Cost-Effective Rainwater Filtration System for Safe
drinking water: A Path to Clean Water Access
HANNAH SHERBETH AGATO
ASHLEY MARIE AMO
AZIAH NICOLE TANGID
JEROME LIZARDO
Proponents
MAY ANNE P. DIGO
Research Adviser
SY 2024 – 2025
I. RESEARCH PLAN
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Access to clean drinking water remains a significant challenge, particularly in
rural areas of the Philippines, where water sources are often contaminated and
pose serious health risks. Rainwater harvesting is a potential solution; however,
without proper filtration, collected rainwater may contain harmful contaminants,
making it unsafe for consumption (Caabay et al., 2020). Studies have shown that
rainwater harvesting systems can improve water access in areas with limited
piped water supply, such as in Mindoro, Philippines, where a novel system was
designed to maximize efficiency (Sharifah Faizah Wan Johor et al., 2017). To
ensure its safety, effective and low-cost filtration methods must be developed to
remove contaminants and make harvested rainwater suitable for drinking.
Many existing filtration technologies, such as reverse osmosis, have been used
globally to improve water quality, including in the Philippines (Chunke Water
Treatment, n.d.). While reverse osmosis effectively removes various
contaminants, rainwater filtration systems using locally available materials, such
as bio-sand filters, have been explored as an alternative in rural areas (De La
Salle University, 2023). Internationally, small-scale rainwater harvesting systems
have been proven feasible for drinking water production, particularly in areas
without access to centralized water supply systems (Alim et al., 2020).
Additionally, studies in Ghana have highlighted the benefits of rainwater
harvesting in reducing dependence on public water supplies and mitigating
flooding risks (Owusu et al., 2020).
The need for sustainable and cost-effective rainwater filtration aligns with the
global goal of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to provide safe
drinking water and sanitation for all by 2030 (World Health Organization, 2021).
Research has shown that properly treated rainwater can meet the Philippine
National Standards for Drinking Water (Department of Health, 2023). By
developing a filtration system using affordable and locally available materials,
this study aims to improve access to clean drinking water in rural communities,
reducing health risks and supporting socio-economic development.
Research Question
This research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential of
rainwater filtration systems in ensuring safe drinking water in rural communities.
Specifically, it seeks to address the following key questions:
1. What is the effectiveness of rainwater filtration system in removing
contaminants?
2. What can local materials can be utilized to create this rainwater filtration
system?
3. What contaminants are commonly found in harvested rainwater and how
can they be removed?
Objectives of the study
This research aims to develop a cost-effective and efficient rainwater filtration
system as an alternative water source for rural areas where clean drinking water
is scarce. Many rural communities rely on contaminated or drying water sources,
leading to health risks and water shortages. By implementing a reverse osmosis-
based filtration system with pre-filtration, this study seeks to provide a
sustainable and accessible solution for safe drinking water. Specifically, this
study aims to:
• Provide rainwater filtration system for rural areas as a substitute to common
water sources because some of them are contaminated or dried out.
• Evaluate the filtration system's efficiency in removing common contaminants.
• Assess the quality and accessibility of the water filter.
By achieving these objectives, this research hopes to contribute to improved
water security, public health, and sustainable development in rural areas.
Statement of Hypotheses
In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a rainwater filtration
system in providing safe drinking water for rural communities. Given the
challenges posed by water contamination and limited access to clean water, this
research explores the role of sustainable filtration methods in improving water
quality.
To guide the investigation, the following hypotheses are formulated:
• ha: the use of sustainable rainwater filtration systems in rural areas
improves the quality of water for consumption
ho: the use of sustainable rainwater filtration systems in rural areas does
not improve the quality of water for consumption.
• ha: Locally available materials, such as charcoal, sand, and gravel, can be
effectively used in the rainwater filtration system to improve water quality.
ho: Locally available materials, such as charcoal, sand, and gravel, are not
effective in improving water quality in the rainwater filtration system.
• ha: The rainwater filtration system significantly reduces common
contaminants found in harvested rainwater, such as bacteria, heavy metals, and
sediments.
ho: The rainwater filtration system does not significantly reduce common
contaminants found in harvested rainwater.
