Browsing by Author "Trevett, Andrew F."
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Item Open Access Mechanisms leading to post-supply water quality deterioration in rural Honduran communities(Elsevier, 2005-05-13) Trevett, Andrew F.; Carter, Richard C.; Tyrrel, Sean F.Drinking water can become contaminated following its collection from communal sources such as wells and tap stands, as well as during its storage in the home. However, the mechanisms leading to contamination between the points of supply and consumption have not been well documented. This study carried out field-based experiments in three rural Honduran communities to investigate the potential for contamination through hand contact, method used to draw water, and dirty collection containers. The possibility of bacterial growth occurring in stored water was also considered. Hand–water contact was observed frequently during the collection and drawing of drinking water. Faecal contamination was present on 44% of women's fingertips tested during normal household activities, and this faecal material was easily transferred to water. An immediate deterioration in water quality was observed on filling collection containers. Faecal material was detected on cups and beakers used for drawing stored drinking water. Evidence was produced indicating that thermotolerant coliforms remain attached to the inner surface of clay storage containers after rinsing. Drinking-water quality deteriorates during collection and storage as a result of multiple factors linked to hygiene practices and circumstances. However, hands have the greatest potential to introduce contamination because of the constant risk of contact during household water management.Item Open Access Water quality deterioration: A study of household drinking water quality in rural Honduras(Taylor and Francis Ltd, 2004-08) Trevett, Andrew F.; Carter, Richard C.; Tyrrel, Sean F.There is growing awareness that drinking-water can become contaminated following its collection from communal sources such as wells and tap-stands, as well as during its storage in the home. This study evaluated the post-supply drinking-water quality in three rural Honduran communities using either a protected hand-dug well or borehole supply. Water management practices were documented as a basis for further research to improve household drinking-water quality. Membrane filtration was used to compare thermotolerant coliform levels in samples taken from community wells and household drinking-water storage containers. Over a 2-year period, water quality was examined in 43 households and detailed observation made of typical collection, storage and usage practice. Substantial water quality deterioration occurred between the points of supply and consumption. Deterioration occurred regularly and frequently, and was experienced by the majority of study households. Only source water quality appeared to be a significant factor in determining household water quality. None of the storage factors examined, i.e. covering the container, type of container, the material from which the container was made, and hours stored, made any significant difference to the stored water quality. Observation of household water management shows that there are multiple points during the collection to use sequence where pollution could occur. The commonality of water management practice would be an asset in introducing appropriate intervention measures.