A consolidated reply of experiences and examples shared by various members of the Solution Exchange Water Community
Compiled by G. Padmanabhan and Nitya Jacob, Resource Persons and Nupur Arora and Ramya Gopalan, Research Associates with additional support from Sarah Figge, Editor
Issue Date: 9 September 2008
Moderators Note: Dear Members, we are sharing with you the Consolidated Reply of the Urgent Query on Water Purification Technologies for Flood Affected Bihar. We have received more than 65 responses, covering around 35 technologies, 25 experiences and 100 recommended resources. This is a true reflection of the wealth of knowledge residing in a community like ours, our willingness to share the knowledge, and timely networking to meet urgent needs on the ground. Despite being busy with relief work in Bihar and other parts of the country that are facing floods, you took time out to share your knowledge and we sincerely thank all the members who have contributed to this discussion. As part of ongoing critical efforts, many members have already used the information and contacts emanating from this discussion. We will get this Consolidated Reply translated and printed for wider dissemination. We would also like to thank Mr. H.S. Brahma, National Disaster Management Authority for highlighting this issue as a priority in Bihar , which prompted us to post this query. Please do continue sharing with us how you have used this Consolidated Reply in the field. Thanks.
Query:
From G. Padmanabhan, United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), New Delhi
Posted 1 September 2008
Floods that have displaced and stranded at least 2 million people in Northern Bihar continue to worsen. The flooding began last week when the Kosi River , known as the Saptakoshi in neighboring Nepal , burst its banks and changed course, inundating three of Bihar 's northeastern districts - Supaul, Madhepura and Araria - an area that has not been affected by major monsoon flooding in more than 50 years.
Because prolonged flooding is a rarity in the area, it has been difficult for authorities to convince most people to evacuate. The Prime Minister visited the affected areas in Bihar and declared Bihar floods as national calamity. He also announced an immediate release of Rs 1,000 crores (US$244 million).
As of 28 August the damage details in the state (Central government figures) are:
Population affected: 2,668,000
No. of human lives lost: 47
No. of districts affected: 16
No. of villages affected: 1,598
The state government is engaged in rescue and relief operations and claims to have adequate food. However, the lack of adequate drinking water and the unhygienic conditions in the camps are posing a high health risk. The National Disaster Management Authority has therefore, expressed the urgent need of Water purification/treatment plants in large numbers to take care of the flood affected people both in India and Nepal.
In view of this I would request the members of Disaster Management and Water Communities to please share:
What experiences and information do members have using various water purification technologies, especially those that can be used in Bihar?
What organizations/individuals/service providers are you aware of who can be contacted to work with the Government of Bihar and other humanitarian agencies in the affected areas to install Water Purification/ treatment plants?
We will collate and share this information with the Government (GoI and Bihar), donors and humanitarian agencies so that they can contact the service providers directly.
We sincerely request you to come up and share your expertise at this much needed hour.
Summary of Responses
More than 65 members enthusiastically responded to the urgent query seeking experiences with water purification technologies for flood-affected Bihar. They shared information on a range of technologies viable for the current flood situation, listed organizations and service providers able to work in the region, and mentioned experiences using various water purification technologies.
Highlighting the importance of good water purification technologies during disaster situations, respondents shared experiences from other disasters. In Assam, during flooding the government used a mixture containing Ferric Alum, lime and bleaching powder to purify turbid water and in Gujarat, an NGO along with the People’s Health and Development Trust (PHDT) developed a low-cost concept called “Matka Filter” to filter water after the floods. In Kerala after the floods, technologies like Shock Chlorination, Shock Chlorination and Drip Chlorination were used.
Another experience, mentioned came from Madhubani District, Bihar where ION during the 2004 floods developed mobile Disaster Management Units for drinking water treatment to meet the critical need for safe drinking water. Also during the 2007 Bihar floods, CARE India supplied a water-purifying machine to affected areas, which had the capacity to purify between 1,200-1,500 liters of water every few hours. In addition members mentioned that Sodium Hypochloride Solution based technologies have worked well during previous floods in Bihar. After the Orissa Super Cyclone, organization helped communities to fit TERAFIL red-clay filtration discs to household containers to filter high turbid water.
During the Mumbai floods in 2007, the Bhawalkar Ecological Research Institute (BERI) used Biosanitizer technology to purify floodwater. In 2004, TATA Projects Limited successfully used mobile water purification systems (e.g. the reverse osmosis system) in Tamil Nadu after the Tsunami. Also after the Tsunami, WaterHealth installed water purification and filtration system, in conjunction with ultra violet light disinfection technology in Sri Lanka. They also took another initiative was taken up in Andhra Pradesh, where more than 200 systems were installed.
Additionally, in Barmer District, Rajasthan, NEERI provided Portable Instant Water Filter “NEERI-ZAR”, to convert the turbid and contaminated rainwater into potable water during the 2007 floods.
Discussants also listed experiences from across India where organizations have successfully set up water purification measures after the Tsunami and recent floods. The Indian Red Cross Society following the Tsunami and during the 2006 and 2007 floods, deployed 13 portable water treatment plants, some of which were capable of purifying a 100,000 liters of water per day. Wateraid in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu provided potable drinking water sources and sanitation measures, and in Bihar under its Disaster Preparedness in Floods Programme provided water filters to affected communities. In addition, the Aga Khan Development (AKDN), working in Tsunami hit areas and geographically vulnerable villages in Andhra Pradesh have developed a “Hollow Fiber Ultra Filtration Membranes Technology” that can easily purify surface water.
Other organization mentioned, included the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology, which as part of its technology information services developed water purification technologies to help disaster management and mitigation initiatives and the West Bengal Public Health and Education Department that has truck-mounted water treatment plants for treating floodwater, which it then distributes in plastic pouches in affected areas. They also noted the USAID-funded Point-of-Use Water Disinfection and Zinc Treatment project (POUZN) which is establishing commercially viable and scalable models for sustainable penetration of low-cost, high quality treatment methods among low-income communities. Also the Department of Science and Technology, Pune has developed Membrane Based Technology for purifying contaminated water.
Finally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has produced a list of technologies for the “Emergency Treatment of Drinking Water at Point-Of-Use.” They also noted that Pedal Gen, a Singapore based technology, reported success post Tsunami as it filtered water from ponds.
