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.
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Showing 1 - 50 of 303 Results
10 worst countries for access to clean water
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Blog Post
Discuesses the 10 worst countries for access to clean water and highlights challenges faced by thees communities.
11 Facts About Water in the Developing World
Author: DoSomething
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Factsheet
11 Facts About Water in the Developing World
A community-based approach to promote household water treatment in Rwanda
Publication Year: 2012
Resource Type: Journal Article
About a community-based approach to promote household water treatment and safe storage (HWTS) in rural Ethiopia. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based intervention in promoting HWTS practices and reducing diarrheal diseases.
A modified slow sand filtration system of epikarst spring water in karst mountainous areas, China
Publication Year: 2021
Resource Type: Journal Article
Study surrounding the effectiveness of a modified slow sand filtration system for treating epikarst water in rural China.
A Multidimensional Measurement of the Health Impact of Community-Based Water Treatment Systems in Uganda
Resource Type: Journal Article
Proposes a multidimensional approach to measuring water poverty, which takes into account not only access to clean water but also factors such as water quality, reliability, affordability, and sustainability.
A review of the occurrence, transformation, and removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater treatment plants
Publication Year: 2021
Resource Type: Journal Article
Impact of air pollution on cognitive performance and finds that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with a significant reduction in verbal and math test scores.
A Stepped Wedge, Cluster-Randomized Trial of a Household UV-Disinfection and Safe Storage Drinking Water Intervention in Rural Baja California Sur, Mexico
Author: Gruber, Joshua S., Reygadas, Fermin, Arnold, Benjamin F., Ray, Isha, Nelson, Kara, Colford, John M.
Publication Year: 2013
Resource Type: Journal Article
This study, in partnership with a non-profit, assessed the Mesita Azul, a UV-disinfection system for drinking water in rural Mexico. Over 15 months with 444 households across 24 communities, the system increased access to treated water (23–62%) and decreased Escherichia coli contamination. However, no significant reduction in diarrhea was observed. The study supports Mesita Azul's promotion in areas with higher diarrhea prevalence.
A study of the efficacy of various home filtration substrates in the removal of microcystin-LR from drinking water
Publication Year: 2006
Resource Type: Journal Article
Evaluate the effectiveness of different home filtration methods in removing bacterial contaminants from tap water, and to provide recommendations for households on the most effective filtration methods.
A Systematic Review of Water and Gender Interlinkages: Assessing the Intersection With Health
Publication Year: 2020
Resource Type: Journal Article
In this systematic review, a range of challenges experienced by women relating to inadequate WASH resources are described and their intersection with health are explored.
Acceptability, effectiveness, and fouling of PointOne membrane filters distributed in South Sudan
Publication Year: 2019
Resource Type: Journal Article
The research paper discusses a study conducted in South Sudan to evaluate the acceptability, effectiveness, and fouling of PointOne membrane filters in reducing thermotolerant coliforms. The study found that the filters were acceptable and effective in reducing coliforms for four months, but effectiveness dropped when surface water use increased.
AChlorine Tablet Use for Household Water Treatment in Emergencies: Guidance for Tablet Selection
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.
Adapting a safe water storage container to improve household stored water quality in rural Burkina Faso: a cluster randomized trial
Publication Year: 2021
Resource Type: Journal Article
Process of adapting a safe water storage container to improve its usability and acceptability among rural households in Malawi and finds that the modified container is well-received and can help to improve water storage and hygiene practices.
Adapting a safe water storage container to improve household stored water quality in rural Burkina Faso: a cluster randomized trial
Author: Anderson, Darcy M., Fisher, Michael B., Kwena, Osborn, Kambou, Hermann, Broseus, Romain, Williams, Ashley R., Liang, Kaida, Ramaswamy, Rohit, Bartram, Jamie
Publication Year: 2021
Resource Type: Journal Article
Process of adapting a safe water storage container to improve its usability and acceptability among rural households in Malawi and finds that the modified container is well-received and can help to improve water storage and hygiene practices.
Advancing performance evaluation standards for household water treatment technologies
Publication Year: 2018
Resource Type: Journal Article
Propose a new framework for evaluating the performance of point-of-use water treatment products, which takes into account the variability of water quality and user behavior in different contexts.
Aluminium toxicosis: a review of toxic actions and effects
Publication Year: 2019
Resource Type: Journal Article
Exposure to Aluminium (Al) occurs through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, leading to health concerns such as oxidative stress, neurological disorders, and heart issues. This review underscores the diverse health implications of Al, advocating for continuous research on its public health impact.
Aluminum Fact Sheet
Publication Year: 2013
Resource Type: Factsheet
Potential health effects of aluminum exposure through drinking water and provides information on the sources, treatment, and regulation of aluminum in drinking water.
