1. W a t e r f o r L i f e

2.  Safe, decent, and adequate shelter includes access to water, sanitation, hygiene facilities, and drainage.  1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water.  In Europe and Central Asia, 120 million people do not have access to safe drinking water

3.  Over 60% of the population still classified as poor (defined as living on less than US$2.15 per day).  Only 58% of 7,000,000 population in Tajikistan has access to improved water.  Of 699 centralized systems of water supply available nationally, 113 do not function and 358 do not meet sanitary requirements.

4.  In most rural areas (70% of the country) drinking water is drawn from contaminated irrigation canals and ditches.  51.1% of the Tajik population contracted one or more water borne/related illness annually.  The water supply infrastructure is inadequate in more than 70% of the country.

9.  Inexpensive, sustainable, and low tech water filter which requires no chemicals or electric power.  It can be produced with locally available materials and labor.  The water filter “shell” is constructed out of concrete using a specially designed cast.  The BioSand Water Filter consists of a concrete container filled with graded sand and grave, topped with a diffuser and bio-layer. The BioSand Water Filter (BSWF)

11. Filter Lid Prevents contaminants from entering the filter. Diffuser Plate Protects the biological layer from damage when water is poured into the filter. Outlet Pipe Conducts water from filter base to outside. Sand Layer Traps organic and inorganic material at the top of the filter media. Separating Gravel Layer Prevents sand from plugging under drain gravel. Undergrain Gravel Layer Promotes flow of water into outlet pipe.

12.  Contaminated water is poured into the water filter. It flows past the diffuser plate and seeps through the sand and gravel layers. Pressure cause the water to flow up the outlet pipe where it can be collected.  A biological layer (often called the bio-layer) of slime, sediment and microorganisms develops at the surface of the first layer of sand.  The microorganisms that make up the bio-layer consume bacteria, increasing the effectiveness of the filter.

13. The water filter produces up to 60 liters of clean, safe water per hour which is sufficient for 18 people. It eliminates over 90% of waterborne diseases. Cases of water and hygiene related disease including: typhoid, hepatitis, diarrhoea and dysentery will be reduced by 80% within 15 months.

14.  The BioSand water filter costs only 180 Euro.  Habitat for Humanity subsidizes a portion of the cost and helps with the provision of loans to selected families. Loan repayment schedules are based on the seasonal income generation capacity of the Tajiks that receive the water filters.  Part-time employment is created for community members.

15.  With regular maintenance and servicing, the system will last up to 20 years.  All families will be trained and provided with a manual about the use and maintenance of the water filters.  Protected water reservoirs are constructed in villages to provide easy access and storage of water.

18.  Within 1 year Habitat for Humanity Tajikistan has provided access to clean water for more than 6,500 people, including 2,000 children.  This year Habitat for Humanity Tajikistan will be working to install a 1,000 more BioSand Water Filters, and therefore provide access to healthy drinking water for the next 20 years for 8,000 more people.  In support of its Biosand Water Filter project, HFH will also construct 12 protected water reservoirs and insure the education of 2,000 individuals on water related good hygiene.

19. Hear the story of Zulkada, a 11 year old girl living in Tajikistan whose family received a water filter, and see what you can do to help! You can be the difference you wish to see in the world!

20. Thank You