Along with sharing experiences, respondents discussed in detail several water purification technologies, they felt would be applicable to the current situation in Bihar. They also stressed the need to increase usage of PUR(R) Purifier of Water and Solar Disinfection (SODIS). They also mentioned about a new pump like gadget for purifying water available in the market
At the same time, discussants pointed out some challenges when using Point of Use technologies. They mentioned that these technologies often do not work for various reasons, such as being poorly made or inappropriate products, difficult or inconvenient to use, or not cost effective. Moreover, members felt emphasis must be on community mobilization, social marketing and behavior change, not products and technologies. Therefore, they stressed the need for a rigorous communication plan involving all partners in the communication loop, along with water purification technologies.
Additionally, members outlined the minimum standards that states can use for distributing water during emergencies and disaster situations. They also voiced concerns over the high risk of diarrhea and water borne diseases after floods disaster and suggested taking preparedness measures to prevent health and sanitation related problems. Here they recommended Calcium Hypochlorite for Diarrhoeal Outbreaks technology, which has been successful in previous disasters.
In the end, respondents expressed interest in taking the discussion a step further by looking at long-term drinking water supply schemes for flood-affected districts.
Recommended Tools and Technologies
Solar Disinfection (SODIS) (from Vishwanath Srikanataiah, Biome and Argyam, Bangalore; Anshu Sharma, SEEDS India, New Delhi; Zahir Abbas, United Nations Development Programme, Silchar; M. Manoj Kumar, Development Alternatives, New Delhi,; R. K. Rao, Samata, Hyderabad; Krishan Khanna, iwatch, Mumbai and Anurag Mishra, AED, Lucknow)
Process; Owned by Sodis Reference Center, Switzerland
Available at http://www.sodis.ch/index.htm; Eawag/Sandec, Ueberlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Duebendorf, Switzerland; Tel: 591-4429-77-39; Fax: 591-4-448-79-86
Virtually a no-cost process, involves putting contaminated water in closed PET bottles, and exposing it to sunlight for a few hours, works on heat as well as ultra-violet radiation
NaDCC Tablets (from Somnath Basu, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Guwahati
Tool; Available at Water Chem Laboratories, 11-6-652/1, 1st Floor, Red Hills, Hyderabad 50004 Andhra Pradesh; Tel: 91-040-3300428/6508696; Fax: 91-040-3300428
Produces NaDCC tablets, 33 mg tables can purify approximately 20 litres of non-turbid water, used by the Assam Public Health and Engineering Department
“Matka Filter” (Pot-Based Filter) (from Dipan Shah, Managing Coordinator, Society for Environment Protection (SEP), Chennai)
Tool; Contact: Mr. Dipan Shah, Managing Coordinator, Society for Environment Protection (SEP), D-2, Keshav Apartment, Memnagar, Ahmedabad - 380 052; Tel: (079) 6513 7987; www.sepindia.org
Method necessitates fixing a normal filtration candle to an earthen pot, and then boiled water is added for filtration.
Sinking Hand Pumps (from Atal Behari Sharma, Camp: Simrahi, Supaul; response 1) Technology; Contact: Atal Behari Sharma, Camp: Simrahi, Supaual at atalsharma@gmail.com
In cases where there are enough pumps in the flood affected area, it is one of the fastest and easiest way is to provide drinking water
Saree Method (from Zahir Abbas, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Silchar)
Process: Contact: Zahir Abbas, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Silchar at z.a.mazumder@gmail.com
Local method of purifying water used in Bangladesh, where people use a normal length saree, fold it into eight sections, put it on top of a vessel, and pour water through it into the vessel.
PUR(R) Purifier of Water (from Vishwanath Srikanataiah, Biome and Argyam, Bangalore )
Contact: the Procter and Gamble at http://www.pg.com/getintouch/index.shtml
Simple, cost-effective home-based water purification system that removes dirt and disease-causing pathogens from drinking water within minutes, comes in a sachet- simultaneously removes coagulation and turbidity and disinfects
From E. Mohamed Rafique, UNAIDS India , New Delhi
Shock Chlorination
Technology; Contact: E. Mohamed Rafique, UNAIDS India, New Delhi at emohamed.rafique@un.org.in
Method requires the addition of 5-10 mg/liter of chlorine powder, bleach or liquid bleach to water in a well and allowing it to remain unused for a few hours, the first water drawn from the well after the disinfection period must be discarded, subsequently normal water use can resume.
Pot Chlorination
Technology; Contact: E. Mohamed Rafique, UNAIDS India, New Delhi at emohamed.rafique@un.org.in
Bleach or chlorine powder and gravel mixture must be put in a chlorination pot (or a small container, with a few holes punched in it) and placed inside a larger vessel with holes in it- the chlorine is dispersed from the double-layered pot slowly and purifies the water.
Drip Chlorination
Technology; Contact: E. Mohamed Rafique, UNAIDS India, New Delhi at emohamed.rafique@un.org.in
Used for continuously flowing water bodies (i.e. a small stream), and requires a small check dam or bund to divert water through a pipe to a tank, which has a provision for overflow, then liquid chlorine in a plastic bottle is dripped via a needle submerged in the water tank (the chlorine flow can be regulated by a squeeze valve on its outlet.
Hollow Fiber Ultra Filtration Membranes Technology: (from K. Arup Kumar Patro, FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance India , Avanigadda, Andhra Pradesh)
Contact: Aquaplus Water Purifiers Pvt Ltd 4, Pragati Apartments, Lane No 3, Dahanukar Col, Kothrud, Pune 411038, Maharashtra; Tel: 91-20-25434133; sales@aquaplusltd.com; http://www.aquaplusltd.com/uv_unit.html
Can easily be used by communities during or after a disaster to purify surface water, because the instruments work with or without power and are user friendly.
Ozonation: (from Abhishek Singh, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Patna and Nimish Arora, Ion Exchange, Mumbai)
Contact: ION Exchange India Ltd., Tiecicon House, Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400011 Maharashtra; Tel: 91-22-3989-090; Fax: 91-22-2493-8737; hocro@ionexchange.co.in; http://www.ionindia.com/disaster.html
Used by the INDION mobile Disaster Management Unit (DMU) to treat any kind and quality of surface or high salinity ground water to produce drinking water conforming to stringent IS 10500 standards.
Pedal Gen: (from Muhammad Iqbal, Bio-Envoir Pte Ltd., Singapore )
Contact: Muhammad Iqbal, Bio-Envoir Pte Ltd., Singapore info@bio-envoir.com
Portable water filter, which filters and produces 1,500 liters of water every hour, can be continuously operated 24/7.