Methodology
In this research we will employ an experimental approach in developing and
testing reverse osmosis filtration system to create a safe drinking water using
rain water. We also liked to evaluate its accessibility, usability and its impact on
rural communities. For the Materials and equipment of Rainwater Collection
System we would use PVC Pipe, Containers, Reverse Osmosis Membrane, Pre-
filtration Process like Sediment and Carbon Filter, Pump, Storage Containers for
Filtered water, lastly is the Faucet.
We would start on the Phase 1. The system design and development. We
will design a compact reverse osmosis filtration system for rural households or
communities. We would also include the pre filtration system to remove larger
particles also to avoid the burden of the reverse osmosis system. For the
assembly, we would Construct the system using locally sourced materials and
reverse osmosis components.
Next is the Phase 2. The rainwater collection and testing. In here we will
collect a sample rain water from roofs and storage tanks of our selected rural
area. After that we would proceed on the initial Testing, such as Physical Test,
Chemical Test and Biological Test. In this testing we would test the rainwater for
baseline values of contaminants and its physical appearance. After that we will
pass collected rainwater to the filtration system and measure its effectiveness by
analyzing filtered water quality with the same tests.
Lastly is the Performance Metrics. In here we will evaluate the filter system's
efficiency in removing contaminants. The last phase is the phase 3. It is the
data analysis. We will start with the effectiveness analysis. In here we will
compare pre-filtration and post-filtration water quality data using Independent T-
Test. Also assess the compliance of the system with WHO standards for safe
drinking water. Then we would consider the Economic and Social Impact of our
product using a Chi-square test. In here We will create and analyze a survey data
of the people in the community to determine the impact of the filtration system
on health-related expenses and overall quality of life.
Risk and Safety
To ensure safety during this experiment the researchers will employ and use
protective equipment when handling tools and any other equipment. Additional
care will be taken when using sharp materials or tools and we will follow the
proper handling of materials and tools with the proper guidance of people with
much more experience. We will also test the water and make sure that the water
was safe to drink before the researcher test it out.
Data Analysis
A series of tests and field experiments will be implemented in order to collect
data evaluating the reverse osmosis rainwater filtration system's performance.
Each test will be analyzed and interpreted the relevant statistical technique.
The first phase of testing is the estimated quality of rain water before and after
they have been filtered. Rain water samples will be collected to measure the
following: pH level, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), coliform bacteria, and
heavy metal levels. A paired t-test will be used to compare the quality of
untreated and treated water. This statistical approach will determine whether a
significant difference exists between the two groups of measurements,
confirming that the filtration effectively removed contaminants.
The second phase of testing will measure the filter system's number of
contaminants removed by calculating the percentage of reductions. The filtration
efficiency measurement will use this formula:
A descriptive statistical analysis will be performed, including the calculation of
mean, median, and standard deviation to determine the overall performance of
the system in reducing pollutants. Additionally, box plots and bar graphs will be
used to visually present the changes in contaminant levels.
The third phase of testing will be the usability and community impact survey,
where local households in rural areas that use the filtration system will be asked
to rate its accessibility, effectiveness, and affordability on a Likert scale (1-5).
The Chi-square test will be applied to analyze categorical survey responses, such
as whether users experienced waterborne illnesses after using the system. This
test is suitable for determining if there is a statistically significant relationship
between the use of the filtration system and improved health conditions.
Lastly, an economic impact assessment will be conducted by comparing the total
cost of implementing the system against the savings in bottled water purchases
and reduced medical expenses due to waterborne diseases. A cost-benefit
analysis (CBA) will be used, where the cost-benefit ratio will be calculated:
If the ratio is greater than 1, the system is considered economically viable.
Through these statistical methods, the study will provide a comprehensive
evaluation of the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the rainwater filtration
system using reverse osmosis.
Bibliography
PHILIPPINES
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Caabay et al. (2020). Determination of Some Physico-Chemical Parameters and
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De La Salle University. (2023). Integrated Rainwater Harvesting System for
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INTERNATIONAL
Owusu et al. (2020). Rainwater harvesting and primary uses among rural
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