Knowledge Hub

Resources for Global Safe Drinking Water Access

For access to an ever growing library of resources designed to deepen our collective understanding and increase our efficiencies in delivering safe drinking water.

Benzene and drinking water

Author: Oregon Health Authority
Publication Year: 2015
Resource Type: Factsheet
Health effects of benzene in drinking water, including the potential for increased risk of cancer and other adverse health outcomes.

Business Connect Memo on PFAs

Author: Harris, Jamie D., Byrd, Kaylin
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Report
The doccument covers the sources of PFAS, their health effects, EPA regulations, and methods for removing PFAS from drinking water. The document emphasizes the prevalence of PFAS in various environmental sources and the potential health risks associated with exposure to these substances

Cadmium Factsheet

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Publication Year: 2021
Resource Type: Factsheet
CDC’s Division of Laboratory Sciences coordinates the National Biomonitoring Program (NBP) which offers an assessment of nutritional status and the exposure of the U.S. population to environmental chemicals and toxic substances.

Calibrating an optimal condition model for solar water disinfection in peri-urban household water treatment in Kampala, Uganda

Author: Okurut, Kenan, Wozei, Eleanor, Kulabako, Robinah, Nabasirye, Lillian, Kinobe, Joel
Publication Year: 2012
Resource Type: Journal Article
Discusses a study that was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of using solar disinfection to treat drinking water in Bolivia. The study found that solar disinfection was successful in reducing the presence of bacteria in the water and producing clean drinking water.

CAWST Biosand Filters Knowledge Base

Author: CAWST
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Resource Center
CAWST's resource highlights biosand filters as an affordable and versatile solution for enhancing water quality. These filters use sand, gravel, and biological materials to eliminate impurities, making them suitable for developing nations, disaster zones, and even developed countries. Regular maintenance ensures their efficiency and safety.

CHALLENGES FOR DISSEMINATION OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES IN INDIA

Author: Mukherjee, Amartya, Agarwal, Nishant, Newman, Charles
Publication Year: 2019
Resource Type: Report
Report on the challenges of disseminating sustainable technologies in India. The report focuses on the barriers to scaling up sustainable technologies in India.

Changes in pediatric diarrhoea and infant mortality rates after a large scale WASH program in Honduras

Author: Deal, Jeffery Lee, Check, Kristen, Chapman, Helena J.
Publication Year: 2015
Resource Type: White Paper Study
A study in rural Bangladesh showed distributing household water filters significantly reduced pediatric diarrhoea and infant mortality. Using a quasi-experimental design, the research had certain limitations like potential bias. The results underscore community engagement's role and the consistent, correct use of filters for optimal health outcomes.

Characteristics of microplastic polymer-derived dissolved organic matter and its potential as a disinfection byproduct precursor

Publication Year: 2020
Resource Type: Journal Article
Microplastics (MP) release dissolved organic matter (MP-DOM) into aquatic systems, especially when they degrade due to UV exposure. This study found that UV increases DOM leaching from additive-free plastics. Unlike typical natural DOM, MP-DOM has low molecular weight and can produce toxic trihalomethanes (similar to natural DOM) when chlorinated. This points to a previously overlooked environmental risk from UV-affected microplastics.

Characteristics of microplastic polymer-derived dissolved organic matter and its potential as a disinfection byproduct precursor

Author: Lee, Yun Kyung, Romera-Castillo, Cristina, Hong, Seongjin, Hur, Jin
Publication Year: 2020
Resource Type: Journal Article
Microplastics (MP) release dissolved organic matter (MP-DOM) into aquatic systems, especially when they degrade due to UV exposure. This study found that UV increases DOM leaching from additive-free plastics. Unlike typical natural DOM, MP-DOM has low molecular weight and can produce toxic trihalomethanes (similar to natural DOM) when chlorinated. This points to a previously overlooked environmental risk from UV-affected microplastics.

Chemicals That Can Contaminate Tap Water

Publication Year: 2022
Resource Type: Factsheet
Some chemicals can make you sick if they are in your tap water at unsafe levels. Learn which chemicals most often contaminate tap water and cause disease, and how to remove them.

Chemicals That Can Contaminate Tap Water

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Publication Year: 2022
Resource Type: Factsheet
Some chemicals can make you sick if they are in your tap water at unsafe levels. Learn which chemicals most often contaminate tap water and cause disease, and how to remove them.

