Integrated Bamboo Catchment and Filtration System
Integrated Bamboo Catchment and Filtration System
A Conceptual Design solution for the Tonle Sap Region, Cambodia
Needra Wickramaratna Debbie To Christopher Barratt Paul Gresser Samuel King October 2009
14064824 14280566 14266139 12038323 14277267
Executive Summary
The Integrated Bamboo Catchment and Filtration System is an economical and sustainable solution to the problem of water purification for the people of Tonle Sap. The people of the Tonle Sap region in Cambodia, many of whom live on and around the Tonle Sap lake itself, are in a state of poverty. Their access to drinkable water is extremely limited and water borne diseases are rife. The problem is exacerbated by the tendency of the locals to discard all organic and non-organic waste directly into the lake, the primary source of water for drinking, washing and recreation needs.
The Integrated Bamboo Catchment and Filtration System is designed to utilise Tonle Sap’s frequently heavy rainfall by capturing rainwater and filtering out the impurities and bacteria contained within it, making the rainwater can be safe to drink. This system is suitable for filtering out the impurities and pathogens present in the lake water so that it can be safe to drink. The most outstanding feature of the system is its low cost. An entire unit can be produced for as little as USD$3.40. This is significant for the people of Tonle Sap, as many survive on less than USD$2 per day. The unit is easily constructed from locally available materials, many of which are freely available. It is straightforward to construct and maintain and the cost of maintenance is also entirely affordable. The total cost of the system, including maintenance, is no more than USD$6.13 for the first year, and no more than USD$4.53 for the years to follow.
The Integrated Bamboo Catchment and Filtration System consists of several easily constructed components. The core functionality of the system is provided by the filtration units. These
A Conceptual Design solution for the Tonle Sap Region, Cambodia
Needra Wickramaratna Debbie To Christopher Barratt Paul Gresser Samuel King October 2009
14064824 14280566 14266139 12038323 14277267
Executive Summary
The Integrated Bamboo Catchment and Filtration System is an economical and sustainable solution to the problem of water purification for the people of Tonle Sap. The people of the Tonle Sap region in Cambodia, many of whom live on and around the Tonle Sap lake itself, are in a state of poverty. Their access to drinkable water is extremely limited and water borne diseases are rife. The problem is exacerbated by the tendency of the locals to discard all organic and non-organic waste directly into the lake, the primary source of water for drinking, washing and recreation needs.
The Integrated Bamboo Catchment and Filtration System is designed to utilise Tonle Sap’s frequently heavy rainfall by capturing rainwater and filtering out the impurities and bacteria contained within it, making the rainwater can be safe to drink. This system is suitable for filtering out the impurities and pathogens present in the lake water so that it can be safe to drink. The most outstanding feature of the system is its low cost. An entire unit can be produced for as little as USD$3.40. This is significant for the people of Tonle Sap, as many survive on less than USD$2 per day. The unit is easily constructed from locally available materials, many of which are freely available. It is straightforward to construct and maintain and the cost of maintenance is also entirely affordable. The total cost of the system, including maintenance, is no more than USD$6.13 for the first year, and no more than USD$4.53 for the years to follow.
The Integrated Bamboo Catchment and Filtration System consists of several easily constructed components. The core functionality of the system is provided by the filtration units. These
References: Asker, S. and Nielsen, C. 2004. Environmental Issues in the Tonle Sap: A Rapid Assessment of Perceptions: Live & Learn Environmental Education. Australian National University. 2005. New water promises clean water for millions, January 13. www.physorg.com/news2737.html (accessed 10th August 2009). Black to Nature. n.d. Properties of Bamboo Charcoal. http://www.blacktonature.com/abtbc.shtml (accessed 30th July, 22nd September 2009). Brown, J., Sobsey, M. and Proum, S. 2007. Use of Ceramic Water Filters in Cambodia: UNICEF. http://www.wsp.org/UserFiles/file/926200724252_eap_cambodia_filter.pdf (accessed September 1st, 2009). CIA – The World Factbook – Cambodia. 2009. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/cb.html (accessed 14th September, 2009). Ceramic Water Filter, Cambodia [Image].2007. http://potterswithoutborders.com/forum/?p=111 (accessed 12th October, 2009). Department of Agriculture. 2006. Hydraulic Conductivity Measurements. www.connectedwater.gov.au (accessed 20th August 2009). Earth Tank System. 2009. http://www.rdic.org/balltankinfo.htm (accessed September 13th, 2009). Hagan, J. 2009. Material Specification and Costings: Engineers Without Borders. http://www.ewb.org.au/ewbchallenge/files/Materials%20Costings%2020090525.pdf (accessed August 22nd, 2009). Hagan, J. 2008. Tonle Sap Floating Latrine Design Project - Field Visit, Engineers Without Borders Australia: Live & Learn Environmental Education. Flynn, T. 2005. New filter promises clean water for millions: ANU. http://www.mitra.biz/blog/blogfiles/ClayPotFilter_final_web.pdf (accessed September 13th, 2009). Janssen .J. and Jules. A. 1991. Mechanical Properties of Bamboo. September 24, 2009) Peng Starr, P. 2007. Tonle Sap Information Guide: Live and Learn Environmental Education. http://www.livelearn.org/resources/manuals/NEEACInfo_Guide_ENGLISH.pdf (accessed September 1st, 2009).