Introduction
Virtually every source of water in San Jose is contaminated with coliform bacteria. Drinking this contaminated water can result in diarrhea diseases, especially in children. We initially tried slow-sand filters. They work very well but require the home owner to find all the local materials and maintain the filter. When compared to a ceramic water filter, the slow sand filter was 3 times the cost to make. Presently, we mainly use the ceramic water filter. The filters are made in Honduras and cost about $26/filter. They can last more than 3 years if well cared for. A former medical student, Matt Malek, was instrumental to introducing the filters and teaching people how to use the filters correctly. He performed a study demonstrating that when people are educated well initially on how to use the filters, they maintain that knowledge 6 months later.
What is involved with the project
- Obtain ceramic filters and transport to the area. We have located a small Honduran-run shop that produces these filters that look like clay pots.
- Educate people about the benefits of purifying drinking water. Many people do not believe their water in contaminated and do not understand the link between contaminated water and diarrhea in their children. One of the best interventions to convince people their water is contaminated is to perform petri-dish testing of their water and show them the petri-dish full of bacterial contamination
- Educate people how to use and maintain the Potters for Peace filter. This step is most important. When people are not adequately trained, there is no benefit from using the filter.
- We charge about $2.50 per filter. When selling the filter we hold a mini-class to teach proper use of the filter. We use the teach-back method to ensure learning has occurred.
