Storage and local media filters in contaminant removal

Because of the absence of appropriate and simple means of improving water quality, majority of the Ethiopian population are consuming non-potable water. Storage of raw water in local vessels and filtration of fluoridated water through crushed brick and clay pot are simple methods of treating water. Samples of water from stream, spring and fluoridated water was used to see effect of storage and appropriate home made filters in the reduction of fecal coliform, turbidity colour, and fluoride. After the samples were initially tested for these parameters, they have been stored for one, two and three days in clay pots, plastic (jerrycan) and metal bucket. The result showed a reduction of fecal coliforms by 100 per cent, 89.6 per cent and 74.6 per cent in metal bucket, plastic (jerrican) and clay pot vessels after three days of storage, respectively. In addition considerable reduction of turbidity and colour was also achieved. On the other hand local clay pots showed effect in reducing fluoride concentration after storage. Filtration of fluoridated water sample through crushed brick and local clay pot have shown an average reduction of fluoride concentration by 57.2 and 93.8 percent, respectively. This study has revealed that storage of raw water and using clay filters can remove biological, physical and chemical contaminants up to recommended values by WHO. It is believed that with further perfection communities who lack safe water source can use the method just mentioned to purify their water in their homes.