Water classification system

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This is a post in the subseries category of the going-off-the-grid series of posts.

Whatever got me into this topic again?  Since yesterday, I've been cranking up my home made water filtration system that I tested back in October.  With that review, I can now come up with a system that should work out pretty well.

A key objective is to recycle water, perhaps any number of times.  A definite goal is to get down to maybe a couple gallons of water a day for myself, and then maybe the rest for my plants and critters.

One thing that I'm noticing is that my homemade system doesn't get from filthy to potable at all.  It can significantly upgrade from filthy, though.

A tentative classification system keeps that in mind.  Potable water doesn't need treatment.  It is Class 1.  Class 2 is rainwater and condensation water from dehumidifiers.  With some treatment, this may be upgraded to class 1 water.  Class 3 water is definitely not potable, but may be clear to very slightly cloudy.  Here's where the cutoff begins.  Class 3 water cannot be upgraded to class 2 through filtration.  In order to reclaim class 3 water to class 1 water, it must go through a distillation process.  Otherwise, it cannot be upgraded to even class 2, it must remain class 3 at best.  However class 4 can be upgraded to class 3 if it can be made substantially clear.  Class 4 must be at least partially clear.  When filtered, it may improve enough to be class 3 as mentioned.  If not, it remains class 4.  All other water is class 5, and is best characterized as filthy.  Class 4 water may be upgraded all the way to class 3 depending upon how well the filtration process works.

To sum up, only class 1 is potable.

Class 2 can be upgraded to class 1 if slightly treated.  Class 2 is as clean looking as Class 1, but may have some impurities and may not be free from pathogens.

Class 3 through 5 is water that is substantially degraded and must be filtered aggressively, but can never reach potable status again unless distilled.


How to use the classification system:

Class 1 is drinkable and can be used for everything.  However, it should be reserved for drinking and cleaning hands and face, food, dishes, or anything that comes into contact with something that can be ingested.

Class 2 can be used for washing the rest of the body, or be upgraded to class 1 as described above.  It can also be used for clothes, although that is probably better reserved for class 3.

Class 3 can also be used for washing the body, but not the face, nor the hands.  It must not be used for cleaning anything that may come into contact with anything that can be ingested.  It can also be used for washing clothes.

Class 4 is too dirty and shouldn't be used for anything, but can be upgraded.

Class 5 is filthy and must be either upgraded if possible or discarded.


My homemade system can get from class 5 to class 3.  The only way I can get to class 1 from 3 is to run it through a distillation.

Note:  I don't know how professionals do it, but this is how I'm doing it.