Jargon

Suspended Solids - Fine particles of dirt and clay found in water. These particles are detrimental to the treatment process because their presence limits the efficacy of chlorine.

Source Selection

When choosing a water source, quantity and quality should be evaluated. For instance, surface waters are frequently easially accessible but are also more prone to containing pathogens and suspended solids.

It is also important to keep in mind that a larger quantity of acceptable water is preferable to a tiny quantity of pure water

  • rainwater harvesting. This requires an appropriate method of storage, especially in areas with significant dry seasons.
  • W may be relatively expensive, but often provide high quality water requiring little or no further treatment, with less travel time than surface water sources.

Any source of water must be properly tested. Simple initial tests such as those described in [Water Quality Field Testing] can be used in emergencies, but proper lab analysis should be done as soon as possible.

Wells should be placed 100m from latrines, septic tanks, showers, farm animals, and uphill from the same where possible.

If at all possible, choose a water source close to the point of usage and at a higher elevation so as to minimize expenses due to pumps and pipes.

Pumps

  • Handpumps - A tried and true method of water pumping
  • Rope pump - cheaper and more efficient than a standard hand pump
  • W - resembles a stair stepper and is more efficient than a hand pump
  • Hydraulic ram pumps - use the kinetic energy in a stream to pump a small percentage of the water to a higher level.
  • W - Uses the kinetic energy of children to pump water
  • W - Typically cost prohibitive. The water is simply pumped whenever the sun shines.
  • Windpumps

The principle of W is important with pumps to ensure their continued operation, but may be difficult in application.

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