Cleaning Polluted Water In Oxygen: Not Included Tips And Tricks

Polluted water is a common issue in the space-colony simulation game *Oxygen Not Included*, and it can cause a lot of headaches for players if not managed properly. It is the most common naturally occurring liquid on most asteroids, especially in the Swamp Biome, and it can be created by a variety of sources, including duplicants, algae distillers, lavatories, and showers. This water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, making your duplicants sick, and it can also pollute clean water sources. However, it can also be a valuable resource if utilized correctly. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to deal with polluted water, including methods for purification, storage, and utilization as a resource.

Use a Water Sieve to purify polluted water

The Water Sieve is a plumbing building in Oxygen Not Included that is used to produce clean water from polluted water. It is a very helpful building as water is a very important resource. It can process up to 3 tons of water per cycle, supplying 300 combined lavatory and sink uses or 100 shower uses.

To use the Water Sieve, you need to supply it with a filtration medium, such as sand, and receive polluted water in a liquid pipe on its input port. The Water Sieve will then output clean water to the liquid pipe on its output slot. Polluted dirt is a by-product of the filtering process and will need to be removed by duplicants and taken to the compost. It is important to note that the Water Sieve does not kill germs, so separate sieves should be used for filtering main water supplies and wastewater.

The Water Sieve is particularly useful for operating structures like the Carbon Skimmer or the Lavatory, as it allows the use of polluted dirt or filtration media, which are more abundant, instead of clean water. It is required to make use of the polluted water found in the Swamp Biome and to utilise the water in any of the starting biomes.

Overall, the Water Sieve is an essential tool for purifying polluted water and maintaining a stable water supply in Oxygen Not Included.

Prevent off-gassing by capping with clean water

Polluted water is a common issue in the game Oxygen Not Included, and it can cause a variety of problems for players. Polluted water is any water that contains waste and is often found in the Swamp Biome or created when duplicants do not reach a toilet in time. This water can be a source of polluted oxygen, which is a toxic gas that can be harmful to your colony.

One effective way to deal with polluted water is to prevent it from off-gassing polluted oxygen in the first place. This can be done by capping the polluted water with a layer of clean water. Polluted water with a layer of clean water on top generates zero polluted oxygen. This method is often referred to as "capping" the polluted water.

To cap polluted water, players can use a Bottle Emptier to release clean water on top of the polluted water source. This prevents the polluted water from coming into contact with oxygen and releasing polluted oxygen. The clean water layer acts as a barrier, inhibiting the growth of microbes and preventing the spread of pollution.

It is important to note that simply capping the polluted water with clean water does not purify it or remove any germs that may be present. The polluted water is still contaminated and can infect other sources of clean water if not properly managed. However, by preventing off-gassing, players can buy themselves some time to deal with the polluted water without the immediate risk of polluted oxygen spreading throughout their base.

Additionally, players can use other methods to manage polluted water, such as storing it in a separate pit or basin, using deodorizers to clean the air, or purifying it with a Water Sieve or Water Purifier. These methods can help players deal with the polluted water and prevent it from causing further issues in their colony.

Use deodorizers to prevent polluted oxygen

Polluted water is a common issue in the game Oxygen Not Included, and it can be challenging to manage, especially in the early stages of the game. Polluted water, previously known as contaminated water, is water that contains waste and can be infected with germs, which will multiply in it. This polluted water will continually convert its mass into polluted oxygen, which can then infect the surrounding air and create even more issues.

One effective strategy to address this problem is to use deodorizers to prevent the spread of polluted oxygen and the resulting contamination. Deodorizers are buildings that can be constructed to reduce the threat of infection by purifying polluted oxygen in their vicinity. They are especially useful near structures that produce polluted oxygen, such as outhouses and wash basins. Deodorizers have a range of two tiles, and they can collect polluted oxygen from both sides of walls, making them highly effective at cleaning the air.

To function, deodorizers require a filtration medium such as sand, which needs to be periodically refilled by duplicants. They also consume a minimal amount of power, only 5 Watts, making them an energy-efficient solution. Deodorizers are an excellent option for cleaning pockets of polluted oxygen found outside your base, and the resulting clean gas can be transported back to your colony via gas pipes and pumps. This process produces clay, which is a valuable resource for ceramic production.

