Filtration Basics

• Filtered water is generally considered healthier than tap water because it has gone through an extra step in the filtration process. Filters like the ones manufactured by companies like Brita force the water through charcoal and grains that remove particles and alleviate ammonia. This can be done at home, however, by using a plastic tube like a PVC pipe and cap, a screwdriver, a coffee filter, some super glue and a bag of activated charcoal, much of which can be purchased at a pet shop.
  
  

Tubing

• Take the tube, with PVC pipe being recommended, and cut it down to your preferable size, but no less than three to four inches or so. Make sure both ends are exposed. Glue one end to the end of your faucet. Be sure to use a glue that is water proof, like silicone glue akin to the type used to construct aquariums.
  
  

Medium

• A small bag of charcoal like the kind found in pet stores should fit snugly up into the tube. Make sure it's secure and then turn the faucet on. Check the water; it should start out black and then gradually become clear, this is because the carbon dust from the charcoal must be rinsed out. Once the water's clear, stuff the coffee filter up into the tube underneath the charcoal bag.
  
  

Capping

• Using the screwdriver, twist into the plastic of the cap's surface and create a few holes. Finally, attach the cap to the PVC pipe, either by screwing it on or gluing it. You now have a homemade water filter.