Hi everyone, I am part of Hope for Children team implementing Water & Sanitation project in Namuwongo slum (Kampala City, Uganda). The slum gets water from National Water & Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) which is inadequate. Over 60% of population directly reies on groundwater-based water source like wells. However, water quality tests indicate that the groundwater is contaminated by faecal and heavy metal (lead) contaminants. Lead concentration range from 0.1 - 0.2 mg/l whereas 0.05 mg/l is the maximum permissible value. Therefore to get safe drinking water, we intended to introduce and promote household level drinking water treatment methods. Regardless of the water source, it must become safe before drinking (both chemically and biologically).
I have looked at some discussions on The Water Network about this topic, they are great, but most of the solutions are limited to disinfection against pathogens.
Can anyone suggest some water treatment methods at household level capable of chemical and microbial removal?
Hello Mr Draleke. I agree with Mr. Xavier. But I understand your point too... people need a quick, cheap and efective solution now.... to avoid more health problems. So, my sugestion is the same then Sameer: Clorination wiht carbon adsorption. It is cheap, quick and easy. I really don't know how is gona be the efficiency of the treatment, But I really think that you can try. Try to use carbon block filters in each home, like this: http://www.omnipure.com/carbonTech.htm but remember: If you do first the clorination, the carbon block will also remove the free clorine from water... But if do first the filtration, the bacterial will grow in the filter... You can also do a big treatment system, with a UV system before the central filter (sand and Carbon), with a post clorinatin.... well, right me is you need to discuss more... Cya!
Published
by Leonardo Zanata, Professor at Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Chlorination followed by Sand Filter and Granular Activated Carbon Filter
You can try Chlorination followed by Sand Filter and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter for removal of both faecal and heavy metal (lead). Chlorination will disinfect the water. The sand filter will allow pre-filtration and reduce the TSS of he drinking water. GAC will remove residual chlorine as well as lead in the drinking water.
Thank you Xavier for your comment! The lead (0.2mg/l) was detected in spring water (groundwater source) where the community collect their drinking water from. It is not contamination from home. Therefore, the solution we are looking for is removal of such chemicals and pathogens through water treatment preferably at household level. Best regards Titus
Hello, the question is that does that lead in drinking water at home? I think first you have to avoid contaminating the waters, for after not having to decontaminate, perhaps the solution does not pass through the water decontamination, defend and excuse my technology, we can produce enough water in homes, for less expense than the cost of appropriately. It is cleaner, the cleaner but that is least dirty. Have a nice day!!