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Comparison of five point-of-use drinking water technologies using a specialized comparison framework
Stephen Siwila1, Isobel C Brink1
1Department of Civil Engineering, Water Engineering Division, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, Cape Town, South Africa
Journal of Water and Health
|July 18, 2019
Summary
Novel low-cost point-of-use (PoU) water treatment systems offer affordable, safe water solutions for rural and suburban areas. Constructed from local materials, these systems are more accessible than commercial options for developing communities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Public Health
- Water Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Low-cost point-of-use (PoU) water treatment is crucial for improving access to safe drinking water, especially in rural and suburban settings.
- Existing commercial PoU systems may not be affordable for the poorest populations in developing regions.
- Development of effective, accessible, and sustainable water treatment solutions remains a global health priority.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comparatively evaluate three novel low-cost PoU water treatment technologies against two commercial options.
- To assess PoU systems based on performance, flow rate, cost, ease of use, acceptability, and material availability.
- To analyze the suitability of these technologies for rural and suburban communities, with a focus on affordability and sustainability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a specialized comparison framework for evaluating PoU water treatment technologies.
- Quantitatively assessed performance, flow rate, and cost per volume of water treated.
- Qualitatively evaluated ease of use, potential acceptability, and material availability, focusing on local materials.
Main Results:
- Commercially available PoU systems demonstrated high pathogen removal (e.g., 100% for Escherichia coli) but often at a prohibitive cost for low-income groups.
- Novel PoU systems, utilizing local materials, proved more affordable and capable of producing relatively safe water.
- Novel systems were constructible by users with minimal training, indicating potential for local adoption.
Conclusions:
- Novel, locally sourced PoU water treatment systems present a more affordable and sustainable alternative to commercial options for developing regions.
- Key factors for successful adoption and sustainability include bacterial removal effectiveness, ease of use, flow rate, material availability, cost, and user acceptability.
- Further research and development in multibarrier, low-cost PoU systems are essential for global water security.
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