By Tina Winterlik | Zipolita | Adventurez In Mexico Blog
In the beautiful, wild heart of Zipolite—especially in Playa del Amor—many of us know the struggle to get clean water. Whether you’ve lived through hurricanes, fires, or just high rent from expensive water delivery, you know how precious every drop is.
But what if I told you that over 2,000 years ago, the ancient Maya invented a system to purify water using volcanic stones—and we can do the same today?
As I prepare to return to Zipolite this September, I’ve been researching how we can create simple water filters using local materials—things like lava rock (zeolite), sand, and charcoal. These materials can turn rainwater or tinaco water into clean, drinkable water—without needing to buy plastic garrafones or spend hundreds of pesos on deliveries.
How It Works
- Rainwater collection (from roofs or tarps)
- A simple gravity-fed filter made of gravel, sand, volcanic rock, and charcoal
- Then solar disinfection (leave the water in clear bottles in the sun), or boil it
Why Build This in Zipolite?
- Lots of rain from June to October = free clean water
- Volcanic rock is available in Oaxaca and often sold as garden rock
- It’s healthier and cheaper than bottled water
- Less plastic. Less cost. More dignity.
How to Build It at Home
- 2 large buckets or clay pots
- Gravel, lava rock (zeolite), sand, and charcoal
- Drill drainage holes or ask a friend with tools
- Optional spigot or tap
I'll soon share an illustrated guide in Spanish to show each step. You can build it with neighbors or friends as a community effort.
How to Make Sure It’s Safe
- Filter first, then disinfect
- Boil the water, or
- Use the SODIS solar method: 6 hours in clear plastic bottles under full sun
- Optional: Use Microdyn or SafeHome test kits
I Want to Help in Person
When I return to Zipolite in September, I’d love to help build some of these filters—especially in Playa del Amor, where access is harder and delivery is expensive.
Resources & Links
- Smithsonian – Maya Water Filtration
- Manual: Captación de Agua de Lluvia (PDF - Cántaro Azul)
- SODIS – Solar Water Disinfection Method
- Safe Home Water Test Kits
Let’s Share and Connect
Please share this post with friends in Oaxaca or Zipolite who could benefit from a cleaner, more affordable water system.
Message me or follow me on Facebook: facebook.com/zipolita
¡Nos vemos pronto!
Tina Winterlik / Zipolita