Purion (from Manish Kumar, Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), New Delhi )
Contact: National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008 Maharashtra; Tel: 91-20-25902000; Fax: 91-20-25902601 naa@ncl.res.in; www.ncl-india.org
Manual membrane-based technology requiring no energy and provides water free from biological contamination.
Calcium Hypochlorite: (from Somnath Basu, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Guwahati and Anurag Mishra, Academy for Educational Development (AED), Lucknow)
Contact: Somnath Basu, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Guwahati at sbasu@unicef.org and Anurag Mishra, Academy for Educational Development (AED), Lucknow at anuraganthro1@rediffmail.com
Used mainly to purify water for combating during diarrhea outbreaks in health camps.
Sand Filtration Technique
Contact: M. Manoj Kumar, Development Alternatives, New Delhi
Traditional technique used to arrest the pathogens, very effective in flood situations
Ceramic Filters
Contact: M. Manoj Kumar, Development Alternatives, New Delhi
Used mostly by communities in remote areas under various programmes
Halogen or Chlorine Tablets: (from Abhishek Mendiratta, Consultant, New Delhi)
Contact: National Research Development Corporation (A Government of India Enterprise), 20-22,, Zamroodpur Community Centre, Kailash Colony Extension, New Delhi 110048; Fax 91-11 -29240409/29240410/29230506; Tel: 91-11-29240401 to 29240408; write2@nrdcindia.com; www.nrdcindia.com
The household level and bleaching powder at source, residual chlorine in water after the disinfection can be checked with a chloroscope
H2S Vials (from Abhishek Mendiratta, Consultant, New Delhi)
Tools: Bacteriological Tester; Available at Development Alternatives; B-32 TARA Crescent, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110016; Tel.: 91-11-26890380; http://www.indiawaterportal.org/data/kits/h2s.html
These bottles that can check bacteriological contamination in water, by storing water in them for 16 to 24 hrs in the H2S vial bottles changes its color
Moringa Oleifera Seeds (from Raj Ganguly, ACDI VOCA, New Delhi )
Contact: Raj Ganguly, ACDI VOCA, New Delhi at rajganguly1@gmail.com
Cheap way to purify water, the seeds treat water on two levels, acting both as a coagulant and an antimicrobial agent.
Drinking Straw (from Ravishwar Sinha, Independent Consultant, New Delhi )
Contact: Ravishwar Sinha, Independent Consultant, New Delhi at ravishwar@gmail.com
Handy technique, and requires some suction, but make turbid water drinkable
Fuel Wood Ash (from Praveen Kumar Amar, Consultant, Disaster Management-Natural & Man Made, New Delhi)
Contact; Praveen Kumar Amar, Consultant, Disaster Management-Natural & Man Made, New Delhi at pkindconsul@hotmail.com
Water and ash are mixed and kept for two hours, then filtered- it provides safe water for consumption in emergencies
Portable Instant Water Filter “NEERI-ZAR” (from Prakash S. Kelkar, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur )
Contact: National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur
Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020 Maharashtra; Tel: 91-712-2249885-88; Fax: 91-712-2249900; ra_sohony@neeri.res.in
Way to rapidly treat water supply in unapproachable areas with no electric supply, provides onsite treatment to remove organic contamination, suspended solids and bacteria
Biosanitizer Ecochips (from Uday Bhawalkar, Bhawalkar Ecological Research Institute (BERI), Pune)
Tools; Contact; Uday Bhawalkar, Bhawalkar Ecological Research Institute (BERI), Pune) at bhawalkar@dataone.in
Dropped in floodwater to clean the connected water body, after using the chips water will be able to “self-settle” and the supernatant clear water can be safely consumed. Read more
Electrochlorinators (from Krishan Khanna, iwatch (www.wakeupcall.org), Mumbai)
Contact: De Nora India Ltd, Plot Nos. 184, 185 & 189, Kundaim Industrial Estate, Kundaim, Panjim, Goa; http://www.alibaba.com/member/in100335223/aboutus.html; http://www.titanor.com/
Works on solar power and use ordinary salt as raw materials
Filtration and Disinfection (from Taral Kumar, Akar Impex (P) Ltd., Noida)
Process: Contact: Taral Kumar, Akar Impex (P) Ltd., Noida at taral_kumarv@hotmail.com
Filters polluted river water and convert it to drinking water while removing the silt and sand and disinfecting it for making, it fit for human consumption.
Vani (from Rita Salva, Independent Consultant, Mumbai)
Process: Contact: Rita Salva, Independent Consultant, Mumbai at dr_ritasavla@yahoo.co.in
Traditional system followed by the Jain community, ash from firewood and cow dung are mixed with water and kept in the sun for 45 minutes, this acts as a catalyst to kill bacteria
Reverse Osmosis: (from Alinawaz, Focus Humanitarian Assistance India, Bhavnagar , Gujarat )
Process: Contact: By Alinawaz, Focus Humanitarian Assistance India, Bhavnagar , Gujarat at alinawaznanjee@gmail.com
Process where water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane by applying strong pressure, thereby only fine water molecules are allowed to pass through- all contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, herbicides, heavy metals and chemical poisons are removed
Using TERAFIL Red-Clay Filtration Disc (from S. Khuntia, Institute of Minerals and Material Technology, Bhubaneswar)
Tool: Contact; National Institute of Rural Development, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030, Andhra Pradesh, Tel: 91-40-24008522, Fax: 91-40-24015277, http://www.jalmandir.com/filtration/terafil/filter-disc.html
Disc is fitted with any household container to filter high turbid water, very effective
Zero-B Srijal Low-Cost Disinfecting Unit
Tool: Contact: Available at Ion Exchange (India) Ltd., Tiecicon House, Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400011 Maharashtra; Tel.: 91-22-39890909; Fax: 91-22-24938737; hocro@ionexchange.co.in, ieil@ionexchange.co.in;http://www.ionindia.com
Purifies water through a two-stage purification process and does not require piped water or electricity.
Zero-B Suraksha
Tool: Contact: Available at Ion Exchange (India) Ltd., Tiecicon House, Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400011 Maharashtra; Tel.: 91-22-39890909; Fax: 91-22-24938737; hocro@ionexchange.co.in, ieil@ionexchange.co.in;http://www.ionindia.com
Economical on-tap purifier based on the Zero-B resin technology, unit is simple, convenient and does not require electricity.
