Vancouver potters and clay artists have been learning about exciting new uses for ceramic technology - ceramic water filters. These filters make clean water readily available to families in marginalized communities who draw their water from surface-influenced, contaminated sources. Many of these clay artists have generously contributed their expertise and time to take part in a unique exhibit entitled Footprints, which is being mounted in conjunction with the World Urban Forum. In the Footprints Exhibit at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Center , from June 14-26 th you can see these ceramic water filters and original, handcrafted water containers. They will be auctioned off with the proceeds donated to Potters Without Borders, a new Canadian non governmental organization. Potters Without Borders aims to provide socially responsible assistance to pottery groups and individuals in underdeveloped countries to help meet the urgent demand for clean water.       How do the filters work? Expert potter, ceramic technician and Potters without Borders representative, Burt Cohen made a special trip to Vancouver to introduce us to the concepts and construction process of the Filtron Water Filter. The ceramic water filters work on two levels. The clay is mixed with very fine sawdust. When the clay is fired and the sawdust burns out, the filter is left with tiny pores. The water passes through these pores very slowly and as it does, particles that may be floating in the water are unable to pass through the clay. This is called particulate filtering . The second way that the filters work is with the help of colloidal silver. After the filter is fired, it is dipped in a wash of colloidal silver. This silver actually bonds on a molecular level with the clay molecules. There are millions of tiny colloidal silver particles distributed throughout the filter. When the bacteria and microorganisms come in contact with the silver, they can no longer reproduce.   Home | Exhibition | Public Workshops | Water Filter Project | Public Dialogue | Nat Aboriginal Day | Contributing Artists | Media