Addressing Poor Water Quality in Rural Fiji Using a Modified Cracker Box Biosand Filter

Abstract

Introduction

Water quality issues continue to impact the health of rural Fijians. Many of the current water treatment and filtration solutions are unsustainable, as they are implemented by outside organizations and are prohibitively expensive for the community to maintain. The aim of this operational action research project was to develop a sustainable, inexpensive water filtration method for rural Fijian communities that can be easily implemented, utilized, and maintained by community members. 

Methods

Through a partnership between Mali Island, Fiji and Engineers without Borders – Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (EWB - CP) field data was collected through 5 focus group discussions. The results were then applied to redesign an existing biosand filter prototype, with the objective of reducing material costs and integrating end-user feedback. Next, engineering students at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly - SLO) built a prototype and developed a mechanical and biological testing plan to evaluate the prototypes, under the guidance of their professors. The two filter prototypes were then tested for biological removal efficiency of turbidity, total coliform, and E. coli over 59 days.

Results

Mechanical testing and iteration reduced leakage, improved flow rate and simplified the filter’s use. Analysis of the biological testing results found the design to remove approximately 61% of E. coli and turbidity on average, which yields significant benefits to Fijians who currently lack access to safe drinking water but does not meet CAWST (Center for Affordable Water and Sanitation) biosand filter expectations of 98.5 % E. coli removal.

Discussion

The current design is not recommended for implementation, as it does not meet CAWST expectations of a 98.5% average E. coli removal rate. Even so, this research has the potential for future adoption and iteration by a different team to produce a more effective community driven water filtration system for the people of rural Fiji and encourage community centred design in engineered filtration systems.