Living off the grid is a journey towards self-sufficiency, sustainability and a deeper connection with the natural world. For my family and me, this journey began with a vision of a lifestyle that prioritises independence and environmental responsibility. From installing solar panels and a battery backup system to the warmth provided by a log-burning stove, each step has brought us closer to realising our dream of a truly sustainable home.
Our off-grid journey has been shaped by a series of deliberate choices aimed at reducing our reliance on traditional utilities and embracing alternative solutions. One of our initial steps was installing solar panels on our property, harnessing the power of the sun to meet our energy needs. Paired with a reliable battery backup system, we’ve enjoyed modern comforts while minimising our environmental footprint.
Energy independence was just the beginning. Recognising the importance of warmth in our northern climate, we installed a log-burning stove as our primary heating source. Not only does it provide a cosy ambiance during the colder months, but it also allows us to heat our home using sustainably sourced firewood, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
Water, another essential resource, presented its own challenges and opportunities. To ensure a steady supply of clean water, we set up a water harvesting system that collects rainwater from our home’s roof. This water is then filtered and stored for various household needs, from drinking to cooking to watering our garden.
Speaking of our garden, growing our own food has been a fundamental aspect of our off-grid lifestyle. By cultivating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, we not only reduce our reliance on store-bought produce but also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly where our food comes from.
The importance of clean water in a household is paramount, even when we seek the source of the national water grid, we like to ensure it is clean and pure, free of contaminants and pollutants that could jeopardise our health and well-being. Therefore, integrating a reliable water filtration system into our off-grid home design is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a fundamental aspect of safeguarding our family’s health and living in harmony with our environment.
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Water Filtration Options
When it comes to water filtration three key products help us achieve ultra-clean water for everyday use.
Under Sink Water Filters
There are a number of under-sink water filtration options available on the market, but one that stands out as the best is a 5-stage reverse osmosis water filter. Recommended by https://www.filtap.com.au/melbourne-water-filters/, a company that specialises in creating advanced filtration products, offers these systems with a dedicated installation service.
The 5-stage reverse osmosis system comprises several crucial stages beyond reverse osmosis itself, ensuring the production of the purest water and enhancing the longevity of the filtration system. This system is both reliable and fast for when you need on-demand filtered water.
- Stage 1: 1 Micrometre Sediment Prefilter
- Eliminates larger impurities, filtering out particles larger than 1 micrometre, enhancing water quality significantly.
- Stage 2: Granular Activated Carbon Filter
- Traps pollutant molecules, particularly effective against chlorine and other contaminants larger than 0.5 micrometres, improving taste and odour.
- Stage 3: Thin Film Composite Reverse Osmosis Membrane
- Utilizes an ultra-fine membrane (0.005 micrometres) for reverse osmosis, ensuring exceptional purification by blocking even the smallest impurities.
- Stage 4: Prolonged Contact Time Filter
- Further filters water, neutralizing pH and ensuring it reaches the ideal level of 7 for optimum health.
- Stage 5: Carbon Polishing Post Filter
- Provides a final touch, enhancing the taste and smoothness of the water before it reaches the tap, making it more enjoyable to drink.
Each of the five stages works together to ensure your water is free from dissolved solids, metals, chemicals, and chlorides, guaranteeing its cleanliness, purity, and safety for drinking.
Berkey Water Filters
Although a rather slow process, we can convert rainwater into everyday drinking water that we use for cooking and drinking. Our Berkey water filter uses gravity to force water through specially designed charcoal filters for purity. The Black Berkey purification elements utilise a blend of over half a dozen media types to create a fine matrix with millions of micro-fine pores. These pores are too small for pathogens, cysts, parasites, sediment, and minerals to pass through. The elements both absorb and adsorb contaminants, and heavy metal ions are extracted through an ion exchange process. Additionally, the design of the Phoenix Filter Elements ensures that water molecules spend several minutes passing through, allowing for greater removal of contaminants compared to other filtration systems, where molecules pass through in microseconds.
The Berkey filters last up to 11 years and can filter 4 litres of water in under 2 hours. With a reasonable upfront cost, I feel this system is an essential element in our off-grid goals. Should our mains water ever be unavailable, we know we still have access to clean, fresh drinking water, whatever the situation.
Water Distiller
A water distiller is another option for water purification. They are used to purify water by boiling it and then condensing the steam back into liquid form. This process effectively separates contaminants, minerals, and other impurities from the water, producing clean and purified water suitable for drinking and other household uses. The distillation process removes various contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals, and other impurities, resulting in high-quality, purified water.
Our system is small but can convert dirty water into its purest form which is then suitable for drinking or cooking. It’s another process that is quite slow, taking 4 hours on average to distil 4 litres of water. It’s possible to add water from most sources which makes this a great option for off-grid living. The only caveat is the need for a reasonable amount of electricity, which is where our solar panels play their part.
Further Water Filtration Systems for your Consideration
Whilst I have selected the above three water filtration designs for my off-grid life there are some more worth looking into. Consider these for your own personal application:
- UV Water Purifiers: UV water purifiers use ultraviolet light to deactivate harmful microorganisms present in water, making it safe for consumption. These systems are effective against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, providing an additional layer of protection against waterborne diseases in off-grid environments.
- Ceramic Water Filters: Ceramic water filters are porous filters made from natural materials like clay. They effectively remove sediment, bacteria, and protozoa from water through physical filtration. Ceramic filters are durable, easy to clean, and do not require electricity, making them suitable for off-grid settings.
- Activated Alumina Filters: Activated alumina filters are effective at removing fluoride and arsenic from water. These filters use a porous material made from aluminium oxide to adsorb contaminants, providing clean and safe drinking water in areas where these specific contaminants are a concern.
Each of these water filtration systems offers unique advantages and can be tailored to suit the specific needs and preferences of off-grid households, providing reliable access to clean and safe drinking water regardless of external conditions.
Conclusion
Our off-grid journey epitomises self-sufficiency, sustainability, and harmony with nature. From solar energy to a log-burning stove, each choice reflects our commitment to alternative solutions. Ensuring access to clean water is central to our lifestyle. Through careful selection of filtration systems like reverse osmosis, Berkey, and distillation, we’ve secured pristine water essential for health.
As we navigate off-grid living, we recognise our actions’ environmental impact. Each decision, from energy use to water filtration, resonates with sustainability in mind. Our goal is a positive legacy for future generations, founded on resilience and respect for the Earth.
In the end, our journey isn’t just about disconnecting from modernity—it’s about reconnecting with nature, living in harmony with our environment, and embracing a lifestyle that honours our planet’s resources.
