How to Filter Lake Water for Home Use

If you own a lakeside home outside the reach of community water service, or simply wish to reduce water bills, it is possible to draw water directly from the lake for home use. This must be done carefully because lakes accumulate runoff, animal excretions and pollution from boats and machinery. Lake water is rarely drinkable without extensive filtration. Preparing it for home use involves installing a filtration system that removes chemical and biological contamination.

Things You'll Need

• UV treatment system
• Water filter

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Instructions

• 1

  Arrange for the local public health authority to test the lake water. Comprehensive testing identifies both chemical and biological contaminants in the water.

• 2

  Install a pipe running from the lake to your home. If this is uphill, you will need a pump at the bottom of the pipe to force the water up. The open end of the pipe should be as far out into the lake as possible; shoreline water is often brackish and might contain contaminants.

• 3

  Install a filtration system between the lake pipe and your home's water pipes. There are three basic types of filters: particle, activated carbon, and resin. Of the three, activated carbon filters are the most effective removers of organic contamination from the water. They pass the water through either a package or solid block of granulated, activated carbon. The solid-block variety is the most effective. Both types must be flushed daily with cold, treated water.

• 4

  Install a UV, chlorine or ozone treatment system between your filter and the home's water supply. Carbon filters remove organic contaminants and clear the water, but will not remove most bacteria and viruses. UV, chlorine and ozone systems are all effective against microorganisms. Installing it upstream of the filter is important, as UV filters require clear water. Chlorine also produces unhealthy byproducts if the water contains a great deal of organic matter.

• 5

  Arrange for the public health department to comprehensively test the water coming through your filters and out your pipes. It is essential to do this before drinking the water to ensure that your filters have removed all the harmful contaminants. Test your tap water regularly to ensure that your system is still operating properly. If a test shows elevated contaminant levels, immediately switch to bottled or boiled water.