Purifying Polluted Water In Oxygen: Strategies For Success

Polluted water is a common issue in the game Oxygen Not Included, and it can cause a lot of headaches for players. It is produced by various sources, such as lavatories, showers, and Algae Distillers, and can be a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to sick Duplicants. While it may seem like a nuisance, polluted water is a useful resource for irrigating certain plants and cooling machines. However, managing it effectively is crucial to prevent it from polluting clean water sources and emitting polluted oxygen. Players have come up with creative solutions, such as using a Bottle Emptier to store it in a CO2-filled hole or sending it to a vacuum space tile to be deleted. Others suggest filtering it through a Water Sieve to turn it into fresh water or using it in a Fertilizer Synthesizer to produce fertilizer and natural gas.

Use a water sieve to filter polluted water into regular water

Polluted Water is a common issue in Oxygen Not Included, causing negative effects on Duplicants and the water supply. It is important to manage this issue to prevent it from getting out of hand.

One effective method to address polluted water is to use a Water Sieve, which can filter polluted water into regular water. This process involves piping polluted water into the Water Sieve, which will then output clean water. The Water Sieve has a filtration rate of 5 kg/s of polluted water, requiring 1 kg/s of Sand or Regolith, resulting in 5 kg/s of clean water and 200 g/s of Polluted Dirt. It is important to note that the Water Sieve does not remove any germs present in the polluted water.

To avoid germ contamination, it is recommended to keep the water supply separate from the wastewater filtration process. Germs in the Water Sieve can multiply and spread to subsequent batches of filtered water. This is a concern if the polluted water is used for food preparation or consumed directly. However, using the water for plant growth or research eliminates the germs without causing harm.

The Water Sieve is a valuable building in the game, as it allows the colony to utilise structures like the Carbon Skimmer or Lavatory without directly consuming polluted water. It is also essential for making use of the water found in the starting Biomes. A constantly running Water Sieve can process a significant amount of water, up to 3 tons per cycle, which can supply a substantial number of Lavatory, Sink, and Shower uses.

While the Water Sieve is an effective tool for managing polluted water, it is just one of several strategies players can employ. Other methods include using a Bottle Emptier to store polluted water in an area where it cannot come into contact with oxygen, preventing the spread of pollution. Additionally, players can utilise natural solutions, such as trapping Hatches in a basin and pumping polluted water for them to consume and convert into coal.

Store polluted water under a layer of clean water to prevent polluted oxygen

Polluted water is a common issue in the game Oxygen Not Included, and it can cause a lot of headaches for players if not managed properly. It is a breeding ground for bacteria and will make your Duplicants sick, so it is important to deal with it effectively.

One effective method to prevent polluted oxygen from spreading into your oxygen supply is to store polluted water under a layer of clean water. Polluted water will sink to the bottom when pumped into the same reservoir as clean water, and as long as the polluted water is not in contact with oxygen, it will not spread. This means that with a layer of clean water on top, polluted water will generate zero polluted oxygen. This technique can be especially useful for players who want to store polluted water for later use, as it is a great coolant and can be used for irrigation and other purposes.

It is important to note that there are two types of polluted water: just polluted water and infected water. Water filters do not remove infection, so it is crucial to keep infected water separate from clean water to avoid contamination. Most naturally occurring and produced polluted water is not infected and can be safely stored using the method described above.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that while polluted water emits polluted oxygen, it only does so to the tile above it and not to any adjacent tiles. This means that spreading out polluted water tiles is more effective for producing polluted oxygen than stacking them. Polluted water in liquid reservoirs also does not emit any polluted oxygen, making it a convenient storage option.

By following these strategies, players can effectively manage polluted water and prevent it from causing issues in their bases.

Use a bottle emptier to store polluted water in a hole where CO2 accumulates

Polluted water is a common issue in the game Oxygen Not Included, and it can be a challenge to manage. One effective way to deal with it is by using a bottle emptier to store it in a hole where CO2 accumulates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

First, it is important to understand why this method works. Polluted water emits polluted oxygen, which can be harmful to your Duplicants and your oxygen supply. By storing the polluted water in a CO2-rich environment, you prevent the spread of polluted oxygen into your breathable air supply. The CO2 acts as a barrier, inhibiting the growth of microbes and allowing you to safely store polluted water.

