The Water Organising Module (WOM), in my opinion, has always been a less than optimal part of current Earthship design. For one, when purchased from Taos it is expensive, especially given that the parts are generally available locally in most countries. The other is that it is incredibly noisy and most Earthships go to excessive lengths to (somewhat unsuccessfully) muffle the electric pump installed inside (the perfect amplifier that is) the WOM cupboard. But much respect where its due, as the functional capability of the WOM to provide potable rainwater to an Earthship is a brilliant cornerstone of Earthship design.
Therefore I was somewhat excited, when attending a Eco-Home Expo (yes more green-washing I know) to come across the Hynds Aquashield Max.
This self-contained Rain Water treatment system is a fantastic evolution of the WOM and here’s why:
Therefore I was somewhat excited, when attending a Eco-Home Expo (yes more green-washing I know) to come across the Hynds Aquashield Max.
This self-contained Rain Water treatment system is a fantastic evolution of the WOM and here’s why:
- The unit is in a waterproof (IP56) casing meaning it can be sited outside of the Earthship to provide maximum sound installation. Personally I think a small hutch cut into the bank at the back of the Earthship near the rainwater cisterns would be the ideal location.
- It has a 3 stage filtration system [20 Micron (polyester) +1 Micron (polypropylene) + UV filter & quartz sleeve]
- It is accredited to Potable water standards, so you don’t have to convince the world of its credability
- It has built in self-monitoring to ensure that the filter system remains operational and notifies you if its performance degrades
- It cost around NZD$4,500 (USD$3,380) as a unit ready to go and replacement filters and lamps are readily available
It’s shown above in its cutaway form, but the unit comes in its own weather proof case and is very tidy and self-contained. Hynds are a well-known New Zealand company that have been active in this field (and septic tanks) in the rural community for many years. I am sure there are, no doubt, similar units from other manufacturers and I will happily list them here as well.
You can’t beat …cool …clear …water!