Evaluation on the efficiency of rapid sand filtration

Jimma town which has a population of over 95,000 is supplied with many types of water sources including untreated spring water and deep well water. Recently three fourth of the population is supplied from a modern treatment plant that engage rapid sand filtration system (RSF). The population that are supplied with untreated water experience frequent water borne diseases such as typhoid. This study is therefore conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the Rapid Sand Filter treatment plant using physical, chemical and biological. Samples were collected from both clarified and filtered water. Tests conducted were on fecal coliform, iron, manganese, sulfate, turbidity, color, pH, and temperature. The mean estimated fecal coliform bacteria in samples collected from clarified water was 230/ 100 ml. After the clarified water pass through the filter media coliform bacteria and color was removed by 100 per cent, and turbidity by 98.1 per cent. All parameters measured show positive agreement with world health organization’s guideline values.