Jalshudhi Disinfection Capsules
Tool: Contact: Available at Ion Exchange (India) Ltd., Tiecicon House, Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400011 Maharashtra; Tel.: 91-22-39890909; Fax: 91-22-24938737; hocro@ionexchange.co.in, ieil@ionexchange.co.in;http://www.ionindia.com
Low-cost, easy-to-use capsules that remove soil sediments and bacteria to provide safe drinking water.
Membrane Filtration Based Water Purifier (from (from Krishnan S. Raghavan, Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), New Delhi)
Tool: From Krishnan S. Raghavan, Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), New Delhi at krishnan@apctt.org
Requires no electricity, and can be set up in 10 minutes even in the remotest areas- cleans water of suspended particulate matter, bacteria and harmful viruses
Common Biosand Technique (from M. Jahangir, Drinking Water-Pakistan, Islamabad )
Contact: Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology; Box #12, 2916 5th Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Tel.: 01-403-2433285; Fax: 01-403-2436199; cawst@cawst.org; http://www.jalmandir.com/filtration/biosand/biosand-filters.html
With a little pretreatment of Pot: Al Sulphate (Phatkry) and settling time, before feeding to the sand filter, this method is tried in earthen long pitcher
Comparative Experiences
Assam
Use of Ferric Alum, Lime and Bleaching Powder (from Somnath Basu, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Guwahati; and Hitesh Chakravorty, District Elementary Education Office, Hailakandi, Assam)
During the Assam floods the PHED, Government of Assam pursued a water purification methodology. The 100 gms sachet used contained Ferric Alum, Lime and Bleaching Powder and each packet purified approximately 20 litres of turbid water. Ferric Alum, Lime and bleaching powder are contained in small packets separately in powder form. Space is also arranged for in advance to grind the Ferric Alum & Lime.
Bihar
Water Purifying Machine used in 2007 Floods (from C. Balaji, CARE, New Delhi)
GE Company gifted a water purifying machine to CARE India during 2007 Bihar floods, with capacity to purify about 1200-1500 litres of water every few hours. However capacity to filter water came down by about 20% after a few weeks as the filters were clogged. The filter machine, mounted on an auto-rickshaw type vehicle, was taken around village by village, serving the needs of 10,000 families and was very well accepted with no reported infections.
Mobile Water Treatment Units, Madhubani district (from Abhishek Singh, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Patna and Krishan Khanna, iwatch (www.wakeupcall.org), Mumbai)
INDION mobile DMU for drinking water treatment was developed to meet the critical need for safe drinking water during disasters. It treats any kind and quality of surface or high salinity ground water for drinking water of IS 10500 standards and consists of membrane processes and ozonation modules which can be used in combination. During 2004 floods, it was found to be compact, containerised and skidmounted allowing quick transport to affected areas.
Sodium Hypochloride Solution (from Anurag Mishra, AED, Lucknow )
This is a CDC approved product and a social marketing product by PSI, effectively used in Bihar floods. It is in the form of a liquid, packed in small plastic bottle, sufficient enough to purify about 1000ltrs of water. Although it cannot remove physical impurities, it can help in averting microbial contamination. The product cost about 10Rs for a household and lasts for 1.5 to 2 months. This has been taken up by rural communities in very positive ways.
Andhra Pradesh
Hollow Fiber Ultra Filtration Membranes Technology
AKDN is working in Tsunami hit as well as geographically vulnerable villages of Nagaylank Mandal frequently affected by cyclones and seasonal flash floods. Thus, to address the issue of fresh water availability, AKDN supplied this emergency water treatment technology in all operational villages in stock piles by village and by region. Communities use this system very easily to purify surface water during or post disaster and it can work without power.
Potable Water Purification Systems (from Sudesh Menon, WaterHealth India Pvt. Ltd, Secunderabad)
WaterHealth India provided more than 200 safe potable water purification systems in remote rural villages of Andhra Pradesh. The WaterHealth Centre is scalable and can provide water to communities with population varying from 2,500 to 10,000 people. Similar systems have been installed systems in Sri Lanka after the Tsunami.
Gujarat
Matka Filter Using Filter Candle
During Gujarat floods, SEP and PHDT developed a low cost concept called “Matka Filter” and fixed a normal filtration candle in the earthen pot. A common candle costs Rs. 50 to 75 per piece and whole assembly costs Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 and can be distributed widely on one per family basis. Normal water is boiled and then introduced into this pot. The making of this filter also provides a livelihood activity in itself.
Kerala
Shock Chlorination Method Used to Eliminate Threats to Water
This is a one-time addition of chlorine powder, bleach or liquid bleach to the water body done by adding 5-10 mg/liter to the water in a well and allowing it to remain unused for a period of a few hours. This is used in the remote hills of the state. The first water drawn from the well after disinfection period is discarded and normal use is subsequently resumed. Shock chlorination can eliminate transient threats to water quality.
Pot Chlorination Method to Purify Water
Used in the remote hills of the state, this includes a small container, with a few holes punched in it, filled with chlorine powder and gravel mixture and placed inside a larger vessel also with holes punched in it. The chlorine disperses from the double layered pot slowly, with the number and size of holes controlling the disinfectant dose and tailored to match a specific well, tank or water body volume and the withdrawal or run off rate from this water source.
Drip Chlorination Method of Flowing Water
The method, is used in hills where the water body to be chlorinated has a continuous flow like a running stream. A small check dam or bund diverts water to a tank, through a pipe. Liquid Chlorine is filled in the plastic bottle from which it can be regulated by a squeeze valve, on its outlet. Regular supervision, change of bottles and high costs were found to be setbacks.
Maharashtra
Rainwater Harvesting and Flood Control Using Biosanitiser, Mumbai
Soil has a built-in mechanism to restrict the entry of polluted water into groundwater. Soil, thus, can soak in just 10 mm/d of polluted water. Upon applying biosanitiser in the surface water pool, one can find that water starts penetrating much faster, up to 1,000 mm/d. This was used during the Mumbai monsoons which caused a deluge in the Powai-Vihar lake area thus enabling effective flood control, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
Orissa
TERAFIL Red-Clay Filtration Disc
This filter can be fitted with any household container for filtration of high turbid water. It was tested during the super cyclone period in the State and was highly successful in the effective filtration of high turbid water. It removed 99% of turbidity and 95% of bacteria in water during filtration.
Rajasthan
Portable Instant Water Filter, Barmer District
NEERI installed 100 units in the District’s flood affected remote areas in October 2006 to convert turbid and contaminated rainwater into potable water through onsite treatment. Performance of these units under field conditions was evaluated and opinion of local people was recorded. People using treated water from these units were very happy with the supply of water to inaccessible villages and quality of water produced by NEERI-ZAR units.
