Well Water Disinfection in Calamities: The Experiences from Rural Kerala, India

Abstract

Background: Wells are the main source of water supply in rural areas. Bleaching powder is the most effective and inexpensive method for well water disinfection. In the great floods of 2018 in South India, community volunteers (ASHA) were trained on promoting preventive measures (e.g., well water chlorination) and use of boiling water. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 101 households in the field practice area of the Rural Health Training Center of a teaching institution in Central Kerala affected by flood to assess the extent of the correct method of well water disinfection during September 2-12, 2018. Results: All the wells were disinfected by chlorination using bleaching powder, and most of the wells (86%) were super-chlorinated. To determine the amount of the required bleaching powder, the well water volume was calculated by guesswork in 91 households (89%). All the households used a bleaching powder solution rather than directly sprinkling the powder. Conclusion: According to the results, effective health awareness campaigns, community participation, and the use of appropriate technologies could change the behavior of the community. All the households practiced well water disinfection with some minor lacunas.