Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development

Abstract

In Liberia, access to safe water is not universal, and waterborne diseases like diarrhea run rampant. As part of a larger border-to-border clean water project in Liberia, hollow membrane fiber filters were distributed to households in remote and/or small villages across Liberia. While f ilter efficacy has been demonstrated in the laboratory, studies of filter efficacy in real-world settings yield more mixed results. Intervention efficacy in Liberia was evaluated by assessing (1) user ability to correctly filter and backwash and (2) filter functioning at follow-up visits approximately 2 and 8 weeks post-intervention. Ultimately, the results supported the efficacy of this intervention. At arrival of both follow-ups, over 95% of filters were functioning properly and the majority of issues were resolved during visits. This supported the shortterm durability of the filters and the importance of follow-up visits for repairs. Furthermore, the vast majority of households were able to correctly demonstrate filtering and backwashing: 88.47% at the first follow-up and 91.79% at the second. This slight increase may indicate the value of follow-up visits as educational tools. The widescale distribution of point-of-use filters as a mechanism for clean water should include on-going education and affordable filter repair and replacement opportunities.

DOI

10.2166/washdev.2022.075

Publication Date

11-11-2022

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