information on preparing your water supplies on our webpage: www.neighborsready.org/water-supplies.html Having a filter system is important, but the first step is always to have a good supply of emergency water, because filtering water is a lot more trouble that drinking up your emergency supplies. :)

[@ebarling4730]

@@cedarhillsready Oh, thank you, that's really helpful. Yes, I saw it in the video but didn't understand its role. I need to look up siphon tubes and water pressure differentials to work it out. I thought it was an air pressure issue which was why I couldn't see how the tube would help. But yes, the tube pertains to the water pressure, I think. It's all not quite as simple as you'd think! But that makes it kinda cool, imho. (Just not something you'd want to try to work out *during* an emergency, if you could avoid it. 😉) I might try to find some tubing and try that too. Fun! Thanks, it was a great video, super clear. Thanks for the reply! 😊🙏✨️💫

[@cedarhillsready]

@@ebarling4730 You're welcome. And totally agree that its fun! Another good backup method is the PUR (Purifier of Water) packets, developed by Proctor & Gamble in collaboration with the World Health Organization. We did some lab tests on water from a nearby creek that we purified using various methods, including (1) filtering water, (2) filtering water plus treating water with a few drops of a fresh batch of bleach, and (3) P&G PUR. According to the lab results, method 2 & 3 worked equally well; filtering water without a disinfectant was not always sufficient because sometimes pathogens are tiny enough to slip through the filter. (CDC recommends adding a disinfectant like bleach to filtering.) We don't recommend any particular methods, but personally, I like to have a couple of options. What I liked about method 3, P&G PUR, is that it can produce 2.5 gals of clean water in 30 minutes; WAY faster than filtering water! Another advantage for PUR is that it is REALLY fun to do it! The downside to the P&G PUR method is that it is a bit expensive and the ingredients expire after a couple of years. I keep packets of P&G PUR in my go bag and in my emergency supplies, as a good backup method. We bought our P&G packets in bulk to minimize the cost and split the box amongst our neighbors. Good luck, and have fun!

[@ebarling4730]

@@cedarhillsready Amazing, thank you, I'll keep those in mind! Thanks for all the info, appreciate it! 🙌😊🙏💫

[@karenbarrows6127]

Do the buckets need any regular cleaning maintenance? You mentioned boiling too. Should I boil before or after filtering or does it matter? Could I use a cover that twists off so it would be easier to use as daily water?

[@cedarhillsready]

Hi Karen, Sorry to take so long to respond to your note! With Christmas and then an electrical fire at our house, we've been pre-occupied. You have some great questions. I'll take them one at a time. First, do the buckets need any regular maintenance. We have maintenance instructions on our website at www.cedarhillsready.org/water-supplies.html (scroll down until you see the list under the video); or see the cleaning instructions on the second page of this instruction sheet: www.cedarhillsready.org/uploads/1/4/2/8/142830157/bucket-system-instructions-maintenance-just-water.pdf Should you boil before or after filtering or does it matter? Quick answer is to FILTER first, then disinfect the water. Boiling is a disinfection method. Think of filtering and boiling as doing two separate jobs. The filter system prevents impurities larger than the size of the filter rating from passing through. While a high quality filter rated at 0.2 microns will prevent most impurities and prevent most bacteria and protozoa from going through, some viruses may pass through. You boil the water to disinfect it, to kill any viruses that may have slipped past the filter. On the last question you have, I think you'd be fine with any clean cover over the top of the filter. When we use the filter system, we just set the top of the bucket on top but don't lock it into place. One thing I'd like to emphasize about water resiliency. The first step in our plan is to store enough water for your family for 2 weeks. Purifying water is a backup plan, if the disaster or emergency lasts longer than two weeks. How much water should you store? Check out our DIY water resiliency plan on our water resiliency page: www.cedarhillsready.org/water-supplies.html I hope this was helpful! :)

[@chadwolfeschledgelsteinhau9697]

Yeah good for emergency but would not use past 30 days. Much cheaper way if you know about resins. Use a tds meter before and after number stays the same shure it filters it but still high tds hard water

[@amathonn]

Seems like good information. Obviously the filtered water would have sediment removed, but would it be biologically safe or would it need boiling?

[@cedarhillsready]

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your question, and because of your question, I've added some additional information in the "Description" section of the video. Here's my thinking, err on the side of safety. CDC says that no matter what filter you use, it may not eliminate all biological risks. The filter we used says it has 99.999% bacterial removal, and virus reduction, so adding a boiling cycle or an additional disinfectant cycle is a good additional precaution and is recommended by the CDC. For further research on this, check out our video, "How to clean dirty mucky water to make clean drinking water," at kzbin.info/www/bejne/oprUpoawhsyBbrc Also, check out the following guidance from the CDC: www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/travel/backcountry_water_treatment.html More information on selecting an appropriate water filter can be found at www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/gen_info/filters.html

[@amathonn]

@@cedarhillsready Thank you. The way our government is acting I hope we never need this.

