The contribution of decentralized water systems on water quality in Maniema province, DRC.

Abstract

Decentralized water systems (DWS) distribute water in remote African areas. Throughout an intervention in Maniema, Congo, the influence of a DWS performing chlorination in the community's water quality was measured. Additionally, a socio-economic and WASH practices survey was conducted in the communities. Free residual chlorine (FRC) and microbiological contamination were measured; at the borehole, treatment site, distribution points, and households's water containers. In Big Five, water was collected from unimproved sources before DWS construction. Despite that, only 16,6% of households used efficient water treatment methods, resulting in 73% of water stored unsafe for consumption. After construction, household water quality drastically improved, regardless of FRC fluctuations; 93% of samples were classified as low health risk (safe). The renovation guaranteed continuous supply through electro-chlorinators in RVA, where chlorination was intermittent. Water from DWS with adequate chlorine levels prevented microbiological contamination in households for 12 hours. Although economically attractive, the system's sustainability will require future evaluation.