Project Lead(s): Timothy Muttoo
Issue
The global supply of clean water is under considerable pressure, due to increasing industrialization, water pollution and toxic contamination, and is a major cause of social and economic concern, particularly for vulnerable populations living in low- and middle-income countries.
The United Nations has reported that two-thirds of the world will experience fresh water scarcity by 2025.
In Uganda, lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation is a significant public health challenge, as about eight million people lack safe water and 32 million are without adequate toilets.
Solution
The Dive H2O system is a self-powered, self-contained water treatment device, suitable for areas with a shortage of fresh water and limited energy.
In collaboration with their technology developer and partner Formarum Inc. (Richmond Hill, Ontario) and Western University (London, Ontario), H2O 4 ALL was able to test and implement the Dive H2O system device in Uganda.
Through four months of iterative design, nine months of prototyping and 11 months of testing, the technology was tailored to the unique characteristics of the targeted sites and applications.
Multiple biological tests were conducted onsite and at Western University to show that copper-silver ionization is a highly effective disinfection method, and the system successfully reduced and eliminated water-borne microorganisms from contaminated water.
Protocols and procedures for manufacturing were established and potential barriers were assessed for the Dive H2O system, in order to meet the EPA’s quality standards.
Finally, health assessments were conducted to gain a better understanding of the water-related challenges facing impoverished communities on a daily basis.
Outcome
Field-testing of the device was carried out over four months, and confirmed the effectiveness and feasibility of the Dive H2O system. Testing for E. coli was done by the Microbiology Department at Western University and onsite by the national water and sewerage corporation in Uganda.
Tests done with the existing borehole system onsite at a Ugandan hospital were not acceptable but, with the implementation of the Dive system, the coliform count and E. Coli present in the potable water were 0 ppm, exceeding both EPA and Uganda’s national water and sewerage system standards.
Additional samples taken from tanks where Dive devices had been implemented showed significant reductions of pathogens, with a 66% reduction of coliforms and a 69% reduction of E. Coli.
The Dive H2O system is subject to a worldwide patent to protect its design, which will enable H2O 4 ALL to implement a comprehensive plan to develop and distribute high-quality products that will meet international water quality standards.
The initial focus of the team is to meet the Standards for Water Treatment established by NSF International.
An implementation plan has been prepared to further develop the Dive H2O system and gain a greater presence throughout Uganda and in other developing countries.