SODIS
Possibility of
having
chronic
diseases
Poor
health
conditions
Practical Action
Possibility of
having
infectious
diseases
Constant
diarrhoea
Malnutrition
The cycle of ill health
Disinfecting water
Even a population with access to a pipe borne water supply have no guarantee of its quality.
Although, much investment has gone into treating the water supply to make it safe, many
water supply schemes are constrained by resources, lack of chemicals, lack of trained staff,
laboratory facilities and the continuing demand for more water.
There is also a large percentage of people who depend on public taps or open water bodies,
rivers or steams for water. This water carries a huge risk of possible microbiological
contamination, especially from sewage and garbage. Ensuring clean and safe water is a
household responsibility, even when a home enjoys the convenience of tap water. Individual
households have to ensure that the water they collect is safe and of adequate quality for
drinking.
There are a number of water treatment measures can be adopted at household level to ensure
clean, safe water. These are water storing, boiling, water pasteurisation, filtration and
disinfections with chlorine.
Each method has its limitations –
Storing water is the simplest method to improve quality. While this will clear
sedimentation, it will only be partly effective in removing turbidity and faecal
chloroform contamination.
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