A post-implementation evaluation of ceramic water filters distributed to tsunami-affected communities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. During recovery, the Red Cross distributed approximately 12,000 free ceramic water filters. This cross-sectional study was an independent post-implementation assessment of 452 households that received filters, to determine the proportion still using filters, household characteristics associated with use, and quality of household drinking water. The proportion of continued users was high (76%). The most common household water sources were taps or shallow wells. The majority (82%) of users used filtered water for drinking only. Mean filter flow rate was 1.12 L/hr (0.80 L/hr for households with taps and 0.71 for those with wells). Water quality varied by source; households using tap water had source water of high microbial quality. Filters improved water quality, reducing Escherichia coli for households (largely well users) with high levels in their source water. Households were satisfied with filters and are potentially long-term users. To promote sustained use, recovery filter distribution efforts should try to identify households at greatest long-term risk, particularly those who have not moved to safer water sources during recovery. They should be joined with long-term commitment to building supply chains and local production capacity to ensure safe water access.

Effective Use of Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage in Response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake

“…16 Another study conducted in Sri Lanka found that, 2 years after ceramic filters were distributed in response to the 2004 tsunami, 71% of households self-reported ceramic filter use that day or the day before. 17 Both studies, however, noted the importance and difficulty of establishing distribution mechanisms to provide or sell replacement parts to users.…”

Factors affecting continued use of ceramic water purifiers distributed to tsunami‐affected communities in Sri Lanka

“…A cross‐sectional survey was administered by in‐person oral interview; methods have been described in detail (Casanova et al. 2012).…”

“…A cross-sectional survey was administered by in-person oral interview; methods have been described in detail (Casanova et al 2012). Study protocols and materials were approved by the UNC Biomedical IRB (#09-1453) and the Ethical Review Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.…”

“…From February 2007 to December 2008, the Red Cross distributed free ceramic water filters (CWFs) in Sri Lanka as part of relief programs after the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Approximately, 12 000 filters were distributed in the south‐western districts of Ampara, Matara, Galle, Kalutara and Gampaha, as described previously (Casanova et al. 2012).…”

“…From February 2007 to December 2008, the Red Cross distributed free ceramic water filters (CWFs) in Sri Lanka as part of relief programs after the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Approximately, 12 000 filters were distributed in the south-western districts of Ampara, Matara, Galle, Kalutara and Gampaha, as described previously (Casanova et al 2012). This study was an independent post-implementation assessment of households that received CWFs during the program, consisting of a crosssectional survey with water sampling and analysis.…”