This study sought to explore a locally assembled ‘Hom’ point of use water treatment device by assessing aspects of its performance and possible effects of using it on compliant households and communities. The conceptual framework highlights poverty and environmental degradation as causes and consequences of one another, with ill-health caused by water-borne diseases reinforcing both to form a cycle. Whether or not the device would play a role in interrupting this cycle depends on its capabilities and acceptance, among other factors. Survey results indicated that the device is acceptable to 84% of respondents. Analysed data collected using questionnaires from 60 randomly sampled pilot device users revealed that it is useful to its users. Yield trials results led to the conclusion that one device unit could provide enough drinking water to satisfy the needs of a large representative household. Laboratory tests of water samples filtered with cartridges used for up to 10 years in the device found the water to be safe for drinking. It is concluded that the device is effective, environmentally friendly and useful to compliant households.
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Research Article|
April 20 2010
‘Hom’: a simple point of use water treatment device
Moses J. Omedi;
Moses J. Omedi
1Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, NHIF House, Nairobi, Kenya
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Emmanuel C. Kipkorir
2Department of Environmental Monitoring, Planning and Management, Moi University, PO Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya
Tel.: +254-53-43013 , Fax: +254-53-43149; E-mail: [email protected]; http://www.mu.ac.ke
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J Water Health (2010) 8 (4): 741–750.
Article history
Received:
July 15 2009
Accepted:
March 07 2010
Citation
Moses J. Omedi, Emmanuel C. Kipkorir; ‘Hom’: a simple point of use water treatment device. J Water Health 1 December 2010; 8 (4): 741–750. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2010.110
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