On April 2, 2000, Cyclone Hudah struck Madagascar, killing 111 people, leaving thousands homeless, and contaminating water sources. On April 5, CARE shipped 11,700 bottles of Sur'Eau, a socially-marketed chlorine-based water disinfectant, and 11,700 5-gallon foldable jerry cans to 68 affected communities. In September 2000, a survey was conducted to determine the project's impact on water quality.
A convenience sample of 12 cyclone-affected villages was selected. In each village, a systematic sample of every 10th household located within 50 meters of the main road was surveyed about water treatment and storage practices, and stored water was tested for free chlorine residuals and Escherichia coli contamination.
Surveys were conducted in 123 households. The water source was a shallow well for 67% of households, and a river for 33%. Of 123 households, 94 (76%) had received a jerry can. Although 93 (99%) respondents said they were using the jerry can, in 40 (43%) households it did not appear to be in use. 117 (95.9%) respondents had heard about Sur'Eau, 105 (90.5%) said they had used it, and 80 (65.0%) reported that they currently used it. Water was observed in 40 (43%) of 93 jerry cans; 31 (78%) water samples had detectable chlorine residuals. Water was observed in buckets in 47 (38%) households; none used Sur'Eau. The median E. coli colony count in water stored in jerry cans was significantly lower than in water samples from buckets (0 vs. 13 per 100ml, p=0.005).
Households using Sur'Eau and jerry cans significantly improved their water quality.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Drinking Water Quality, Disasters
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.