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 While
long-term water distribution infrastructure might be a community's
ideal, the reality is that the investment level needed is not always
immediately present. Often, a water source is too far a distance
from homes to make conventional pipe distribution feasible. According
to the World Health Organization, one sixth of humanity currently
lacks access to any form of improved water supply within one kilometre
of their homes. Fortunately, recent research demonstrates that simple,
low-cost point-of use interventions at the household and community
level are capable of dramatically improving the microbial quality
of water stored in the home and reducing the risk of diarrhoeal
disease.
 In
order to help bring in home water treatment products to communities
without access to safe water supplies, the WHO and a growing group
of other organizations, including the Chlorine Chemistry Division
of the American Chemistry Council, have formed the International
Network to Promote Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage. The
mission of the network is "to achieve a significant reduction in
waterborne disease, especially among children and the poor, by promoting
safe household water treatment and storage." To date, interventions
have revolved around the use of a measured dose of chlorine bleach
solution to disinfect and safely store water for household use in
plastic jugs that feature a narrow mouth to prevent recontamination.
For more information
about the Network, click
here
to view a brochure produced by The World Health Organization.
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