[@cedarhillsready]

@@amathonn Natural disasters are inevitable. Its a very good idea to be ready, just in case it happens in your area--and help your neighbors, too. In a disaster, first responders will be overwhelmed, and may not be able to help out for a while, as we have seen. Neighbors helping neighbors can increase your chance of survival and can also be fun and connecting. :)

[@wyattgilbert7127]

Do you have to flush out filter before installing on bucket

[@cedarhillsready]

Hi Wyatt! Good question. Yes, when we tested the filter system (built with the Just Water filter), we cleaned out the buckets with a little bleach, and then we ran a few gallons through the filter system before using the water. The manufacturer has a very informative instructional sheet. You can find it on our webpage at: www.neighborsready.org/water-supplies.html. If you scroll down you'll see the Ceramic Filter Drip System instructions under the video. Or you can go directly to the instruction sheet at: www.neighborsready.org/uploads/1/4/2/8/142830157/bucket-system-instructions-maintenance-just-water.pdf. I hope this helps! :)

[@ericsink3198]

Anyone seen or tried the Uzima filter system? Same concept. Uzima's design is a bit different with a single filter, which although it attaches to the top bucket it mounts inside the bottom bucket. Claimed 1L/m flow rate. Wonder how that compares to Berkey or it's generic filters flow rate? $80 on @m@zon. Thoughts, opinions? Thanks.

[@cedarhillsready]

This is the first time I've heard about the Uzima filter system; just looked at their website, uzimafilters.org/ It looks like a good organization, and they have big discounts for non-profits... if you bought in bulk as a non-profit (8 units per order), the current cost for a system would be $40. I agree, def would be interesting to hear how well it works. Thanks for sharing this information. :)

[@ajoy3042]

I just bought the Uzima. The filter says you have to back flush it after every use with the provided syringe. But that the filter will last 5-10 years. It has a 1 hear warranty for manufacturing defects. The food safe buckets are a lot cheaper than amazon at lowes/home depot. If you wanted to build one. You’d need the spigot and filter so I just bought it to save myself the trouble. They have another brand on amazon With the same concept but the filter doesn’t last as long. But the filter is 😮🎉is $29 for a replacement filter vs $49 for Uzimas replacement filter. H&G Lifestyles Camping Water Filter $74.99 😮

[@patrickmcguire2434]

Rain water?

[@cedarhillsready]

Hi Patrick! Are you asking can you filter rain water using this water filter? I don't see why not, especially if you've built a rain barrel water storage system. We covered that in one of our meetings this year. Check out this video if you are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzdZIWAbJWrqtU. We also recommend that dirty turbid water be cleaned up a bit before its put through the 2-bucket system to make it all work better. If you start this video at about the 7:50 minute mark, you can learn about some alternative ways to do that with this video... if you are in a hurry, start it 7 minutes into the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oprUpoawhsyBbrc

[@patrickmcguire2434]

@@cedarhillsready yes, and I will watch the video. Thank you 😊

[@josephallen8044]

You didn't show where the filter goes

[@cedarhillsready]

Hi there! You can check out the full instructions in written form with photos on our website at: www.cedarhillsready.org/water-supplies.html Be sure to scroll down to the heading "How to build a 2-bucket water filtration system," and past the video and you'll find a full instruction sheet that you can download. Good luck! :)

[@jewsusjewtube1880]

Justwater cannot be accessed in Europe

[@cedarhillsready]

I'm so sorry to hear that you cannot access the Justwater website in Europe. You could give them a call at 1-214-675-7426. Or, you may be able to find a comparable dome ceramic filter on Amazon or at a local manufacturer. It may take a bit of hunting around. You'll want to make sure the water filter efficiency is rated at 0.2 micron or better. (Smaller is better.) I also suggest taking a look at the lab certification results, to make sure that the filter has been tested and works as advertised. I hope that is helpful! :)

[@jewsusjewtube1880]

@@cedarhillsready Thanks!

[@rocketsurgery8337]

Great video but there are a few things that need to be addressed: Any water filter that's worthwhile would need pre-primed before you would be able to use it. Your filter not needing this tells me it's only good for sediment but would do little to nothing for chemicals and your health. The second problem are the type of lids that you are using. You're using lids that lock down and are not ment to be removed. Look for the non-locking lids that don't require a special tool to open them. Lastly, look for a better filter like the Berkey. They're expensive but last much longer and actually will provide you with safe drinking water. Stay away from the knock-off brand filters. The knock-off filters sold on Amazon are starting to put in the following disclaimer: Please note that TDS level does not fully indicate the quality of the water and our filters DOES NOT lower TDS. They claim to be as good as Berkey brand filters but have proven to be not. I own a Berkey and I also made my own plastic bucket filter but I used Berkey filters. In an emergency if you don't have clean running water to prime your filters then it's best to buy a primer bulb also made by Berkey. Yes, you need clean running water to make the filters work properly.

