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

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

Constructing an Elevated Storage Tank

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note discusses various construction procedures that can be followed for constructing elevated storage tanks of different capacities. Construction of most tanks requires a certain amount of expertise or someone with a great deal of construction experience.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

Maintaining Water Storage Tanks

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
The maintenance of water storage tanks is necessary to ensure the quality of the water stored. Maintenance of tanks basically involves two important procedures: prevention of contamination, and cleaning the tank periodically to ensure that water is fresh. This technical note describes the...Read more

Designing a Ground Level Storage Tank

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides guidance on designing a ground level storage tank. Under suitable circumstances, ground level storage tanks may be used to deliver water to users by gravity flow. Storage tanks are a very important part of a water system because they ensure that adequate quantities of water...Read more

Constructing a Household Cistern

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides guidance on constructing a household cistern for safe water storage. Well constructed cisterns play an important role in providing families with an accessible supply of potable water. Cisterns and storage jars constructed of locally available materials offer improved access...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

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