Tamil Nadu
Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Technology, Nagapattinam
TATA projects used this mobile water purifying vehicles during their relief operations in the aftermath of tsunami to purify saline water. They designed mobile water purification sytems, fitting the RO system in a vehicle, thus providing water to the affected villagers on emergency. 10'*12**10 space is required for mounting the R.O system for 1000/1500/2000 LPH (Litre per hour) capacity water purification plant.
Drinking water and Sanitation services
Water AID in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu provided potable drinking water sources and sanitation measures, and in Bihar under its Disaster Preparedness in Floods Programme provided water filters to affected communities in 5 districts before the floods. These filters can be given to all relief centres to get purified water. The water filters of Hindustan Unilever costs around Rs. 1800.
All India
Solar Disinfection a No-Cost Approach to Purifying Water
A virtually no-cost process of exposing available contaminated water in closed PET bottles (found in recycling and solid waste sector) to sunlight for a few hours. Bottles are kept on rooftops, and can be partly painted black to increase heat gain. If cloudy conditions prevail, exposure time is increased. However it does not remove chemical contaminants, is not fully effective in turbid water and requires investment in education for its promotion.
Membrane-Based Technology Removes Biological Contamination
National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, supported by DST developed this technology, Purion, which is membrane based. The unit is completely manual, requires no energy and provides water free from biological contamination. It is therefore unique and is used in flood conditions as well as in rural areas where electricity is unavailable and river water is the only source of drinking water.
Deployment of Portable Water Treatment Plants
The Indian Red Cross Society owns 13 portable water treatment plants of different capacities and deployed these units during disasters like the Tsunami, floods in 2006 and 2007 and in Jammu and Kashmir earthquake. Three of them are currently being deployed in Bihar . The water treatment plants purify 100,000 litres of water per day.
Pedal Gen Product Used in Tsunamis Affected Areas
A product from Singapore , reported success post Tsunami as it filtered water from ponds; water logged areas and delivered water immediately. It is portable, with or without a cycle, filters and produces 1,500 litres of water each hour with continuous operation. It does not need power nor chemicals or purificants, instead uses micro filters guaranteed to remove bacteria and viruses, and can be used continuously for three years without replacement.
Calcium Hypochlorite for Diarrhoel Outbreaks
Calcium Hypochlorite (65% - 70% active Cl) is used in case of diarrhoeal outbreaks for both water purification and hospital/ health camp management. A stock solution is prepared mixing 15 grams, i.e., 1 level Table spoon or 3 level Tea spoons of Calcium Hypochlorite - 70% in 1 litres of water. This stock solution lasts for about 1 month. For water purification 0.6 ml or 3 drops of the solution is mixed in 1 litre of raw water and is found very effective.
'PUR' Water Purifying Mixture
Available in sachets and marketed by P&G Markets through its social marketing unit-Peoples Services International; each sachet is sufficient to treat 10 liters of turbid water. PUR contains mixture of ferric alum and bleaching powder, as ready stuff tested and approved by WHO; and removes turbidity and deactivates all pathogens. It costs around Rs. 5 per sachet.
Zero-B Srijal Low-Cost Disinfecting Unit
Water passing through Srijal undergoes a two-stage purification process. First, a filter pad removes suspended dirt and mud, and then the water passes through a Zero-B resin chamber where harmful bacteria and viruses are eliminated. This unit does not require piped water or electricity and is used in rural and disaster affected areas.
Zero-B Suraksha Economical Tap Purifier
Zero-B Suraksha unit is an economical on-tap purifier based on the Zero-B resin technology. The unit is simple, convenient and does not require electricity. Thus, it is widely used in rural and disaster affected areas and also in urban households.
Jalshudhi Disinfection Capsules Easily Remove Sediment and Bacteria
These capsules are low-cost, and easy-to-use that remove the soil sediments and bacteria completely and provide a safe drinking water. Jalshudhi capsules not only effectively disinfect water but also purify muddy, turbid water. The capsules come in two capacities - Jalshudhi-01 can purify 1 litre of water and Jalshudhi-05 can purify 5 litres. The residual purifying effect lasts 48 hours.
Pump like Gadget for Purifying Water (from B. K. Khanna, Consultant for National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), New Delhi )
This was recently introduced in the market, similar to a cycle pump but shorter weighing less than 3 kgs. It has two pipes, one in the dirty water and the other in an empty bottle, or bucket. Once the top is pumped, drinking water comes in to the bucket/bottle. The smaller version costs about 12000/- and 50,000 litres of water can be pumped with one candle. Bigger versions and changes are also available thus ideal for a flood situation.
Recommended Organizations and Programmes
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), New Delhi
73, Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003; Tel.: 91-11-24690401/24691410; Fax: 91-11-24627521/24691410; newdelhi@unicef.org; http://www.unicef.org/wes/index_emergency.html; Contact Mr. S. N. Singh, UNICEF Bihar Office; Patna 8 Patliputra Colony Patna Bihar
Provided immediate assistance to ensure continued and effective functioning of water and sanitation systems during the Tsunami, followed by rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes
Assam Public Health and Engineering Department, Guwahati
Block B, Assam Secretariat, Dispur, Guwahati 781006 Assam; http://aphe.nic.in/calamityfr.htm
APHED with respect to ensuring safe drinking water to the flood affected population provides water treatment technologies during floods in Assam.
Aquaplus Water Purifiers Pvt. Ltd, Pune
4, Pragati Apartments, Lane No 3, Dahanukar Col, Kothrud, Pune 411038, Maharashtra; Tel: 91-20-25434133; sales@aquaplusltd.com; http://www.aquaplusltd.com/uv_unit.html
Manufacturers water purifiers based on ultra-violet technology at very low cost that can be deployed in home, including in disaster situations
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), New Delhi
Dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender
Ion Exchange India Ltd, Mumbai
Tiecicon House, Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400011 Maharashtra; Tel: 91-22-3989-090; Fax: 91-22-2493-8737; hocro@ionexchange.co.in; http://www.ionindia.com/disaster.html
Developed the INDION mobile Disaster Management Unit for drinking water treatment to meet the need for safe drinking water during disasters
WaterHealth, Secunderabad
No. 206, Ashoka My Home Chambers, 1-8-301, S. P. Road, Secunderabad 500003 Andhra Pradesh; Tel: 91-40-2789-0307/08/09; Fax: 91-40-2789-030; DPatnaik@corp.waterhealth.com; www.waterhealth.com; Contact Sudesh Menon
Focuses on providing safe potable water in remote rural villages and has installed more than 200 systems in villages of Andhra Pradesh and also in Sri Lanka
TATA Projects Limited, Secunderabad
Mithona Towers–1, Opposite Wesley Co-ed. Jr. College, Prenderghast Road, Near Paradise Circle,
Secunderabad 500003 Andhra Pradesh; Tel: 040-6623-8801; Contact: Mr. A. Venkateshwar, Vice President, Corporate Affairs Department; a.venkateshwar@tataprojects.com
Has designed mobile water purification systems i.e. the reverse osmosis system is fitted in a vehicle which can provide water to the affected villagers on emergency.