[@cedarhillsready]

Thank you so much for your response. We don't endorse any specific products. We are not affiliated with any manufacturer of water filter products, and we encourage everyone to do their own research and choose a product that works best for them. In response to your comment, I called the JustWater manufacturer and company owner, Ron at www.justwater.me, 214-675-7426. He's based in Texas; the product is made in the USA. He says that the ceramic 4x4 filter we are using for our family does not require priming, and his filters have been tested by several organizations, including A. L. Abbot and Associates, Analytical Food Laboratories, and Ceutical Labs. The test results are listed on the product page for the filter on his website, www.justwater.me/products/4x4-ceramic-filter/ He also said that the Berkey product is a good filter; it's a bit more expensive because it's made in the UK. We encourage everyone to do their own research, buy their own water filter, and then be sure to test the filter themselves to make sure it works for them. By the way, the lids we are using are not the lock-down type, and they are easy to remove. Also, we encourage everyone to store a gallon of fresh water per day per person for two weeks, minimum. Be safe, and thank you for your input.

[@rocketsurgery8337]

@@cedarhillsready sounds like you've got things covered but those lids are the type that lock down, you're just not using a rubber mallet to attach it to the bucket. Notice the slots around the lip? They are to be cut to help open the bucket after it's been sealed. I'm guessing you are just pressing down to seal the bucket. Menards sells the correct 5 gallon bucket lid item # 6482907.

[@karenronning-hall4383]

@@rocketsurgery8337 Thank you! I'll check into that. It never occurred to us to seal the buckets. Really appreciate your feedback!

[@ruidadgmailcanada8508]

@@karenronning-hall4383 Great video. 👍 The locking lid issue is easily resolved by trimming the lip of the lid so that it leaves 3-4 ‘tabs’ that make opening much easier. Search videos on modifying the lid. The Berkey comments didn’t age well as the company has been in some trouble over the actual filtering quality vs their claims. 😮 I believe Zero Water was the best reviewed water filter…on Project Farm channel…as far a TDS removal vs price.

[@cedarhillsready]

@@ruidadgmailcanada8508 Thank you for your comment. Your solution sounds like a good one if you get locking lids! By the way, no filter can remove 100% of the impurities from water; viruses can slip through a filter because they are extremely tiny. The CDC recommends using two methods when purifying water: filter to remove parasites and inorganic impurities plus disinfection to kill disease causing organisms. Check out our website on water preparedness for more information at www.neighborsready.org/water-supplies.html. Good luck!

[@derrelhooker2098]

You dont show very well how the siphon system works....

[@ElenivonMondlichtApsouneli]

You trying to clean the water in plastic that polutes the water - why don't you use clay or metal or glass or wood ?

[@cedarhillsready]

Hi Eleni. Good question. The reason we are using plastic buckets is because glass or clay might break in a disaster. Wood or metal could be an option, but these materials wouldn't be as cheap, light-weight, or easy to work with as plastic buckets. While I agree that it makes a lot of sense to limit our use of plastics to reduce waste that pollutes our waterways, in this case, it makes sense to us to use the plastic buckets for an emergency water filter system. Also, you could buy used food-grade 5-gallon buckets from local restaurants and repurpose them for this 2-bucket system, which would repurpose the plastic buckets and save them from the landfill. If you do this, be sure to wash and disinfect the buckets with bleach. Also, be sure to never repurpose buckets that have had anything in them other than food; any buckets that have stored chemicals or non-food materials are unsafe to use for filtering drinking water. Thanks for your comment. I hope this was helpful. :)

[@capitalismisdivisionofevil8322]

Bucket filtration system for around $100 is a RIP off. Imagine a homeless person needing to making several of these on a budget?????? Companies are NOT taking into consideration extreme off grid living circumstances to help humanity!

[@cedarhillsready]

Hi there! I'm not sure where you got the $100 figure. In a workshop we conducted last year, we were able to build these DIY 2-bucket water filter systems for our cost of about $60 each for a group of 50 people. Costs may have increased due to inflation. But here are some ideas for economizing: (1) We got some bulk discounts on the filters because we were making a lot of these systems at once. (2) We purchased our buckets new, but if funds are tight, you may be able to acquire used food-grade 5-gallon buckets for free at a local restaurant or other establishment to reduce the cost. Just make sure that the buckets are food grade and that the bucket has never stored anything toxic. I hope this helps. :)

[@scootersonlyrepair6773]

Hahahaha if I knew how to edit videos I'd make one that shows how to actually MAKE a water filter not assembling a bunch of store bought shit.

[@ajoy3042]

Hahah maybe you should keep your rude comments to yourself. They are trying to help. You are just a rude negative jerk.