Brian Clarke

Impact of jerry can disinfection in a camp environment – experiences in an IDP camp in Northern Uganda

In July 2007, a study by the Centre for Environmental Health Engineering, at the University of Surrey, assessed a modified method of jerry can cleaning in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Kitgum, N. Uganda. The poor condition of drinking water vessels used in the camp was confirmed as a potential source for microbiological contamination both visually and by microbiological testing. Jerry cans were disinfected using high strength sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) generated using an experimental AquaChlor Solar unit. The study suggested that regular jerry can cleaning, using a high strength chlorine based disinfectant, offers an effective method of alleviating the adverse effects of contamination in water collection and storage vessels. Results indicated that the method is capable of significantly reducing thermo-tolerant coliform numbers to below 5 cfu/100 ml in most cases. Chlorine strength depletion after repetitive cleaning confirms the impact of process. The method does not substitute for good hygiene practices, which are essential for maintaining water quality in the household. It is suggested that the process can play an important role during outbreaks of water-borne diseases, such as cholera, particularly if combined with regular water disinfection.

Problems of treatment process selection for relief agency water supplies in an emergency

There is currently limited public information available concerning methods for the selection of appropriate water treatment technologies for application in acute phase emergency water and sanitation responses. Considering the number of available emergency water treatment and supply options, it is speculated that a framework methodology offering guidance in the form of a selection process would offer advantages. This process would relate a defined set of emergency factors to a selection of available water treatment and supply options, described by a basic, but complete, set of technical and operational characteristics. It is suggested that, whilst not a complete process, the proposed framework methodology is sufficient to lead to the identification and selection of appropriate options for deployment. Furthermore the support of critical decision making by a logical framework, could help shape and justify the actions of agencies and workers in the field.