 | An independent investigation into the purification capacity of small-scale water purification units supplied in South Africa |
| Expanded Title: | Recent failures in potable water delivery as well as outbreaks of waterborne diseases in South Africa have led to members of the public investigating the use of home water treatment devices (HWTDs) to ensure that their tap water is safe for human consumption. The increased metal concentrations in tap water in Carolina are one example of causes for public concern as evident from interviews aired on the MNet televisions show Carte Blanche. The sale and use of small scale water purification systems in the domestic and occupational setting is increasing rapidly, with the majority of these units sold over the counter in high street stores. Consumers buy these products in good faith on the basis of claims of their efficiency made during marketing and advertising campaigns, and with the expectation that the unit will remove, for example, 90-100% of all harmful microorganisms. Very few independent studies have been published on the capacity of HWTDs to effectively treat water. The majority of publications refer to projects which only tested for a single organism or compound and/or a single product. To date, only two studies have been published where HWTDs were tested for more than one compound. A need therefore existed for an independent study to evaluate a representative number of units sold in South Africa against the claims that are made in sales brochures. This study focused on testing HWTDs according to the National Sanitation Foundation guidelines and the results compared to the SANS241 requirements for potable water quality. The study evaluated the performance capacity of tap mounted and jug-type HWTDs available in South Africa for domestic use, with regard to their ability to remove microorganisms under a variety of running conditions as prescribed by the National Standards Foundation, and to compare the findings with the claims made by the manufacturers of the products. |
| Date Published: | 01/05/2013 |
| Document Type: | Research Report |
| Document Subjects: | Drinking water - Water treatment, Drinking water - Water supply |
| Document Keywords: | Water Quality |
| Document Format: | Report |
| Document File Type: | pdf |
| Research Report Type: | Standard |
| WRC Report No: | 1994/2/13 |
| ISBN No: | 978-1-4312-0426-7 |
| Authors: | Barnard TG; Krüger CA; Hodgkinson N |
| Project No: | K5/1994 |
| Originator: | WRC |
| Document Size: | 703 KB |
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