Abstract:
The drought prone, rural village of Pabal is an example of improved access to
water through a piped water system, however at times the villagers are also
recipients of a poor water quality supply. Prevailing illnesses of diarrhoea and
gastro-intestinal diseases, especially during the monsoons result in 40-50 % of
villager‟s income being spent on medical bills. This research project provided by
Engineers Without Borders – UK and EngINdia aims to form an investigative
study into the current water quality and treatment methods in Pabal. This was
achieved by analysing water samples using the DelAgua Water Testing Kit for
microbial pathogens (faecal origins) at different points in their distribution system
as well as carrying out a social survey through 22 questionnaires and a few
target interviews.
Results showed the reservoir water source to be highly contaminated but
chlorination at the storage tank removed all traces of thermotolerant faecal
coliforms. However all consumer points were also found to be contaminated as
well as at the borehole hand-pump. Qualitative data collected through
observations, sanitary surveys and the questionnaires provided possible
reasons for contamination. The pipeline is in disrepair through lack of
maintenance, pollutants and effluence (human and animal) are leached into
groundwater and pipe supplies, as there are also no drainage or refuse systems
in the village.
Most villagers are aware and practice basic health, sanitation and water
treatment however some only treat once they fall ill. Water treatment is essential
in Pabal at all times and should be implemented at a cost-effective household
level. The villager‟s health may be safe guarded by utilising traditional methods
such as cloth filtering, copper pot storage (anti-bacterial properties) in addition to
chlorination. Further education and future water treatment designs based on biosand and UV filtering can be produced locally via the community involving
educational centre Vigyan Ashram.