Summary

In this Study Session you have learned that:

• Households may have to collect their own water if there is no water distribution system to take water to individual houses. They may also have to do this if there is a water emergency and water is distributed by tankers.
• A container used to collect the water must be clean and must not have previously held any toxic compounds. It should have a narrow mouth, a lid, and handles for portability. An easy option is to use the Hippo Water Roller.
• Household water treatment is needed if the safety of the water for human consumption is in any doubt.
• Removal of suspended particles is the first step in household water treatment. This can be done by sedimentation, for example by using the three-pot method.
• The crushed seeds of the Moringa fruit can be used as a natural coagulant, to aid sedimentation of solids.
• Filtration (for example, by using cloth, a household sand filter, or a ceramic filter) is also a way to remove suspended particles.
• Disinfection (for example, by boiling or using solar energy) eliminates pathogenic (disease-causing) micro-organisms from the water.
• Water treatment chemicals such as Wuha Agar, Bishan Gari, Aquatabs and P&G Purifier of Water can also be used for household water treatment.
• The ideal household storage container for treated water is made of lightweight, oxidation-resistant, opaque plastic, with a screw-cap opening for ease of cleaning, handles for portability and a tap to eliminate human contact with the water inside the container. When handling treated water, a tap or a long-handled ladle should be used.