1. THE VULAMANZ RURAL WATER FILTER (VA-RWF)
… towards Safe Water and Improved Health in Africa ….

2. THE CHALLENGE …..
Un-serviced rural and peri-urban communities currently consume raw water that may be contaminated with pathogens.
This can result in diarrhoea, cholera, skin rashes etc, condemning these citizens to a downward spiral of poor health and poverty.

4. VA-RWF Overview…
a point-of-use (POU) household water treatment unit consisting of a microfilter and a post-disinfection step
removes suspended material, colloids, and water-born pathogens to give a safe drinking water from raw waters contaminated with biological pathogens
based on a unique woven fabric microfiltration material developed in SA
developed by water researchers from SUN, DUT, SSU(US) and AIT(Thailand), sponsored by the WRC, DST and Umgeni water.
Significant input from Rural Communities in the development.
An African Technology addressing major challenges in Africa …

5. The VA-RWF V1 …

6. The VA-RWF : Operation …
pour raw water into feed tank
add 3-5 drops of Jik into 5 L product container
open tap and collect water !

7. The VA-RWF : Cleaning … Usually once in two weeks to once a month…
Brush the membranes with the brush provided
Drain the tank …
Usually once in two weeks to once a month…

8. The VA-RWF : Product Quality …
Product turbidities < 1 NTU for feeds up to 300 NTU
Complete deactivation of faecal coliforms, from combined action of membranes and disinfectant
Will produce a safe drinking water from most African surface waters ….

9. The VA-RWF: User Acceptance and Sustainability
DST-IPRD Project (and administered by WRC) – 2015 to 2017
Finalise technology and demonstrate at 1000 households around SA
500 units implemented in Capricorn District Municipality (Limpopo Province) and 500 units implemented in Bizana (Eastern Cape)
Outcomes:
Units have been in operation for periods ranging from 12 months to 26 months
> 95 % of units in Limpopo still in operation
> 95 % of users believe that there has been a major benefit from using the units
> 95 % would recommend further rollout of the units to other un-serviced households
some users claim observable health benefits, since using the units

10. The VA-RWF: User Acceptance and Sustainability

11. The VA-RWF: Economics …
VERY ATTRACTIVE when compared to alternate options, i.e.
Bottled water
Water kiosks

12. The VA-RWF: SUMMARY
addresses a very important need in Sub-Saharan Africa, and other developing regions
produces a safe drinking water from raw waters contaminated with pathogens, without treatment chemicals or energy
extremely robust unit, easy to operate and clean
VERY HIGH user acceptability and perceived benefit
Economically very attractive
A VERY PROMISING OPTION FOR DRINKING WATER PROVISION TO RURAL HOUSEHOLDS …..

13. Quo Vadis ???