Community based approaches for addressing chemical contamination WaterAid experiences

1. Community based approaches for addressing chemical contaminationWaterAid experiences

2. About WaterAid • Supporting communities access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene • Global presence in 27 countries • In India • Present in India in 10 states • Work through partnerships to influence delivery of services that are appropriate, integrated, sustainable, informed and transferrable

3. Freedom from fluoride • Area: 14 villages in Tirala, Dharampuri and Umarban blocks of Dhar district in MP • 974 HH; population = 6,694 • Major issues: • High poverty • High levels of dental fluorosis • Low awareness • Absence of safe water sources

4. Strategy • Database development of: • Water quality of all water sources in all villages: dugwells, tubewells, hand pumps, ponds • Health status of villagers: dental fluorosis, urinary fluoride • Community awareness - About fluoride, water quality, dental fluorosis and urinary fluoride

5. Fluoride content • Sample size: 109 sources; 8 villages

6. Strategy • Capacity development of NGO/ community on - Fluoride monitoring • Identification of safe sources, especially surface sources and developing a water supply system • Sustainability measures • Community developed O and M system based on operating costs (Rs 16,000 per annum) • Developing water conservation structures

7. Challenges/ learning • Urinary fluoride is a good bio-indicator to measure fluoride intake • Ensuring sanitary protection of shallow drinking water sources • Sustaining water resources over long period given the basaltic terrain • Use of MNERGA funds • Sustaining O and M initiatives

8. Addressing arsenic • Project area: 3 villages in Baria block, Ballia district, UP

9. Strategy • Development of a model that is community-based, owned, operated and managed • Exposure visit to West Bengal to understand experience of community arsenic removal filters: AMAL • Identification of villages, gram sabha involvement • Awareness programmes • Focusing on community decisions • Formation of water committees and SHGs

10. Strategy:Testing samples, informing people

11. Filter features The Amal filter: • Community management possible • Simple technology • Locally produced and so affordable • No electricity requirement • Maintenance ease: servicing every 8-12 months • Capacity: 300 families; 1500 school children • Life: 10-15 years

12. Strategy • Setting rules: Community decisions on - Site for filter installation - Quantity of water - Timing of water supply - User fees • Selection of operator and honorarium • Responsibility of O and M with the Water Committee

13. Water committee responsibilities • Ensuring safe supply • Maintaining a bank account • Selection of an operator responsible for daily backwash, keeping it functional • Maintaining registers : • Complaint book, water quality, • back wash, minutes, • contribution, bank pass book

14. Searching for simpler solutions • Panchayat efforts • Identifying and reviving wells and making these sanitary, • Accessing funds for the above

15. Sustainability measures • Training 600 jalsurakshaks (volunteers): – water availability and quality • About arsenic and its presence in Ballia • Presence of arsenic in shallow and deep aquifers • Manifestations of arsenic, arsenicosis • Arsenic mitigation measures • Assessment

16. Challenges • Concept that safe water is free • Deep rooted caste system • Lack of awareness • Safe disposal of toxic waste

17. Vital ingredients • Community involvement and setting of terms • PRI involvement • Monitoring and informing • Offering solutions that are viable • Systems in place for sustaining sources and systems and monitoring • Accessing government funding • Pooling of resources

18. Thank You