Chitosan Coagulation Pretreatment to Enhance Ceramic Water Filtration for Household Water Treatment

Author: Coleman, Collin Knox, Mai, Eric, Miller, Megan, Sharma, Shalini, Williamson, Clark, Oza, Hemali, Holmes, Eleanor, Lamer, Marie, Ly, Christopher, Stewart, Jill, Sobsey, Mark D., Abebe, Lydia S.
Publication Year: 2021
Resource Type: Journal Article
The role of the gut microbiome in the development of colorectal cancer and discusses the potential of microbiome-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Chloramines and Pool Operation

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Publication Year: 2022
Resource Type: Blog Post
Chloramines can cause eye irritation, respiratory problems, and skin rashes in swimmers and provides guidance for aquatics professionals on how to prevent and control chloramine formation in swimming pools.

Chloramines Fact Sheet

Author: Water Quality Association (WQA)
Publication Year: 2013
Resource Type: Factsheet
The study found that in-line chlorination can improve household stored drinking water quality and reduce child diarrhoea in low-income urban settings with intermittent water supply.

Chlorine Tablet Use for Household Water Treatment in Emergencies: Guidance for Tablet Selection

Author: Chlorine Tablet Working Group
Publication Year: 2019
Resource Type: Report
The document provides comprehensive guidance on the selection of chlorine tablets for household water treatment in emergency situations. It outlines a procedure for assessing water quality, recipient context, taste and odor thresholds, and local context to determine the most appropriate chlorine tablet size.

Cholera

Author: Water Mission
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Factsheet
Discusses the global burden of cholera, a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, and can lead to death if left untreated.

Community challenges when using large plastic bottles for Solar Energy Disinfection of Water (SODIS)

Author: Borde, Preeti, Elmusharaf, Khalifa, McGuigan, Kevin G., Keogh, Michael B.
Publication Year: 2016
Resource Type: Journal Article
In areas affected by disasters or in developing countries, water-related diseases are a concern. Traditional treatments like boiling can be costly. Solar water disinfection (SODIS) offers an affordable solution, usually using small plastic bottles. However, for larger community needs, 19-L containers have been effective. This paper highlights the importance of large-volume SODIS and discusses its challenges.

Community challenges when using large plastic bottles for Solar Energy Disinfection of Water (SODIS)

Publication Year: 2016
Resource Type: Journal Article
In areas affected by disasters or in developing countries, water-related diseases are a concern. Traditional treatments like boiling can be costly. Solar water disinfection (SODIS) offers an affordable solution, usually using small plastic bottles. However, for larger community needs, 19-L containers have been effective. This paper highlights the importance of large-volume SODIS and discusses its challenges.

Community engagement in water, sanitation and hygiene in sub-Saharan Africa: does it WASH?

Author: Tsekleves, Emmanuel, Braga, Mariana Fonseca, Abonge, Christiana, Santana, Marli, Pickup, Roger, Anchang, Kenneth Yongabi, de Pippo, Tommaso, Semple, Kirk, Roy, Manoj
Publication Year: 2022
Resource Type: Journal Article
The article discusses the importance of community engagement in improving WASH outcomes and provides an overview of different types of community engagement interventions.

Compendium of Water Supply Technologies in Emergencies

Author: Coerver, Arno, Ewers, Lorenz, Fewster, Eric, Galbraith, Declan, Gensch, Robert, Matta, Vijay, Peter, Maryna
Publication Year: 2021
Resource Type: Technical Guide
A collaborative guide providing insights and solutions for water supply in emergency situations, including strategies for ensuring water availability, minimizing waste, and providing safe access to water points.

Contamination of Groundwater

Author: Water Science School
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Blog Post
Causes of groundwater contamination, the potential health effects of contaminated groundwater, and the methods used to prevent and treat groundwater contamination.

Copper

Publication Year: 2022
Resource Type: Factsheet
Copper overview for health professionals. Research health effects, dosing, sources, deficiency symptoms, side effects, and interactions here.

Copper

Author: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Publication Year: 2022
Resource Type: Factsheet
Copper overview for health professionals. Research health effects, dosing, sources, deficiency symptoms, side effects, and interactions here.

