Ground-tested principles of designing a robust drinking water treatment system

Abstract

This paper documents ground-tested lessons for designing a robust drinking water treatment system, derived from decades of experience in the water sector, and with insights gained from diverse perspectives – from designing and operating industrial-scale water treatment facilities and decentralized Safe Water Enterprises (SWEs). SWEs can serve an estimated billion people in communities beyond the reach of the large-scale public water utilities. This article discusses and prescribes a practical approach and a wide range of globally applicable considerations when designing and operating a water treatment system.