De Nora India Ltd, Goa
Plot Nos. 184, 185 & 189, Kundaim Industrial Estate, Kundaim, Panjim, Goa; http://www.alibaba.com/member/in100335223/aboutus.html; http://www.titanor.com/
Has brought to India, the latest technologies of the De Nora Group, Italy and has made Electrochlorinator that can be used for eater purification
International Federation for Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCRCS), New Delhi
1, Red Cross Road, New Delhi 110001; Tel: 91-11-23716441; Fax: 91-11-23717454; www.indianredcross.org
Voluntary humanitarian organization,owns 13 portable water treatment plants of different capacities and has been deploying these units in event of disaster like in Tsunami.
WaterAid, New Delhi
First floor, Nursery School Building, Gate No 1, C3, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070; Tel: 911146084433; http://www.wateraid.org
International charity working on addressing poverty issues by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education and is working on Bihar floods
National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune
Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008 Maharashtra; Tel: 91-20-25902000; Fax: 91-20-25902601 naa@ncl.res.in; www.ncl-india.org
Research, development and consulting organisation with a focus on chemistry and chemical engineering, has developed water purification technology called Purion.
Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110016; Tel: 91-11-26567373; Fax: 91-11-26864570; dstinfo@nic.in; http://dst.gov.in/
Coordinates India's institutes of scientific research and support cutting-edge scientific research and has developed water purification technologies for flood affected areas.
Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST), Canada
Bay 12, 2916 5th Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2A 6K4 Canada; Tel: 1-403-243-3285; Fax: 1-403-243-6199; cawst@cawst.org; http://wwwcawst.org
Provides technical training and consulting services and acts as a catalyst to make clean water and sanitation projects a reality for poor people in developing countries, including during disasters
Hindustan Unilever Limited, Mumbai
Hindustan Unilever House, 165/166, Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai 400020 Maharashtra; Tel: 91-22-39830000; Fax: 91-22-22871970; http://hul.co.in/brands/water.asp
Manufacturers many water purification products that can be provided in emergencies.
Development Alternatives, New Delhi
111/9-Z, Kishangarh, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070; Tel: 91-11-2613-4103; Fax: 91-11-2613-0817; tara@devalt.org;www.devalt.org
Promotes sustainable national development and livelihoods and can be contacted for support for water treatment plants for Bihar.
DHAN Vayalagam (Tank) Foundation, Madurai
No. 17, Vellai Pillaiyar Koil Street, S. S. Colony, Madurai 625010, Tamil Nadu; Tel: 91-452-2601673; Fax: 91-452-2602247; dhantank@airtelbroadband.in;
http://www.dhan.org/vayalagam/biosand_filters.php; Contact Ms. J. Kanagavalli
Promotes a filter developed by Canadian engineers, which removes most pathogens from water, such as bacteria, protozoa and viruses found in drinking water
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai
Trombay, Mumbai 400085 Maharashtra; Tel: 91-22-25505050; Fax: 91-22-25505151; http://www.barc.ernet.in/webpages/technologies/home.html
Developed several technologies for purifying drinking water, including removal of arsenic and fluoride
Eureka Forbes, Mumbai
Konkan Nagar Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. Prakash Narayan Kotnis Marg, Mahim (West), Mumbai 400016 Maharashtra; Tel: 91-22-2444-3436;support@eurekaforbes.com;
http://corporate.eurekaforbes.com/
Manufactures several water purification systems that can be used at the household level.
General Electric, India
http://www.ge.com/in/news/20061113_3.html; Contact Bhavani Giddu; Communications Leader; Tel: 91-9849201322; bhavani.giddu@ge.com
GE and Eureka Forbes have formed a joint venture to manufacture water treatment systems based on GE's reverse osmosis technology.
Subhash Devi Membrane Filters (India) Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai
A-3, Saket, 45/1, Next to Patwardhan Baug, Karve Nagar, Pune 411052 Maharashtra; Tel: 020- 56241874; membranefilters@vsnl.net.in
Manufactures water treatment systems based on a membrane filter developed by the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune
National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur
Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020 Maharashtra; Tel: 91-712-2249885-88; Fax: 91-712-2249900; ra_sohony@neeri.res.in
Developed an instant portable water filter that can be constructed with locally available material and produce enough water for a household to drink every day.
Doshion Limited, Ahmedabad
No. 1015, 10th Floor, A-wing, ATMA House, Opposite Old RBI, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 380009 Gujarat; Tel: 91-79-26574377; Fax: 91-79-26574367; ahmedabad@doshion.com; http://www.doshion.com/
Providing water and wastewater management solutions to industry and public since 1977
Peoples Health and Development Trust, Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad; Tel: 9428503295, 9825455607; Contact Dr. Rajesh Mehta, Secretary
Currently working in Bihar to provide medical facilities, also developed the concept called “Matka Filter” (Pot based Filter) in collaboration with Centre for Environment Education.
Society for Environment Protection (SEP), Ahmedabad
D-2, Keshav Apartment, Memnagar, Ahmedabad 380052 Gujarat; Tel: 079-6513 7987; www.sepindia.org
Multi-disciplinary youth organization based at Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India), working towards inculcating a sense of Environmental Responsibility among citizens.
CARE International, United Kingdom
10-13 Rushworth Street, London , SE1 0RB , United Kingdom ; Tel.: 44-0-207-934-9334; Fax: 44-0-207-934 9335; http://www.careinternational.org.uk/Water+and+sanitation+95.twl
Involved in the Tsunami Recovery Program of Aceh Province , Indonesia with water and sanitation as a priority, working on suitable sewage disposal and safe sanitation systems
Recommended Contacts and Experts
Mr. Taral Kumar, Akar Impex (P) Ltd., Noida
Executive Director, Akar Impex; akarimpex@hotmail.com or akarimpex@gmail.com; www.akarimpex.com
Has created water purification technologies and can share type of systems that can be boat mounted to enable catering to a flooded area and provide relief.
