Comparative analysis of two low cost point-of-use water treatment systems

Abstract

The study examined two low-cost point-of-use water treatment systems developed in respect of bacterial and particulate removal when exposed to surface water for three months. Bacterial removal efficiency was estimated using E. coli and fecal coliforms, while particulate reduction efficiency was estimated by determining turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS). The systems investigated were the Gift of Water System (GWS) made in USA and the Drip Filter System (DFS) Model-JW-PD-1-70 made in South Africa. The study included seasonal water quality changes. Both systems recorded 100% bacterial removal throughout the study. Although results show that DFS was slightly better in terms of particulate reduction, both systems removed large proportions of particles from the water. On average TSS removals were 89% and 95%, while turbidity removals were 87% and 94%, by GWS and DFS respectively. The treated water from the two systems compared well with good quality tap water supplied to Stellenbosch University. The results show that both systems can treat the poor quality water used to meet the SANS 241 and WHO guidelines with respect to bacterial and suspended solids content.