Copper Fact Sheet

Author: Water Quality Association (WQA)
Publication Year: 2013
Resource Type: Factsheet
Health risks associated with exposure to copper in drinking water, as well as the sources and levels of copper in water.

Core questions and indicators for monitoring WASH in health care facilities in the Sustainable Development Goals

Author: Pickering, Amy J, Crider, Yoshika, Sultana, Sonia, Swarthout, Jenna, Goddard, Frederick GB, Islam, Syed Anjerul, Sen, Shreyan, Ayyagari, Raga, and Luby, Stephen P.
Publication Year: 2018
Resource Type: Report
Study conducted in urban Bangladesh that evaluates the effectiveness of in-line drinking water chlorination in reducing child diarrhea, and discusses the study design, limitations, and statistical analysis plan.

Decoupling locally enhanced electric field treatment (LEEFT) intensity and copper release by applying asymmetric electric pulses for water disinfection

Author: Mo, Feiyang, Zhou, Jianfeng, Yu, Cecilia, Liu, Feifei, Jumili, Manhitha, Wu, Yuxiao, Xie, Xing
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Journal Article
The research article discusses the use of locally enhanced electric field treatment (LEEFT) and copper ionization for water disinfection. The study introduces a coaxial-electrode copper ionization cell (CECIC) that combines copper disinfection with LEEFT, demonstrating superior disinfection efficiency with low effluent copper concentrations.

Design Your Product for Manufacturability and High Quality

Author: Sellers, Charlie, Vinyard, Ryan
Publication Year: 2019
Resource Type: Blog Post
Provides tips for designing products that are easy to manufacture, including simplifying designs, minimizing the number of parts, and using standard components.

Determinants of consistency of use of household water filters in emergencies

Author: Wainaina, George Kiambuthi, Ochieng, Fredrick, Peter, Maryna, Raude, James Messo, Meierhofer, Regula, Marks, Sara J.
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Journal Article
Point-of-use water treatments like ceramic filters and chlorination enhance water quality and curb waterborne diseases in low-income nations. Their effectiveness is swayed by user behavior, maintenance, and water source quality. Incorporating community-based strategies, involving local stakeholders, amplifies the longevity and efficacy of water interventions.

Development and evaluation of filter for canal water potability

Author: Tiwari, V., Singh, J. P., Sahota, P., Singh, N. N., Singh, K.
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Journal Article
The PDF describes the design, development, and evaluation of a low-cost portable water filter for canal water potability. The filter is equipped with a provision for injecting sodium hypochlorite solution to remove bacterial contaminants and has been tested for its effectiveness in removing suspended solids and improving water quality parameters.

Differences in laboratory versus field treatment performance of point-of-use drinking water treatment methods: research gaps and ways forward

Author: Zimmer, C, Dorea, C.C.
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Journal Article
The article discusses the discrepancy between laboratory and field performance of point-of-use water treatment (POUWT) techniques and proposes a strategy to help mitigate the research gap and explore the potential to improve current health risk assessments and recommendations by public health entities and manufacturers of POUWT products.

Does the reuse of PET bottles during solar water disinfection pose a health risk due to the migration of plasticisers and other chemicals into the water?

Author: Schmid, Peter, Kohler, Martin, Meierhofer, Regula, Luzi, Samuel, Wegelin, Martin
Publication Year: 2008
Resource Type: Journal Article
Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is a low-cost method used in developing countries, treating water using sunlight in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for 6 hours. Concerns arose about chemical release from PET. This study assessed the transfer of substances from PET to water under SODIS conditions. Results indicated low concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals, with the SODIS procedure deemed safe regarding human exposure to these substances.

Does the reuse of PET bottles during solar water disinfection pose a health risk due to the migration of plasticisers and other chemicals into the water?

Publication Year: 2008
Resource Type: Technical Guide
Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is a low-cost method used in developing countries, treating water using sunlight in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for 6 hours. Concerns arose about chemical release from PET. This study assessed the transfer of substances from PET to water under SODIS conditions. Results indicated low concentrations of potentially harmful chemicals, with the SODIS procedure deemed safe regarding human exposure to these substances.

Domestic Water Quality Criteria

Author: Self, J.R.
Publication Year: 2013
Resource Type: Factsheet
Information on the different types of contaminants that can be found in drinking water, their sources, and the health effects of consuming water with high levels of these contaminants.

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