Ceramic water filters: Red Cross and Red Crescent experiences and lessons in Asia

Ceramic water filters are a low-cost, effective, simple and easily maintained method for water treatment at a household level (or “point of use”) – enabling families to access safe drinking water, free from disease-causing pathogens. Their use across the Asia Pacific region, particularly in South-East Asian countries, is already widespread and continues to grow in popularity. This document captures key experiences from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Asia who have experience with the production of ceramic water filters, their use in emergencies and/or in the distribution of ceramic water filters as part of ongoing community based development programmes. Key lessons and recommendations for ceramic water filter distribution and programming are outlined, and are relevant for both emergency and longer term development contexts.