Start Date: 2009-09-01

Completion Date: 2009-10-31

Technology Used:

Pure Water for the World was approached by UNICEF to implement a bio sand filter project in this region. UNICEF conducted a local needs assessment to determine the solution which would be accepted by the community. The bio sand filter was the method that was selected.

PWW has found that the most feasible, effective and economic approach to improving water quality in developing countries is through household water treatment and safe storage. Specifically, they have found the bios and filter to be most suitable.

This approach is also endorsed by the World Health Organization :
A growing body of research suggests household water treatment and safe storage (HWTS):
1. dramatically improves microbial water quality
2. significantly reduces diarrhea
3. is among the most effective of water, sanitation and health interventions
4. is highly cost-effective
5. can be rapidly deployed and taken up by vulnerable populations.

This project will focus not just on HWTS but also hygiene education and sanitation. Recent studies show that “The most successful projects (measured primarily by time saved and health benefits to communities) focus not just on supplying water, but also on sanitation and hygiene, which often are more immediate causes of death or illness” . This will be a holistic project, targeting more than one type of improvement to further increase the health impact. This project will address water treatment via the bio sand filter, sanitation via latrines and hygiene via formalized hygiene workshops and the training of a hygiene committee.

The project is designed to be sustainable such that after project completion the benefits of the project will be ongoing without technical or financial assistance from outside of the community. Many aspects and components of the project contribute to its sustainability, including: appropriate technology, community ownership and involvement, extensive education of all beneficiaries, capacity building of community committees, etc.

PWW wanted to provide more than just clean water as improving health required sanitation and hygiene education. PWW added these critical elements to the project with UNICEF.

“Combating waterborne disease at the household level” (World Health Organization, 2007).

Oldfield, John. “Community-based Approaches to Water and Sanitation: a survey of best, worst and emerging practices.” Water Stories

Phases:

This is one project. The funding is split into parts. UNICEF provides the funding for the filters, buckets and parasite treatment. PWW raises funds the personnel, latrines, education and training as well as manages the project.

Community Organization:

We involve the community and families by hosting hygiene workshops. We also train community stewards to ensure that the filters and latrines are being used properly and who can maintain the filters and latrines.

Prior to the launch of the project, community leaders met to discuss the goals of the project and they provided their input. The final project was designed based upon their input.

Government Interaction:

None

Ancillary activities:

Other Issues: