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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 from homes
to make conventional pipe distribution feasible. According to WHO,
one sixth of humanity currently lacks access to any form of improved
water supply within one kilometer of their homes.
Fortunately, 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, reducing the
risk of diarrheal disease.
 In
order to help supply home water treatment products to communities
without access to safe water, WHO and a growing group of other organizations,
including WCC, have formed the International Network to Promote
Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage.
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Household approaches, including treatment with chlorine-based
disinfectants, have been shown to be extremely cost effective,
rapidly deployable, and can lead to significant health gains.
We encourage the World Chlorine Council to remain active and
contributing to this important area.
Jamie Bartram
Coordinator, Water, Sanitation and Health
World Health Organization
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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, many 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, visit the WHO
website.
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