solution finder

29 June 2019

How is Water Purified?

Author/Compiled by
Katharina Conradin (seecon international gmbh)
Michael Kropac (seecon international gmbh)
Dorothee Spuhler (seecon international gmbh)

 

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The Case of Unsustainaville
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Water Purification in Unsustainaville

In Unsustainaville, water is purified in two locations

  • Centrally, in the reservoir, it is purified by chlorination.
  • In those areas of town that are not connected to the central water distribution grid, people purify water by boiling.

 

Water purification in Unsustainaville. Source: SEECON (2010)
Water purification in Unsustainaville. Source: SEECON (2010)

 

Problems with Water Purification in Unsustainaville

There are several problems with these kinds of water purification:

  • Chlorination is effective, but it is also quite expensive and relies on the availability of chlorine, which is sometimes limited. Additionally, there is a lot of organic pollution that is not addressed with chlorination.
  • Boiling is very expensive for the local population in the low-income areas - so the very poor cannot afford it and frequently suffer from water-related diseases. Boiling with wood also puts a big strain on the forests around the city. Furthermore, it leads to indoor air pollution, causing respiratory diseases.

 

Problems with Water Purification in Unsustainaville. Source: SEECON (2010)
Problems with Water Purification in Unsustainaville. Source: SEECON (2010)

 

Where do I find further information to tackle water purification problems?

 

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Previous and Next Step
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Go back to previous step -----> What are the Sources of Water?

Go to next step -----> How is Water Distributed?

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