29/03/2013
Training on Introduction to Drinking Water Quality Testing
2-5 April, 2013. Kathmandu
Organized by Environment & Public Health Organization (ENPHO) and Center for Affordable Water Sanitation Technology (CAWST)
BACKGROUND
The Nepalese government has been urged by development agencies to implement more effective measures to improve the quality of drinking water and household sanitation. The initiatives presently in place are not meeting the stated objectives, and water quality is well below national standards. Water sources are contaminated due to rapid and haphazard urbanization, open defecation and population growth in Nepal. Every year, 10,500 children under the age of five die due to sanitation and drinking water related diseases. Nepal Government and different National and International organizations are moving forward to implement various water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects to overcome this issue. Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) is working since 21 years in the field of WASH and Environment to develop and promote appropriate technologies to enable societies become eco-friendly. In this context, ENPHO in partnership with Center for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST), Canada has been working together to enhance the technical managerial skills of WASH implementers to implement project effectively.
This four-day water quality testing workshop is designed for those interested in conducting drinking water quality testing as part of the implementation, monitoring or evaluation of household water treatment and safe storage (HWTS) projects in developing countries.
The workshop offers instruction on basic testing for physical, chemical and microbiological contamination of drinking water. Other topics to be addressed include information on physical, chemical and microbiological properties of water, drinking water quality guidelines, testing protocol, data analysis, and preparing a water quality testing plan. The workshop will also introduce household water treatment and safe storage options as a potential solution to contaminated water.
The broader objective of this training module is to transfer knowledge and skills for participants independently to carry out different water quality tests.
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
• Explain the purpose and scope of water quality testing
• Describe water contamination and list examples of different contaminants
• Demonstrate their ability to use portable water quality test kits to determine the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of drinking water
• Describe how to find and interpret guidelines for drinking water quality
• Select an appropriate testing methodology according to their needs and local situation
• Analyze and interpret water quality data and report their findings
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
The participatory workshop includes theory, demonstrations, open discussion, case studies, and hands-on practice. Approximately two-thirds of the workshop will be spent in practical sessions. Active participant engagement in learning activities is encouraged. This workshop will be instructed by ENPHO lab** expert and International Technical Advisor from CAWST, Canada.
CONTENT
The following is a tentative list of the topics covered. A specific agenda will be developed for the training based on consultations with the organizer and participants.
Theory
• Water quality issues and the connection to public health
• Drinking water quality guidelines and standards
• Types of contaminants and their indicators
• Water quality testing for physical, chemical and microbiological parameters
• Selection of appropriate testing methodology and equipment
• Developing a water quality testing plan
• Record keeping, interpreting results, and reporting
Practical
• Water sample collection
• Physical contaminant testing
• Chemical contaminant testing
• Microbiological contaminant testing
• Preparing a report
• ENPHO lab visit
PARTICIPANTS
The ideal participants are individuals or organizations who are:
• Working in water and sanitation, community development or health projects seeking simple solutions for water quality testing
• Aware of the need for safe water and may have some familiarity with household water treatment
• Motivated and prepared to implement water quality testing
• Program organizers or project managers with the responsibility for organizing projects and making decisions
• Technicians or individuals who will be taking water samples, conducting tests and interpreting results
It is an advantage if participants have the following:
• Source of funding in place to begin implementation (as this will allow for immediate application of the knowledge gained in the workshop)
• Support of their organization which recognizes that water quality testing may be beneficial for their project
This is an introductory level workshop. It is NOT intended for participants already trained in water quality testing procedures.
TRAINING MATERIALS
The following materials will be provided to all workshop participants:
• Filed test kit manual
• CD containing all material presented in the workshop and related resources
COURSE FEE
The total fee for the four days residential course is NRs. 8000. This includes tea, lunch, resource material and certificate. Limited seats are available for scholarshipe for deserving candidate.
VENUE
Environment and Public Health Organization
Adarsha Marg, Baneswor
Kathmandu
CONTACT
Ms Yasoda Shrestha
Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO)
Email: [email protected] , phone no: 00977-1-4493188
** ENPHO lab is Government accredited lab for environmental monitoring and analysis.
