Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter (KAF) Research and Implementation of an Appropriate Drinking Water Solution for Rural Nepal

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1 Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter (KAF) Research and Implementation of an Appropriate Drinking Water Solution for Rural Nepal 3 rd Annual Meeting of the International Network to Promote Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage, May 2005 & 2005 International Symposium on Household Water Management, 1-2 June 2005 Susan Murcott, Tommy Ka Kit Ngai Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, Bipin Dangol Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO)

2 Presentation Outline This water has arsenic? 1. Arsenic contamination in Nepal 2. Kanchan Arsenic Filter 3. Implementation Project findings 5. What is next?

3 1. Arsenic Contamination in Nepal 2. Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter 3. Implementation Project Findings 5. What is next?

4 Arsenic Contamination in Nepal The State of Arsenic in Nepal (NASC and ENPHO, 2004)

5 Classification of Arsenic Concentration 16.3% 7.4% 76.3% 0-10 ppb ppb Above 50 ppb Nepal Interim Standard WHO Guideline (50 ppb) (10 ppb) 7% 24% 93% 76% Below Above Below Above

6 Population affected by Arsenic WHO guideline: 10 ug/l (ppb) 1 to 2 millions affected Nepali guideline: 50 ug/l 0.5 millions affected

7 1. Arsenic Contamination in Nepal 2. Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter 3. Implementation Project Findings 5. What is next?

8 Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter (formerly Arsenic Biosand Filter) Developed by MIT, ENPHO and RWSSSP Based on slow sand filter technology and arsenic adsorption on ferric hydroxide Intended for arsenic, bacteria, iron, turbidity removal Constructed by trained local technicians using local materials Adequate flow rate for a large family (15L/hr) No chemical additives No replacement parts except iron nails Easy to operate and maintain

9 Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter Components Diffuser Basin Lid Container Brick chips Iron Nails Water Pipe Fine Sand Coarse Sand Gravel

10 Arsenic Removal Mechanism After contact with water and air, iron nails in the diffuser basin will quickly rust Iron rust (ferric hydroxide) is an excellent adsorbent for arsenic

11 Filter Cost (Gem505 Model, January 2005) Item NRs $US Container, Basin & Lid Piping System Sand & Gravel Iron Nails Bricks Piyush (disinfection) Transportation Labor Documentation Tools Cost per Unit Profit 10% Selling Price Note: No replacement parts needed except iron nails (nails can last at least 2 years) Assume exchange rate of US$1 = 70 Nepali Rupees

12 1. Arsenic Contamination in Nepal 2. Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter 3. Implementation Project Findings 5. What is next?

13 World Bank DM2003 Award Funding Source: Won a US$115,000 award from the World Bank Development Marketplace Global Competition 2003 Project Objective: To sustainably promote the Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter as an appropriate arsenic mitigation option throughout Nepal Project Duration: Jan 04 to Jan 05 Project Partners: MIT, ENPHO, RWSSSP

14 Major Accomplishments 1. Established an in-country KAF reference and resource center at ENPHO to coordinate implementation efforts obtain latest technology information and IEC materials learn about project progress and evaluation receive proper training and assistance

15 Major Accomplishments 2. Researched and developed the Gem505 Design better performance, lower cost, improved acceptance Concrete Square (2002) Concrete Round (2003) Plastic Hilltake (2003) Plastic Gem505 (2004)

16 Major Accomplishments 3. Train 15 local entrepreneurs from arsenicaffected districts on filter construction, troubleshooting, water testing 4. Conduct workshops to 30 VDCs and 178 wards on health, water management, treatment options, and filter information

17 Location of Entrepreneurs (NASC and ENPHO, 2004)

18 VDC and Ward-level Workshops (NASC and ENPHO, 2004)

19 Major Accomplishments 5. Over 2000 filters distributed, serving 15,000+ beneficiaries. (as of Jan 31, 2005) RWSSSP distribution (since 2002) 700+ Nepal Red Cross Society distribution (since 2003) 500+ DM project distribution (since April 2004) 350+ Entrepreneurs (since April 2004) 450+

20 Implementation Model Advantages Effective and efficient Demand-responsive KAF immediately available Easy to scale-up Separation of supply and regulatory functions Sustainable (financial and organizational) MIT and ENPHO will continue to exist, conduct research and coordinate Red Cross promote KAF as part of their regular health promotion Entrepreneurs are local NGOs or community clubs Entrepreneurs earn profit selling KAF

21 1. Arsenic Contamination in Nepal 2. Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter 3. Implementation Project Findings 5. What is next?

