Water Purification in Cambodia University of Western Australia EWB Challenge 2008 Jessica Equid Tom...

Water Purification in Cambodia

University 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

– typical of Kandal Province in the dry season– contains unsafe levels of arsenic

• Drinking water standards– 176ppb of arsenic needs to be reduced to 50ppb– pathogens, microorganisms and turbidity eliminated

• Village scale, at low unit cost• Simple to construct, low skill level required• Low maintenance• Target design life 5+ years

surface water

deep wells

shallow wells

stored rainwater

bottled water

Solution

Arsenic Removal Testing

• Small scale prototype constructed• Varying concentrations of arsenic

tested• Reduced arsenic to safe levels

– average reduction 89%

Turbidity Testing

• Utilised 1/7th scale prototype• Visual and taste tests performed on discharge

from unit

Flow Performance Testing

• Selection of mix for support concrete • Flow restrictions through nail bed• Overall hydraulic capacity

Implementation

• Capital sourced within region– human and physical

• Construction• Education

– importance of safe drinking water– filter usage

• Monitoring and maintenance– ensure filter provides safe water for extended time period

• Waste Management– safe disposal of all wastes

• Project Costing– cost of materials for single filter, estimated to be less than $500

Impact assessment

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

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

• Social– success dictated by end users– education vital– seamless integration required– increased local knowledge base

ConclusionOur filter is so easy to construct that it can even be made by a group of 1st year engineering students.