What does a rainwater biofiltration system actually do?

A rainwater biofiltration system removes sediment, organic matter, odours, and roof contaminants from rainwater before it enters storage. It uses natural layers of sand, gravel, activated carbon, and biochar to improve clarity and protect irrigation equipment.

Is the system safe for garden and greenhouse irrigation?

Yes. The materials used, such as washed gravel, silica sand, activated carbon, and biochar, are safe for food-producing gardens. The system removes fine debris and helps stabilize stored water, making it ideal for drip lines and greenhouse watering.

Does the filter make rainwater drinkable?

No. A home-scale biofilter improves water quality for non-potable uses only. Treated rainwater is excellent for gardens, soil hydration, lawns, and greenhouse irrigation. Potable use would require additional treatment and certification.

How often do I need to maintain the filter?

Maintenance is simple. Monthly: rinse debris from the top layer and check flow. Seasonally: replace or recharge the activated carbon or biochar. Annually: refresh the top portion of the sand layer. This keeps flow steady and water cleaner during storage.

What size of storage tank works best with this filter?

The system pairs very well with 1000 litre IBC totes, small cisterns, or multi-tote setups. Larger greenhouses or gardens can add multiple filters or use a cascading arrangement for higher volumes.

Can this system be used year-round in Alberta?

Only if it is insulated and frost-protected. Most homeowners operate the filter during the warm season and bypass or drain it for winter. The Sustainable Life kit includes guidance for freeze-thaw conditions in Alberta.

Do I need special plumbing skills to build the filter?

No. The system is designed for everyday homeowners using common materials, basic tools, and standard fittings. The kit includes diagrams, layer depths, and step-by-step assembly and maintenance guidance.

Why does Sustainable Life recommend adding biochar?

Biochar significantly improves water quality by increasing microbial stability, reducing odour, and adsorbing organic compounds. It also supports soil health when used after filtration, which fits Sustainable Life’s circular, low-waste approach.

|Indoor Air Quality Basics for Healthier Sustainable Living

Part 1 — Clean Air Starts at Home

After our recent CRAZ Lunch & Learn on outdoor air quality, one thoughtful attendee asked an important question:

“What about the air inside our homes?”

It’s a fair question — and perhaps an even more personal one.

While outdoor air quality often gets the headlines, most of us spend the vast majority of our lives indoors:

sleeping, cooking, cleaning, heating, and raising our families.

The truth is:

The air inside our homes can sometimes be more polluted than the air outside.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters:

Common indoor pollutants include:

Dust
Pet dander
Smoke
Mold spores
Cleaning chemicals
VOCs from paints/furniture
Carbon monoxide
Radon

A Modern Paradox:

Today’s homes are often built to be more energy efficient…

But tighter homes can also trap pollutants if ventilation is poor.

This is where sustainable design and healthy living intersect.

LEED & Healthy Homes:

LEED encourages:

Better ventilation + safer materials + moisture control + occupant wellness

This means:

A truly sustainable home should conserve energy and protect the people inside it.

Simple First Steps:

Homeowners can begin by:

Checking furnace filters
Monitoring humidity
Testing for radon
Improving ventilation
Reducing harsh chemical use

Closing:

Clean air isn’t just an environmental issue —

It’s a household issue.

As we continue building healthier, more resilient communities, sustainable living starts not only outside our walls…

But within them.

INTERNAL LINKS:

EXTERNAL LINKS:

“Recommended Tools for a Healthier Home”

MERV filters
Air purifiers
Hygrometers
Radon kits

“Many people left our Lunch & Learn realizing that outdoor and indoor air quality can vary more than we assume. For those interested in going a step further, community tools like PurpleAir sensors can help residents better understand local air conditions, wildfire smoke, and particulate trends in real time. While not everyone needs their own monitor, awareness tools like these can be valuable for families with respiratory concerns or anyone interested in citizen science.” https://www2.purpleair.com/

Sustainability grows when we share it.

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Clean Air Starts at Home: Indoor Air Quality Basics for Healthier Sustainable Living