Water Treatment

Many communities have a reliable supply of surface water, such as a nearby spring, stream, river, pond or lake, but that water is usually so contaminated with human or animal waste that it is not safe to drink.

There are numerous methods for removing bacteria, parasites, or harmful chemicals from drinking water. To be sustainable, the method that is employed must be appropriate for the community. Some water treatment systems require electricity or a source of chemicals, while others depend on complicated manufacturing procedures or involve frequent maintenance. Only a few water treatment methods are appropriate for a poor village without electricity.

Even a well-designed treatment system that is technically appropriate for a particular community will fail if the people of that community have not taken ownership of the project. And for that treatment system to be sustainable, some means of financing its operation and maintenance must be established within the community.

Biosand filters are very effective at reducing the concentration of disease-causing organisms and even some harmful chemicals.

Lifewater uses the biosand filter design that was invented by Dr. David Mantz and which has been refined by the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (www.CAWST.org). This filter has been promoted by many development organizations and is being used around the world.

The filter consists of a concrete vessel that is filled with sand. The outlet is arranged so that the top of the sand is always covered with water. The “biological layer” that develops in this moist environment contains organisms that feed on harmful bacteria. The filter only needs maintenance when the biological layer becomes too thick. The biosand filter is made from common, locally-available materials and is very easy and inexpensive to construct. It is an appropriate technology around which a small business can be developed.

This program is implemented by Lifewater’s volunteer field trainers and staff for the purpose of building the capacity of our national partners. For information on US-based training opportunities in this program area, see our Stateside Training section.

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