Use of solar water disinfection technology urged

As the country is confronted with energy crises, it is need of the hour to use Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) technology for Household Water Treatment (HWT), as it is a cost-effective tool to contain microbial contamination. This was the gist of SDPI-SDC Orientation Seminar on "Household Water Treatment (HWT) best practices: Solar Water Disinfection", a project of SDPI in collaboration with Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC).
Addressing on the occasion Marri, Member Infrastructure Planning Commission said that SODIS household water treatment method would be included in the educational curricula of Pakistan to lay stress on cost-effective technologies for having better drinking water at minimal cost.
Dr Shaukat Farooq of Sheladia Associates, Ahmed Sohail, Director National Renewable energy Lab. and Shahid Mehmood Director Community Action Program were among the other speakers. Shahid Mehmood expressed concern over the deteriorated condition of the water distribution system such as pipes etc. He stressed on the need to shift to cost-effective tools, so that people can adapt to better options for their livelihood.
Dr Shaukat Farooq said that ultraviolet waves disinfect water and also kill bacteria. Referring to studies, he said that disinfection was most effective at temperatures of 40 to 46 degree centigrade. SODIS is also effective in removing viruses and coliform, he said, adding that standards prevalent in Pakistan for safe drinking water are zero for faecel-coliform and three for coliform. He said absence of faecel-coliform ensures absence of disease-causing bacteria. He asked for further data from universities and NGOs in terms of further research and probing the possibilities in cloudy weathers.
Mome Saleem said that SODIS is absolutely free especially in countries with high temperatures whereas other methods are good but have substantive cost. She stressed on incorporating SODIS along with other HWTs in the action plan for drinking water policy 2009 and also suggested the replication of Existing Community Model of Faisalabad promotion of SODIS at national level by relevant ministries such as Ministry of Health, Environment and District government. Shakeel Ahmed Ramay said that where there are lesser energy options SODIS is very economical. There is need of a policy framework for sustained livelihood patterns with government support.