Water Quality and Storage

According to the Centers for Disease Control, because contaminated water is a major cause of illness and death, water quality is a determining factor in human poverty, education, and economic opportunities. Unfortunately, worldwide water quality is declining, threatening the health of ecosystems and humans worldwide. Safe water storage is also integral to ensuring water quality. Resources available in this sub-theme include guidance on maintenance for water tank storage, country water quality assessments, among other resources that support WASH storage and water quality.

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Water Quality and Storage Resources

Taking a Water Sample

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note describes how to take a proper water sample to test the water quality.Read more

Designing Basic Household Water Treatment Systems

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note discusses the design of several simple household treatment methods useful for most water supplies.Read more

Conducting Sanitary Surveys to Determine Acceptable Surface Water Sources

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note describes factors and their importance in determining existing and potential sources of contamination of a water source.Read more

Methods of Water Treatment

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note describes basic treatment methods for individual household water supplies, simple community water systems, advanced community water systems, and water emergencies.Read more

Planning a Water Treatment System

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical not discusses the basic factors which must be considered when planning a water treatment system and the choice of a treatment process or mix of processes that best meets the needs of the community.Read more

Designing a Slow Sand Filter

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
A slow sand filter is a very useful water treatment process, Slow sand filtration effectively removes organic matter, pathogenic organisms, color and mild turbidity to provide clean and safe water. This technical note describes the basic design features of a slow sand filter.Read more

Determining the Need for Water Treatment

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This analysis measures selected bacteriological and chemical characteristics of the water. Each of these methods of studying water quality collects different kinds of data on a water source. It is best to use all three methods to compile complete information on the quality of water supply.Read more

Designing a Small Community Sedimentation Basin

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
Sedimentation is the removal of suspended matter from water through a process of settling. In this process, particles heavier than water settle to the bottom of an especially designed tank. This technical note describes the design of a plain sedimentation basin for a rural water supply system.Read more

Designing a Small Community Disinfection Unit

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
Disinfection of ground and surface water is often necessary to ensure that drinking water is free from micro-organisms that could cause disease. This technical note describes the design of three basic methods for chlorinating community water supplies: a pot and a drip feed chlorinator which are...Read more

Village Technology Handbook: Section 1, Part 4: Water Purification

Published: 
January 1, 1970
U.S. Agency for International Development
Section 1 Part 4 of the Village Technology Handbook outlines the purification of unsafe water sources. Every effort must be made to obtain a source that provides a naturally wholesome water and then to collect that water and protect it against pollution. Water treatment under rural conditions...Read more

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