ROYSE CITY, Texas — Access to clean, filtered water is a privilege overlooked by those who live in luxury. It is a massive blessing to those struggling to meet basic survival needs. Contaminated drinking water is the plague of many underdeveloped nations with a staggering 2.2 billion people having to collect water from unsafe and unmanaged sources.
Dirty water is linked to a plethora of diseases, including cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A and typhoid. About 785 million people lack access to basic water services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 251 million people require treatment for Schistosomiasis, a chronic disease caused by parasitic worms found in contaminated water. Additionally, one million people die from diarrhea every year.
Though the scale appears daunting, people are making efforts across the globe. The implementation of innovative water filtration systems is creating an undeniable impact on the lives of those facing water insecurity. Cost-effective, innovative water filtration methods have been in development and are making strides. Here are a few:
Water Kiosk in Kenya
Grundfos, a Danish water pump manufacturer, is instrumental in providing solar-powered filtration systems to Kenya’s rural communities and other projects throughout the country. In 2017, Grundfos partnered with World Vision International to provide 60 AP tap systems, known as water ATMs, to 11 local communities. These solar-powered kiosks operate in rural, off-grid communities that lack electricity. A water card allows people to transfer funds through an efficient, cashless prepayment process with a mobile phone or local vendors in communities without mobile options.
Additionally, these kiosks serve as data collection tools, tracking their use to provide information to donors, investors or other authorities. The implementation of these machines serves more than 20,000 people. They reduces water-borne illness and creates time for other work besides fetching water. The project has received a grant from the Stone Family Foundation with hopes of expanding across Africa.
Biosand Filters
A biosand filter is a small, household-friendly device consisting of a plastic or concrete container containing a layer of specially selected/treated sand and gravel. As water flows through the filter, pathogens, iron, manganese and other impurities are removed from the water. Additionally, a thin biofilm contributes to the removal of harmful particles and germs.
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and private firms are involved in implementing bio-sand filters for rural communities, creating purified drinking water and healthier lives for citizens. Thirst Relief International has been in Tanzania, Ghana, Haiti, Uganda and Brazil, as well as a variety of other countries struggling with contaminated water. Its implementation of filters comes with community engagement and training for maintenance and prolonged use.
Notably, WaterAid Ghana is instrumental in creating strategies and solutions for communities in need. Currently, it is working toward meeting its goals of scaling up the use of bio-sand filters in 10 districts of the Upper West and East regions of Ghana, with a particular focus on the Bongo District. The nonprofit aims to reach five million people by 2028 through the provision of water, new toilets and hygiene education.
Additionally, initiatives to provide biosand filters to countries in need continue with the work of organizations such as Clean Water For Haiti, Surge For Water and Biosand Philippines. Surge and BSF Philippines’ partnership began in 2015. They provided 70 filters in July 2015 and plan to install another 60 by December. The filters are expected to last 20-30 years, creating clean, sufficient hydration for people with water security issues.
Arsenic Exposure in Bangladesh
Arsenic exposure has been a prevalent issue in Bangladesh since 1993, when traces of it were identified in tubewells, which are the main source of drinking water in rural areas. According to University College London, arsenic is shown to occur naturally in groundwater as a result of underlying rock sediment. The pollution can cause arsenicosis, cancer, skin lesions and other pathologies. Additionally, it can result in decreased cognitive development and early death among young adults. The issue is of high priority for Bangladesh and numerous efforts are being made to mitigate the poisoning.
SONO Filters
SONO filters—a two-bucket system that passes water through coarse sand, composite iron, brick chips and wood charcoal—are being manufactured in Bangladesh and implemented across the country. The filter does a phenomenal job of reducing inorganic compounds, especially arsenic, to safe levels not only of Bangladesh’s standards but also of the WHO. This innovative water filtration system is highly cost-effective: $40 per filter and $10 for operation, along with a five-year lifespan.
Ceramic Filters
Ceramic filters work by processing water through one-half-micron-sized pores that trap impurities as they pass through an internal cartridge. The process is very fine, eliminating bacteria, pathogens and sediment. Tested in Bangladesh’s rural communities, specifically the Khulna-Bagerhat region, ceramic filters successfully reduce concentrations of arsenic in low, medium and highly contaminated groundwater sources. Ceramic filters are also highly versatile. They can be installed under the sink or on countertops, gravity-fed or used in conjunction with other filters.
Electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation (EC) is a purification method that uses a micro-electric current to remove finely dispersed particles from water. The process creates larger particles that can be separated from the water more efficiently, via a combination of coagulation, floatation and electrochemistry. Though the method was invented in the early 1900s, its implementation in terms of arsenic removal is picking up ground in this century, particularly this decade.
Conclusion
Access to clean, safe drinking water is a challenge in many developing countries around the world. However, different organizations have developed various innovative water filtration systems to address this challenge. With continued effort, clean water will become accessible to all.
– Jonathan McCloud
Jonathan is based in Royse City, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr