Aquaya as part of its commitment to the ANAM WASH initiative has rolled out a series of activities to assess the safety of rural small-piped water systems across the Asutifi North District.
The activities are in three phases; baseline data collection, piloting of chlorination approaches and training of Water and Sanitation Management Teams (WSMTs) and also provided assistance in maintaining free residual chlorine at various standpipes.
At the baseline data collection phase, officials tested for free chlorine residual across near and far standpipes. Results showed values below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 0.2 mg/L for free chlorine residual in treated drinking water.
Subsequently, officials piloted two chlorination approaches; Water mission’s In-line chlorination and Direct Tank dosing. Results recorded after the piloting indicated an increase in target free chlorine residual 0.2 to 2mg/L. These approaches were adopted based on their technical performance, feasibility and financial affordability.
In the end, WSMTs were provided chlorine tablets, and kits and educated on the importance of chlorination. They were also trained on the interpretation of test results, chlorine dosing and the water troubleshooting processes.
Daniel Kwaah, Programs assistant at Aquaya explained “the activities are important in achieving free chlorine residual in the water systems”.
“The training of WSMTs and provision of chlorination kits and tablets will enhance the sustainability of our vision”, he added.
Water Vendors across various standpipes as well-received training on record keeping. Kiosks stocked with petty items were placed beside every standpipe to provide shelter to vendors and motivate them to work.