From Water Source to Tap of Ceramic Filters-Factors That Influence Water Quality Between Collection and Consumption in Rural Households in Nepal.

Regula Meierhofer,Sandro Deppeler,Bal Kunwar,Carola Bänziger,Madan Bhatta

doi:10.3390/ijerph15112439

Abstract

The study assessed changes in water quality between the water source and the tap of locally produced low cost ceramic water filters used by a community living in hygienically critical conditions in a remote mountainous area in Western Nepal. Data was collected from 42 rural households during two visits. The effectiveness of filter handling on its performance was assessed through microbiological analysis, structured household interviews and structured observations. Water quality decreased significantly when source water was filled into transport containers, while the use of the filters improved drinking water quality for about 40% of the households. Highly inadequate filter cleaning practices involving the use of contaminated raw water, hands (geo mean = 110 E. coli CFU/100 mL) and cleaning tools (geo mean = 80 E. coli CFU/100 mL) stained hygienic parts of the filter. The use of boiling water to disinfect the filters was significantly correlated with improved filter performance and should be further promoted. However, even disinfected filters achieved a very low average LRV for E. coli of 0.4 in the field and performed worse than during laboratory tests (LRV for E. coli of 1.5–2). Comprehensive training on adequate filter handling, as well as better filter products, are required to improve the impact of filter use.

Highlights

More than 700 million people worldwide do not have access to an improved source for drinking water and an estimated 1.8 billion people do not consume safe drinking water [1]
Precise data on childhood mortality associated with diarrheal diseases in Nepal is not available; it has been estimated that approximately 25% of all child deaths are associated with acute diarrhea [5]
Water quality significantly deteriorated after the source water was filled into transport containers

Summary

Introduction

More than 700 million people worldwide do not have access to an improved source for drinking water and an estimated 1.8 billion people do not consume safe drinking water [1]. In 2010 nearly 1.7 billion cases of diarrhea were caused by the lack of access to safe water, inadequate sanitation and hygiene [2] and 502,000 diarrheal deaths were estimated to be caused by inadequate drinking water [3]. Diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses among children in Nepal and continues to be a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Precise data on childhood mortality associated with diarrheal diseases in Nepal is not available; it has been estimated that approximately 25% of all child deaths are associated with acute diarrhea [5]. Unsafe water and lack of adequate sanitation facilities are important contributing factors to diarrheal diseases in Nepal [6]

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion