Access to clean water is not just a basic necessity but a fundamental human right. Yet, for millions living in developing countries and impoverished communities, this essential resource remains a distant dream, overshadowed by the harsh realities of waterborne diseases, environmental degradation, and economic disparities.
On average, women and girls in developing countries walk 3.7 miles every day to collect 5 gallons of water and carry it to their homes. Even still, the water is often contaminated and can cause diseases.
With 783 million people worldwide without access to water, water treatment in developing countries is more vital than ever, but it isn’t easy.
Why is Proper Water Treatment Necessary?
When someone drinks contaminated water, there is a risk of diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and, in some cases, death. UNICEF reports that 829,000 people die from diseases attributed to drinking unsafe water every year.
Cooking, washing food, bathing, and brushing teeth also come with the risk of getting ill. Even gathering water from contaminated sources by accessing them directly can expose individuals to dangerous diseases.
Water treatment is necessary for physical survival, food production, and sustainable socio-economic development. Even water that looks clear can have dangerous pathogens or chemical contamination.
How Do Developing Countries Get Clean Water?
Reducing the spread of waterborne diseases in developing countries requires clean water and sanitation. The ever-growing cost of infrastructure is the largest barrier when addressing clean water problems.
In recent years, efforts to develop efficient, economical, and technologically sound methods of producing clean water in developing countries have increased, with several alternatives to traditional water treatment facilities.
Membrane Separation Technology
Membrane separation is one of the more recent water filtration technologies.
The process of membrane separation technology involves pushing water through a porous barrier to separate the pollutants. Membrane filtration produces microbiological-safe water and doesn’t require additional chemicals to operate.
Types of separation membranes vary in size of the pores – some large enough to let viruses pass through and some so small that even salts are removed. They also vary in application size with some large enough for municipal water treatment facilities and others are in “straw” form for personal use or small buckets.
The two membrane separation technologies used most in developing countries are ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis.
Reverse osmosis removes dissolved substances from water, such as minerals and salts, and chemicals, such as arsenic, mercury, or lead. However, a significant amount of water is wasted through reverse osmosis.
Ultrafiltration systems are more economical than reverse osmosis and are easier to install and maintain. Ultrafiltration systems remove viruses and bacteria from water.
While ultrafiltration is most commonly used, the decision of which system to use depends on the community’s needs.
Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS)
Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) utilizes UV light from the sun and increased water temperature to effectively eliminate germs. By raising the water temperature, the disinfection process is expedited, enhancing the germ-killing capabilities of UV light. This combined effect exposes pathogens to both UV radiation and higher temperatures, boosting the efficiency of water purification and reducing the likelihood of waterborne illnesses.Â
SODIS is only highly effective in killing germs in areas with significant amounts of strong sunlight, and the treatment process can take anywhere between 6 hours and 48 hours, depending on the cloud cover. It also only works with relatively small quantities of water which can be a limiting factor.
Ceramic Filtration (CF)
Studies show that high-quality ceramic filters (CF) can help remove bacteria from water and reduce the chances of diarrheal disease by 60% to 70% if used properly.Â
The process of CF includes using a flowerpot-shaped filter with small pores to remove dangerous pathogens, including bacteria, dirt, and debris. CF systems are easy to use and inexpensive because they use locally sourced materials such as rice husks and clay.
Ceramic filtration systems do come with drawbacks. CF requires frequent replacement due to breaking and is not effective against viruses. The frequent maintenance and need for replacement parts can lead to low compliance by the user.
Chlorination
Chlorination is often used in developing countries because it’s an inexpensive and easy-to-use treatment for water contamination. However, the taste of chlorine often keeps people from using the water.
Other disadvantages to chlorination include being ineffective at removing protozoa, and long-term use can lead to health problems, including increasing the chances of developing cancer.
Biosand Water Filtration (BSF)
Biosand Water Filtration (BSF) is a low-cost, low-technology system designed specifically for household use. Fresh water is poured over the top of the filter of a container filled with layers of sieved and washed sand and gravel, which filters out pathogens from drinking water.
BSF increases water’s safety by removing most bacteria and parasites. However, it is less effective against viruses, and the system requires the sand to be replaced regularly. The regular maintenance can be a barrier to use.
Healing Waters International: Water Treatment for Developing Countries
We at Healing Waters International believe that everyone on the planet has a right to clean water.
Our ultimate mission is to provide water filtration systems for developing countries to prevent the spread of disease and provide reliable, sustainable water access. We use separation membrane technology within a community-wide project because it:
- Removes viruses and other contaminants such as excess salt and heavy metals, so it is appropriate and effective with more complex contamination
- Is centralized and therefore water quality can be monitored and assured. This eliminates the burden on each individual user to ensure their own water purification which often leads to error.
- Can be used at scale to provide community-wide infrastructure that will last generations
- Provides a desirable water project (good tasting and clean) and service (adequate quantity and on demand)
Healing Waters International programs include:
- Custom water treatment design, customized to the exact water profile and community
- Solar pumping and water distribution infrastructure
- Innovative system controls and real-time monitoring
Healing Waters International goes a step further than just supplying clean water technology. As a part of our holistic model, we train local leaders to manage and upkeep systems and continue supporting and monitoring with in-person visits.
By donating today, you’re helping Healing Water continue our work and meet the needs of at-risk communities worldwide.