PUR introduced to community in Kratie and Stung Treng
Access to clean drinkable water is a challenge to many rural communities in Cambodia. Those that live along the Rivers, dams, flooded or natural disaster areas are vulnerable to diseases affected by water such as diarrhea, cholera and typhoid. One innovative way to address this problem is a small piece of technology called PUR that purifies water. This product has been introduced by Trailblazer Cambodia Organization and supported by The WorldFish Center -Greater Mekong Region Office.
On 26th August 2011, there was an orientation workshop for NGOs, the Fishery Administration of Stung Treng cantonment at Culture and Environment Preservation Association (CEPA) Stung Treng Office and communities from Komphon Village, Sesan District, Stung Treng Province. About 50 people participated in a half-day training that involved men, women and children. The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to discuss access to safe drinking water and the training on PUR system was welcomed by the community. The workshop was supported and undertaken by 2 facilitators from Trailblazer Cambodia Organization. The PUR product is packed in small sachets, and it takes 10 minutes to filter 10 liters of water which is sufficient to support a family for one day. PUR is clinically proven to be effective in removing bacteria, viruses, parasites and minerals such as Arsenic. See diagram below.
The PUR system is now operating in 15 villages in Kratie, Stung Treng and Siem Reap Province and villages have received training in using the new technology. As a result the communities are using PUR instead of the traditional method using White Alum. White Alum is a colorless crystalline solid that most people have used as a traditional system of water purification but it turns the water sour in taste and there is no evidence it removes bacteria. Furthermore, nearly 1,500 households now have access to safe drinking water, which is purified against many water dependent diseases. The community hopes that Trailblazer will continue to support PUR and recommend that other villages test the new system for creating clean drinking water.