Aluminum in drinking water: Guideline technical document for consultation
Publication Year: 2019
Resource Type: Report
The purpose of this consultation is to solicit comments on the proposed guideline and operational guidance (OG) value, on the approach used for their development, and on the potential economic costs of implementing them.
An assessment of boiling as a method of household water treatment in South India
Publication Year: 2014
Resource Type: Journal Article
Boiling can be an effective method of household water treatment, but it may not always be practical or feasible for households due to cost and time constraints.
An Introduction to Self-Supply Putting the User First
Publication Year: 2009
Resource Type: Report
Evaluate the effectiveness of in-line drinking water chlorination in reducing child diarrhoea in urban Bangladesh.
AN OVERVIEW OF TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN SOLUTIONS TO THE WATER CRISIS IN DEVELOPING NATIONS
Publication Year: 2020
Resource Type: Journal Article
This paper explores the potential of technologically driven water solutions to effect change in developing countries.
Antibacterial and antiviral effectiveness of two household water treatment devices that use monobrominated hydantoinylated polystyrene
Publication Year: 2016
Resource Type: Journal Article
The study found that both solar disinfection and chlorine disinfection were effective in reducing the presence of bacteria and viruses in the water, but solar disinfection was more effective against viruses.
Arsenic
Publication Year: 2022
Resource Type: Factsheet
WHO fact sheet on arsenic provides key facts and information on sources of exposure, health effects, WHO response.
Arsenic Fact Sheet
Publication Year: 2013
Resource Type: Factsheet
Provides information on the sources, health effects, and treatment options for arsenic in drinking water.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Point-of-Use Residential Drinking Water Filters for Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)
Author: J. Herkert, Nicholas, Merrill, John, Peters, Cara, Bollinger, David, Zhang, Sharon, Hoffman, Kate, Ferguson, P. Lee, Knappe, Detlef R. U., Stapleton, Heather M.
Publication Year: 2020
Resource Type: Journal Article
The study investigated the occurrence and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the wastewater treatment process.
Attributes of drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene associated with microbiological water quality of stored drinking water in rural schools in Mozambique and Uganda
Publication Year: 2021
Resource Type: Journal Article
Evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based intervention using in-line chlorination to improve household stored drinking water quality and reduce child diarrhoea in low-income urban settings with intermittent water supply in Bangladesh.
Averting a Cholera Epidemic in the Wake of Dual Natural Disasters
Publication Year: 2019
Resource Type: Blog Post
Describes USAID's response to the 2017 cholera outbreak in Sierra Leone, which was exacerbated by flooding and mudslides caused by heavy rains.
Bacteria in Water Wells
Publication Year: 2013
Resource Type: Technical Guide
The website provides information on the sources of bacteria, how they enter the water supply, and the health effects of consuming water with high bacteria levels.
Barium Fact Sheet
Publication Year: 2013
Resource Type: Factsheet
Barium in drinking water, including sources of barium, health effects of exposure, and guidelines for safe levels of barium in drinking water.
Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water
Publication Year: 2015
Resource Type: Factsheet
Questions and answers about lead in drinking water -- health effects, EPA regulations etc.
Benzene and drinking water
Publication Year: 2013
Resource Type: Factsheet
Health effects of benzene in drinking water, including the potential for increased risk of cancer and other adverse health outcomes.
Bisphenol A Removal from Water by Activated Carbon. Effects of Carbon Characteristics and Solution Chemistry
Publication Year: 2005
Resource Type: Journal Article
A review of the literature on the occurrence and fate of the pharmaceutical drug tamoxifen in the environment, including its sources, levels, and potential impacts on human and environmental health.
Blueprint for Acceleration: Sustainable Development Goal 6 Synthesis Report on Water and Sanitation 2023
Author: UN-Water
Publication Year: 2023
Resource Type: Report
Overview of progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, and highlights the need for urgent action to accelerate progress towards achieving the goal.
Business Connect Memo on PFAs
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
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
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.
Ceramic water filter for point-of-use water treatment in developing countries: Principles, challenges and opportunities
Publication Year: 2020
Resource Type: Journal Article
This review concisely summarizes the critical factors that influence the performance of ceramic water filters.
CHALLENGES FOR DISSEMINATION OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES IN INDIA
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
Publication Year: 2015
Resource Type: Technical Guide
Impact of improved water and sanitation on pediatric diarrhea and infant mortality rates in the Gaza Strip.
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.
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.
Chitosan Coagulation Pretreatment to Enhance Ceramic Water Filtration for Household Water Treatment
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
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
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.
Cholera
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.
Climate change and groundwater overdraft impacts on agricultural drought in India: Vulnerability assessment, food security measures and policy recommendation
Publication Year: 2022
Resource Type: Journal Article
The main objective of this study is to estimate the drought vulnerability in changing climate which eventually influences the food security of India.
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?
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
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
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.