To implement this method, start by designating a storage area for your polluted water. Dig a hole or basin in an area where CO2 accumulates, preferably away from your clean water sources. This hole will serve as your storage reservoir. Next, set up a bottle emptier near the hole and configure it to accept polluted water bottles. Duplicants will automatically empty polluted water bottles into the bottle emptier, which can then be directed into the reservoir.

It is important to note that you should only use the bottle emptier to dump the polluted water into the hole. From there, you will need a pump to get the polluted water into pipes for further use or purification. Additionally, make sure that the polluted water has no contact with oxygen, as this will defeat the purpose of storing it in a CO2-rich environment.

While this method effectively stores polluted water, it does not address the issue of germs or infection in the water. To deal with contaminated water, you may need to consider additional steps, such as using water purifiers or finding a steam geyser for an infinite supply of clean water.

By following these steps, you can successfully use a bottle emptier to store polluted water in a CO2-rich hole, preventing the spread of polluted oxygen and mitigating the negative effects of polluted water in your base.

Use polluted water to irrigate plants like Pincha Pepper, Thimble Reed, and the Arbor Tree

Polluted water is a common issue in the game Oxygen Not Included, and it can be a challenge to know how to manage it effectively. One strategy is to use polluted water to irrigate plants that specifically require this type of water. This includes plants like Pincha Pepper, Thimble Reed, and the Arbor Tree.

Pincha Peppers are great for improving the morale of your duplicants, especially when used in high-tier morale food and espresso machines. Domestic growth of Pincha Peppers requires 35 kg/cycle of polluted water. To ensure a steady supply of polluted water for your Pincha Peppers, you can set up an automation system. This involves using a tank of polluted water for your metal refinery, and once the water temperature reaches a certain level (55-70 degrees), you can pump it into a water sieve to cool it down. This method also helps to clean any food poisoning germs from the water.

Thimble Reed is another plant that can be grown using polluted water. It has the unique ability to grow underwater, but it still needs to be irrigated. A domestic Thimble Reed requires 160 kg/cycle of polluted water and takes 2 cycles to grow. You can shorten the growth time by placing it in a greenhouse, which also reduces the water cost. Thimble Reeds do not require solid fertilisation, making them well-suited for closed bathroom loop setups where they can feed on excess waste from toilets.

Arbor Trees are a third option for utilising polluted water. They can be planted in a planter box, farm tile, or hydroponic farm and require 70 kg/cycle of polluted water irrigation. Each branch of the Arbor Tree can be individually uprooted and regrown in a different location, and they produce lumber that can be harvested. It takes 4.5 cycles for a domestic Arbor Tree to grow to maturity and another 4.5 cycles to grow a set of branches.

By using these plants, you can make effective use of polluted water and ensure the growth of valuable resources in your colony.

Dig a basin, trap a hatch, and pump polluted water in for them to eat and turn into coal

Polluted water is a common issue in the game Oxygen Not Included, and it can cause several problems for players. It is created when duplicants don't make it to the toilet in time or through amenities such as lavatories and showers. It can also be a by-product of certain machines, such as the Algae Distiller and Algae Terrariums. Polluted water can have negative effects on duplicants, adding to their stress and making them sick. It is essential to manage it effectively to prevent it from spreading and causing further issues.

One creative way to deal with polluted water in Oxygen Not Included is to utilise the unique abilities of hatches. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Dig a Basin: Start by digging a small basin or reservoir to contain the polluted water. This basin should be located away from your clean water supply to prevent accidental contamination.
• Trap a Hatch: Find a hatch or two and trap them inside the basin. You can close up the basin, leaving only one ladder for access and adding a door to control entry and exit.
• Pump Polluted Water In: Set up a pump to transfer polluted water into the basin. The hatches will be able to consume the polluted water, so make sure to provide enough for them to eat.
• Mop Up: After the hatches have consumed the polluted water, quickly mop up any remaining water in the basin. Leave the hatches in the basin to finish their meal.
• Coal Production: The hatches will turn the polluted water they consume into coal. This coal can be a valuable resource for your colony, so be sure to collect it from the basin once the hatches have finished their business.

By following these steps, you can effectively dispose of polluted water while also generating a useful resource in the form of coal. This method can be particularly helpful in the early game when you might not have access to more advanced water purification technologies. It's a clever way to manage your resources and keep your colony running smoothly.

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