Household water treatment and safe in emergencies

Abstract

Clean water is a key factor in keeping people healthy, especially in an emergency. Water can be contaminated at the source, in the home, or during the journey in between. The most important reason to improve the quality of water is the removal of organisms that cause disease. This manual does not cover the aspects of water quality that involve pesticides, naturally occurring arsenic, or iron. A way to improve the quality of water is through household water treatment activities. Safe water storage is also important in improving water quality because it prevents contamination during water collection, transport, and storage in the home. This manual outlines various methods of household water treatment and includes instructions in their use. This manual also includes basic guidance about how to link the distribution of items in an emergency to hygiene promotion activities about safe water handling and storage at the household level.