Water Purification in Cambodia

Water Purification in CambodiaUWAterUniversity of Western AustraliaEWB Challenge 2008

Jessica Equid Tom PopeAndrew Stead John VerranPatrick Donovan Beau Mavric

Problem Definition

• 80% of deaths in Cambodia result from water borne illnesses

• Lack of sufficient, cost effective filters available

• Villagers source up to 16% of their water from deep wells– contains unsafe levels of arsenic

• Drinking water standards– pathogens, microorganisms and turbidity

eliminated• Cheap, Simple, Long-lasting water

filter surface water

deep wells

shallow wells

stored rainwater

bottled water

Solution

Solution - Backwashing

Prototype Construction

Prototype Construction

Prototype Construction

Prototype Construction

Prototype Construction

Prototype Construction

Prototype Construction

Turbidity Testing

• Utilised scale prototype• Visual and taste tests performed on discharge

from unit

Turbidity Testing

• Utilised scale prototype• Visual and taste tests performed on discharge

from unit

INPUT OUTPUT

Arsenic Removal Testing

• Small scale prototype constructed• Varying concentrations of arsenic

tested• Reduced arsenic to safe levels

– average reduction 90%

Sand mixtureIron nails

Implementation

• Locally available resources• Local Labour & Construction• Project Costing

– cost of materials for single filter, estimated to be less than $500• Monitoring and maintenance

– ensure filter provides safe water for extended time period• Waste Management

– safe disposal of all wastes

Kanchan Life Straw Ceramic Water Purified Sono 3-Kolshi UWA Community Filter0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Filter Cost Per User

Implementation

• Locally Available Resources• Local Labour & Construction• Project Costing

– cost of materials for single filter, estimated to be less than $400• Monitoring and maintenance

– ensure filter provides safe water for extended time period• Waste Management

– safe disposal of all wastes

Impact assessment

• Environmental– arsenic sludge removal and disposal– all materials can be recycled

• Economic – local industries supported– jobs created– minimal ongoing costs

• Social– increased local knowledge base– Improve community health

Summary

• Filter is cheap, simple, long-lasting• Proven to be affective• Implementation and impacts considered and evaluated