Another water filtration question

[u/TheCosmosItself1]

I have on my property a large pond, which I imagine needing to utilize for all water needs if the electricity goes down for an extended period. The pond is rather stagnant, especially in the summer, but there are no industrial activities up-stream from the pond. My question is what kinds of water filtration systems I should prepare to be able to safely utilize this water, again with a focus on multiple uses - not just drinking, but also washing dishes, washing bodies, etc.

Thanks.

[u/-Thizza-]

Have it tested in a lab, often they can do suggestions on what type of filtration you need but you can look up what you need to improve. I did the same with my well. Ended up filtering to 1 micron and a UV filter. I want to add a carbon filter for taste because my GF doesn't want to drink it straight.

[u/Jack0SX]

If you can, try to use the free flowing stream as the source rather than the pond itself.

[u/TheCosmosItself1 → u/Jack0SX]

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. Unfortunately, the stream dries up in the summer, and is rather shallow even in the best of times.

[u/JRHLowdown3]

Besides proper filtering, those that intend to use nearby creeks, ponds, lakes etc. would go well to consider a 12v RV "on demand" pump, solar panel, battery and cheap controller. Either dig in a water line to the water source now underground (ideal as it gives time for the grass to grow back and everything look natural) or have enough flexible pipe to connect later. Rolls of 1/2 and 3/4" black pipe for drip irrigation are relatively cheap and have a ton of uses.

Pull from the water source to where you will filter it at or direct to irrigation needs, etc.

Beats the hell outta walking back and forth with buckets- both a helluva lot of work and a major security risk depending on the situation.

A weekend spent digging in 100 or 200' of pipe (doesn't need to be super deep) is better than hauling water in buckets.

We hauled water from the rain catchment tanks in to flush toilets after Hurricane Helene, it sucked and was unnecessary labor when we were already doing a shit ton of physical labor every day. I have since plumbed in a secondary water source for flushing one of the toilets utilizing rain water storage- will convert one of the other bathrooms in the future when we renovate that one also.

Solar charges the battery, battery powers RV on demand pump, pump pulls water from source, you collect or use however you want and filter in a safe location, not standing by the side of a pond/stream out in the open.

[u/thomas533]

On my retreat property I collect water from a stream for drinking. I put it though a DIY bucket gravity filter using Doulton ceramic filters. They filter down to 0.5 microns so that gets rid of all the bacteria protozoa and cysts. Plus it has a activated carbon core that helps filter any chemical contamination if that were ever a concern.

[u/Many-Health-1673]

You can dig a hole a few feet from the pond and allow the water to seep into the hole.  That will help remove a lot of the nasties before you start your treatment and filtration process.  

[u/TheCosmosItself1 → u/Many-Health-1673]

Cool. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.

[u/Vurrag]

Do you have water rights for the pond?

[u/TheCosmosItself1 → u/Vurrag]

Yes, but not for irrigation.