Mr. Abhijit Datta, Chief Engineer (Sanitation), Public Health Engineering Department, Government of Assam
Tel: 09435014166
Knowledgeable on various water purification methods used the state PHED during the recurrent floods
Dr. Abhik Gupta, Reader, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar
Tel: 91-3842-270952/270824; abhik.eco@gmail.com
Experience using cost-effective and simple method of solar disinfection of water.
Mr. Eklavya Prasad, Megh Pyne Abhiyan, Patna
Maegh Pyne Abhiyan, Patna ; Tel: 9973969616
Have done rainwater roof water harvesting in Bihar with support from Arghyam, now in Bihar coordinating flood relief.
Recommended Documentation
UNICEF and Procter and Gamble Join Forces on Safe Drinking Water for Children
Article; United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF); May 2005
Available at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/25044.php
UNICEF and Procter and Gamble working together to provide safe water to schools, families in emergency situations and reducee exposure to arsenic-contaminated water.
Treating Water at its Point of Use
Article; World Business Council for Sustainable Development
Available at http://www.wbcsd.org/web/publications/case/png-pur.pdf (PDF, Size: 100 KB)
Explains a point-of-use (POU) model for treating drinking water, which is has low cost, immediately availability and easy to distribute, including in rural areas and after a disaster.
Photocatalytic Destruction of Water Pollutants Using a TIO2 Film in PET Bottles
Article; by Manuel Heredia and John Duffy; Energy Engineering Program, University of Massachusetts Lowell; University of Massachusetts; USA
Available at http://energy.caeds.eng.uml.edu/peru-07/173a.pdf (PDF Size: 50 KB)
Describes how solar disinfection is enhanced in PET bottles coated with a film of TIO2.
Solar Water Disinfection
Article; Wikipedia; 19 August 2008
Available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_water_disinfection
Provides an overview of the Solar Disinfection System for drinking water and has links to organizations working in the field.
Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage Following Emergencies and Disasters
Article; World Health Organization (WHO)
Available at http://www.who.int/household_water/resources/emergencies.pdf (PDF, Size: 200 KB)
Discusses ways to purify water at the household level during emergences, when safe drinking water may not be available
Solar Water Disinfection - A Water Treatment Process Used at Household Level
Pamphlet; eawag and SODIS; Switzerland
Available at http://www.sodis.ch/files/SODIS_pamphlet_e.pdf (PDF, Size: 356 KB)
Details SODIS – how it works, its limitations, its application, development and dissemination as a simple method to improve the quality of drinking water
Solar Water Disinfection- A Guide for Application of SODIS
Guidelines; SANDEC (Water & Sanitation in Developing Countries) at EAWAG (Swiss Federal Institute for Environmental Science and Technology); Switzerland; October 2002;
Available at http://www.sodis.ch/files/SODIS_Manual_english.pdf (PDF, Size: 5.30 MB)
Reference document for people interested in SODIS, contains information non-technical background and principles for the application of SODIS.
Point-of-Use Water Disinfection and Zinc Treatment Project
Report by Pratinidhi; Uttar Pradesh; July 2007
Shares progress of the AED/POUZN’s Point-of-Use (POU) Pilot Project in Uttar Pradesh, seeks to give conceptual insight into the water purification initiatives under the project
AED/POUZNs Pilot Project in Pictures
Picture Report; Pratinidhi; Uttar Pradesh; July 2007
Shares pictures of tools used and games carried out under the AED/POUZN’s Point-of-Use (POU) Pilot Project in Uttar Pradesh.
Flooding and Communicable Diseases Fact Sheet Guidelines; World Health Organisation; Switzerland
Available at http://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/ems/flood_cds/en/
The Flooding and communicable diseases fact sheet talks about Risk assessment and preventive measures both short term and long term.
Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water
Guidelines; U.S Environmental Protection Agency; United States of America
Available at www.epa.gov/OGWDW/faq/emerg.html
It provides information about quality of drinking water during emergencies and various disinfection techniques including chlorination, chemical treatment and boiling
How to Use Clorox Bleach for Emergency Water Purification
Guidelines; The Farm; Summertown Tennessee, United States of America
Available at http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/surv/bleach.htm
Documents details techniques like boiling and using Clorox bleach for water purification during emergencies
Matka Filter - A Low Cost Filter Concept
Article; by Dipan Shah; Society for Environment Protection
Pictorial article describes construction of a cheap water filter using a clay pot and a filter candle, which can be used during disaster situations.
Health Preserved by the Purest of Water
Article; Aquaplus Water Purifiers Pvt Ltd
Note outlines the range of ultra-filtration systems using hollow-fibre membranes that meet WHO standards for drinking water.
Moringa Water Treatment
Article; by Beth Doerr; ECHO; USA; 2005
Explains how moringa seeds can be used as a natural, free way to purify drinking water and removes suspended solids, and does not require power.
Water Clarification using Moringa Oleifera
Article; by Dishna Schwarz; Gate Information Service; June 2000
Testifies the use of moringa seeds as a natural coagulant for purifying water at household and community water treatment systems
Portable Instand Water Filter
Brochure; National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI); Nagpur
Describes the NEERI filter, made of local material and can be set up quickly and cheaply, to supply drinking water to households, including during disaster sitations.
Emergency Treatment Of Drinking Water At Point-Of-Use
Article; by Sam Kayaga; Water Engineering and Development Centre; United Kingdom ; July 2005
Available at http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/envsan/tn05/en/index.html
Outlines options for quick short-term measures to provide a safe survival level supplies of drinking water from polluted water sources
Water Clarification Using Moringa Oliefera Seed Coagulant
Article; by Geoff Folkard, John Sutherland and Rod Shaw; Water and Environmental Health; London and Loughborough; London
Available at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/well/resources/technical-briefs/60-water-clarification-using-moringa-oleifera-seeds.pdf (PDF Size: 256 KB)
Overview of the application of the seed Moringa oleifera, as a water purification solution, as opposed to using expensive chemical coagulants
Cleaning and Disinfecting Water Storage Tanks and Tankers
Technical Note; by Sam Godfrey; World Health Organization (WHO); United Kingdom ; July 2005
Available at http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/envsan/tn03/en/index.html
Outlines methods to clean and disinfect water tanks and tankers used for supply of water, and storage, in remote locations, including during disasters.