22 Preliminary User Survey Results Preliminary results (n= 424) as of Jan 31, 2005 Yes Partially No Filter still in operation after 1 year 85.3% 8.3% 6.3% Users think filter operation is easy 73.6% % Users can maintain the filter correctly 50.2% 42.3% 7.4% Users will recommend filter to others 82.5% % Better Same Worse Appearance of filtered water 92.8% 6.9% 0.2% Taste of filtered water 95.0% 5.0% 0% Smell of filtered water 89.9% 11.1% 0% Users perceived health conditions after drinking filtered water 77.5% 22.5% 0%

23 Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter Monitoring Arsenic Removal (n=966) Influent Arsenic Concentration (ug/l) Effluent Arsenic Concentration (ug/l) ND Correct 0 0 installation and maintenance are 1 highly 2 important NO 0flexible 2 tubing ND 189 NO tap connection NO dispersed iron nails Unacceptable Acceptable Figure indicates number of filters

24 1. Arsenic Contamination in Nepal 2. Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter 3. Implementation Project Findings 5. What is next?

25 Future Challenges In order to scale-up this technology to serve the entire Terai: Awareness and education to users Strengthen filter supply scheme Financing for users Strong coordination and management

26 Future Projections Based on data of the SOA Nepal 2003 and Nepal Census 2001: There are 147 VDCs in 17 districts affected by Arsenic Estimated 40,408 households affected Assume 50% of the households will get a filter 20,204 filters Assume 5% will pay full price Assume 45% will pay 0.2 to 0.5% of annual income based on awareness level, literacy rate, etc Total filter costs Total payment from users Subsidy required Entrepreneur profits = 28 million Rs. = 6.5 million Rs. = 21.5 million Rs. = 2.5 million Rs. US$300,000 Limitations: Only 147 VDCs included. Blanket testing results will probably show more households affected.

27 Conclusions There is no single solution applicable for all regions of Nepal Multiple options (e.g. arsenic-free sources, arsenic removal technologies) are required The Kanchan TM Arsenic Filter is appropriate for the socioeconomic conditions of rural Terai region, but other technologies may be more appropriate for other regions/countries Even the simplest and best technology will FAIL, UNLESS it is supported by an effective implementation plan considering: 1. User Awareness 2. Filter Quality Control 3. Monitoring & Follow-up 4. Strong coordination

28 World Bank Nepal Development Marketplace (NDM) 2005 Award

29 Acknowledgements In Nepal: Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Support Programme (RWSSSP) National Arsenic Steering Committee (NASC) Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) Department of Water Supply & Sewerage (DWSS) Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Fund Development Board (RWSSFDB) Department of Education (DOE) Department of Irrigation (DOI) Nepal Water for Health (NEWAH) Save the Environment Nepal (STEN) US Embassy in Nepal Kathmandu University Tribhuvan University Internationally: MIT Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, USA MIT IDEAS Competition, USA The Lemelson Foundation, USA MIT Sloan School of Business, USA The World Bank Stanford University, USA Filters for Families, USA US Geological Survey (USGS) US Peace Corp Global Water Trust (GWT), USA Center for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST), Canada Asia Arsenic Network (AAN), Japan Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) Kyoto Institute of Eco-Sound Systems (KIESS), Japan Simavi, The Netherlands Water Aid

30 Filter Operation 1. Pour water into top basin. Water will pass through filter and flow up the pipe 2. Collect filtered water at the pipe outlet 3. If flow rate is insufficient, then cleaning is required

31 Filter Cleaning/ Maintenance 1. Wash your hands with soap 2. Remove diffuser basin 3. Stir the uppermost ½ inch of sand with your fingers

32 Filter Cleaning/ Maintenance 4a. Remove turbid water with a cup. 4b. Replace the basin and add more water. 4c. Repeat the stirring process for two additional times. 5. Discard the turbid water in a dug hole with some cow dung in it 6. Now the filter can be used again

33 Iron Removal Mechanism Soluble iron(ii) in raw water is oxidized in air to insoluble iron(iii) Iron is trapped on top of sand layer by physical straining Fe Fe Fe Fine sand Iron particles are trapped on top of the fine sand layer by physical straining (i.e. too large to pass)

34 Bacteria Removal Mechanism

35 Total Coliforms Removal % Removal Days since operation Filter 1 Filter 2 Filter 3 Filter 4