It is important to note that deodorizers do not remove germs from the air, but the germs will eventually die off once the oxygen has been cleaned. Additionally, while deodorizers can be used to convert polluted water into oxygen, this process is very slow and should not be relied upon as your primary source of oxygen. However, it can be a useful supplementary method to generate oxygen while also producing valuable clay.

Store polluted water in a cavern or reservoir

If you're playing Oxygen Not Included, you'll likely encounter pockets of polluted water around your base. While it may be tempting to dig into them, it's essential to manage this polluted water to prevent it from causing issues for your Duplicants. One effective strategy is to store polluted water in a cavern or reservoir, isolating it from your base and preventing contamination. Here's a detailed guide to help you with this approach:

Choosing a Storage Location:

Firstly, decide whether you want to use a natural cavern or a carved-out reservoir. A cavern can be a convenient option if you lack the resources or time to create a custom storage space. Look for a cavern that is away from your base and critical systems to minimize the risk of accidental contamination. If you opt for a reservoir, choose a location that is easily accessible but separate from your main base. This could be a carved-out section of your asteroid or a designated storage room with proper containment measures.

Transporting Polluted Water:

Now that you've identified your storage location, it's time to transport the polluted water. If you have small amounts of polluted water, consider using pitcher pumps and bottles to manually transport the water to your storage area. This method is useful when dealing with isolated pockets of polluted water or when it's not feasible to set up complex plumbing. For larger volumes, you'll need to set up a piping system. Use liquid pumps to draw the polluted water and direct it through pipes to your cavern or reservoir. Ensure your pipes are properly sealed to avoid leaks and potential contamination along the way.

Containing and Isolating:

Once the polluted water is in your chosen storage location, take measures to contain and isolate it. This is crucial to prevent accidental spills or contamination of nearby areas. Install walls or barriers around the reservoir to contain the water and protect the surrounding environment. Additionally, consider using pumps or other mechanisms to control the water level and prevent overflow. If you're storing the polluted water in a cavern, ensure that the entrance is sealed or covered to avoid unwanted access or spills.

Long-Term Maintenance:

Storing polluted water in a cavern or reservoir is a temporary solution, and long-term maintenance is necessary. Regularly check your storage area to ensure there are no leaks or signs of degradation. Over time, polluted water emits polluted oxygen, which can accumulate and become an issue. Consider using deodorizers or air scrubbers near your storage location to mitigate the buildup of polluted oxygen. Additionally, if you're storing the water for an extended period, periodically test and treat it to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or germs.

Remember, while storing polluted water in a cavern or reservoir is a practical short-term solution, it's important to have a long-term plan for dealing with polluted water. This could include purifying the water using water sieves, utilizing it for irrigation or coolant purposes, or finding other creative uses to benefit your colony in Oxygen Not Included.

Use as a coolant or for irrigation

Polluted water can be used as a coolant or for irrigation in Oxygen Not Included.

As a Coolant

Polluted water is a valuable resource and can be used as a coolant before acquiring super coolant. It is a better coolant than pure water due to its wider temperature range of about 40 degrees. This means that it takes more energy to heat it up, making it a great coolant. It can be used in cooling loops, where the water is looped back through the same set of pipes repeatedly. This means that the amount of polluted water used is relatively small.

For Irrigation

Polluted water can be used to irrigate certain plants. It can also be piped into a water sieve and purified into regular water, although this does not remove any germs present. The purified water can then be used for plants that require clean water.

Dealing with Polluted Water

Polluted water can be dealt with in several ways. One method is to use a bottle emptier to transfer the water from wash basins into a hole where CO2 accumulates. As long as the polluted water does not come into contact with oxygen, it cannot spread into the oxygen supply. Another way to prevent the spread of polluted water is to create a small basin with a bottle emptier and an airlock outside your base, with a ladder, a hatch, and outhouses. Additionally, to prevent the release of polluted oxygen, a layer of clean water can be dumped on top of the polluted water.

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