UV Tube Workshop, Cap Haitien

 

On Saturday March 31, 2007 SOIL held our first workshop in the new Cap Haitien office.  Fourteen people representing 8 organizations came together to discuss simple methods of water treatment and to learn how to make a UV tube, an inexpensive household water treatment system.

The workshop started with a presentation by SOIL Co-founder Sarah Brownell and a group discussion about the costs and benefits of different water treatment methods including sand filters, SODIS, boiling, chlorine, UV and osmosis.

 

Low-pressure UV radiation from germicidal lamps is very effective at inactivating most pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and virus found in drinking water. The UV-Tube is a simple ultraviolet (UV) water disinfection system invented at the University of California at Berkeley that can be built from materials and hand tools available in developing countries for around $50. More than one UV-Tube design is possible and different materials are available in different countries. During the workshop participants split into small groups to build 5 UV-Tubes capable of treating drinking water at 5 liters/minute.

At the end of the workshop participants enjoyed a communal meal prepared by SOIL Chairperson, Kevin Foos. 

The five UV tubes constructed during the workshop will be provided to: The Young Singers Group in Borgne Madam Bwa, a community health worker in Shada The Cap Haitien Prison Milot Technology Center Borgne Technology Center