Rehabilitating Water Treatment Works after an Emergency
Article; by Brian Reed; World Health Organization (WHO); United Kingdom ; July 2005
Available at http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emergencies/tn06/en/index.html
Lists the steps for setting up and managing a water supply system following a natural or manmade emergency
How to Measure Chlorine in Residual Water
Article; by Bob Reed; World Health Organization (WHO); United Kingdom ; July 2005
Available at http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/envsan/chlorineresid.pdf (PDF Size: 165 KB)
Discusses the problems caused by microorganisms in water and how they can be removed by chlorination.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Boreholes in Emergencies
Article; by Sam Godfrey; World Health Organization (WHO); United Kingdom ; July 2005
Available at http://wedc.lboro.ac.uk/WHO_Technical_Notes_for_Emergencies/2%20-%20Cleaning%20and%20disinfecting%20boreholes.pdf (PDF Size: 680 KB)
Gives a 5-step approach to cleaning boreholes after a disaster, so they provide the same quality of water as they did before
Delivering Safe Water by Tanker
Article; by Bob Reed; WEDC; WHO; UK ; July 2005
Available at http://www.searo.who.int/LinkFiles/List_of_Guidelines_for_Health_Emergency_Delivering_safe_water.pdf (PDF Size: 780 KB)
Water delivery by tankers is an expensive proposition and requires an elaborate fleet of vehicles, water supply system and provisions to keep the supply chain clean.
Rehabilitating Small-Scale Piped Water Systems
Brief; by Sam Kayaga; World Health Organization (WHO); United Kingdom ; July 2005
Available at http://wedc.lboro.ac.uk/WHO_Technical_Notes_for_Emergencies/4%20-%20Rehabilitating%20small-scale%20water%20distributions%20systems.pdf (PDF Size: 632 KB)
Technical brief covers a process of rehabilitating small-scale piped water distribution systems after natural disasters
Minimum Water Quantity Needed For Domestic Use in Emergencies
Article; by Brian Reed; World Health Organization (WHO); United Kingdom ; July 2005
Available at http://wedc.lboro.ac.uk/WHO_Technical_Notes_for_Emergencies/9%20-%20Minimum%20water%20quantity.pdf(PDF Size: 517 KB)
Lays out a procedure to determine how much water is needed in habitations during emergencies.
Essential Hygiene Messages in Post Disaster Emergencies
Fact sheet; by Frank Odhiambo; WEDC; WHO; UK ; July 2005
Available at http://wedc.lboro.ac.uk/WHO_Technical_Notes_for_Emergencies/10%20-%20Essential%20hygiene%20messages.pdf (PDF Size: 682 KB)
Outlines some of the key activities necessary for dealing with hygiene promotion in post-disaster emergencies
Emergency Treatment of Drinking Water at Point-Of-Use
Technical Note; WHO; Technical Note for Emergencies; No. 5; Switzerland
Available at http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/envsan/tn05/en/index.html
About simple treatments, suggests quick short-term measures for safe survival level supply of drinking water from unsafe polluted water sources during emergencies
Cleaning and Disinfecting Wells in Emergencies
Technical Note; WHO; Technical Note for Emergencies; No. 1; Switzerland
Available at
http://www.searo.who.int/LinkFiles/List_of_Guidelines_for_Health_Emergency_Cleaning_and_disinfecting_wells.pdf (PDF, Size: 875 KB)
Outlines a five stage approach to cleaning and disinfecting wells after natural disasters to rehabilitate them so they produce water of a similar quality pre-disaster
How to Measure Chlorine Residual In Water
Technical Note; WHO; Technical Note for Emergencies; No. 11; Switzerland
Concentrates on the problems caused by drinking water contaminated by micro-organisms as these are by far the most common and can be reduced by chlorination
Rehabilitating Water Treatment Works after an Emergency
Technical Note; World Health Organization (WHO); Technical Note for Emergencies; No. 6; Switzerland
Available at http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emergencies/tn06/en/index.html
WHO has compiled of list of water treatment technologies, including those appropriate for use during floods
Water Purification Technologies
Information Sheet; by Krishnan S. Raghavan; 2008; New Delhi
Provides information on commercially available water purification technologies, along with contact details of the technology providers that can be utilised during disasters
NEERI-ZAR: The New Water Filter for Floods
Article; The Statesman; 20 August 2008
Available at http://www.idswater.com/water/us/water_treatment/3236/pressrelease_content.html
Note on how NEERI developed a water filter to provide potable water during disasters like floods
Household Water Treatment Options in Developing Countries: Solar Disinfection (SODIS)
Fact sheet; Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID; India ; January 2008
Outlines the Solar Disinfection technique and elaborates on the benefits, drawbacks, and appropriateness of the technique.
Household Water Treatment Options in Developing Countries: Flocculant/Disinfectant Powder
Fact sheet; Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID; India; January 2008
Outlines the water treatment technique using Flocculant/Disinfectant Powder Solar and elaborates on the benefits, drawbacks, and appropriateness of the technique.
Household Water Treatment Options in Developing Countries: Household Chlorination
Fact sheet; Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID; India ; January 2008
Outlines the Household Chlorination water treatment technique using and elaborates on the benefits, drawbacks, and appropriateness of the technique.
Household Water Treatment Options in Developing Countries: Ceramic Filtration
Fact sheet; Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID; India ; January 2008
Outlines the Household Chlorination water treatment technique using and elaborates on the benefits, drawbacks, and appropriateness of the technique
Manual on Community Management to Flood Management in India
Book; by Kamta Prasad; The Associated Programme on Flood Management; World Meteorological Organisation; Switzerland; January 2005
Available at http://www.apfm.info/pdf/pilot_projects/manual_india.pdf (PDF Size: 1.22 MB)
Explores using a Community Approach to Flood Management, and outlines the results of several pilot studies using this new approach in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.
Putting Technology to Work For India's Poor
Article; by Durga Chandran; Infochange India; August 2005
Discusses how the National Chemical Laboratory has developed a cheap water filter that has immense potential in disaster-struck areas.
Recommended Portals and Information Bases
Solar Water Disinfection, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
http://www.sodis.ch/; Contact Ms; Regula Meierhofer; Head of the SODIS Reference Center; regula.meierhofer@eawag.ch
Site contains information on improving microbiological quality of drinking water, using solar UV-A radiation and temperature to inactivate pathogens causing diarrhoeaea
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