The
Safe Water System (SWS) is a water quality intervention
that employs simple, robust, and inexpensive technologies
appropriate for the developing world. The objective
is to make water safe through disinfection and safe
storage at the point of use. The intervention consists
of three steps:
Point-of-use
treatment of contaminated water using sodium hypochlorite
solution purchased locally and produced by a local
manufacturer or in the community from water and salt
using an electrolytic cell;
Safe
water storage in plastic containers with a narrow
mouth, lid, and a spigot to prevent recontamination;
and,
Behavior
change techniques, including social marketing,
community mobilization, motivational interviewing,
communication, and education. These activities increase
awareness of the link between contaminated water and
disease, the benefits of safe water, and hygiene behaviors,
including the purchase and proper use of the water
storage vessel and disinfectant. |