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.