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>View discussions about this entry Country: United Kingdom
Organization: DPM Water Technologies Limited
Field of Work - Water
Year the initative began (yyyy) - 2007
Project URL: http://www.aquacube.org.uk
Positioning in the Mosaic of solutions
What is your signature innovation, your new idea, in one sentence? - The provision of low cost, easy to operate, easy to maintain water treatment plant model suitable for communities of up to 15,000 people.
Describe your innovation. What makes your idea unique and different than others doing work in the field? - Our Aquaube V Series units are completely self contained requiring no external power. They carry sufficient spares and consumables for prolonged operation in the field. Operation and maintenance of the units requires a minimum of training and can easily be transported to different locations if and when required. The innovation is combining this equipment with a plan for financing and local operation which can move responsibility for the provision of clean water away from the centre and into local community hands. We have identified organisations, mainly voluntary and/or charitable, already operating in our pilot markets who are willing to support and sustain the equipment. This transfers "ownership" and more importantly, responsibility for operation to those who will most benefit from the provision of clean water. The flexibility of the equipment design allows us to quickly configure it to treat water from a wide variety of sources.
Delivery Model: How do you implement your innovation and apply it to the challenge/problem you are addressing? - We have developed and tested the product extensively both internally and using independent external facilities. We now wish to apply its operation to a number of pilot programmes. By this exercise we seek to prove the model that, decentralised operation and responsibility for small community water treatment plants may prove more succesful than centralised application of larger utility solutions.
How do you plan to expand your innovation? - On succesful completion of the pilot programmes, we will expand by seeking out similar applications in a specific geographical region where we already have gained an understanding of the cultural associations and challenges with the supply of water. We will also have an understanding of how to finance such projects through cooperation on the pilot programmes with funding organisations. This should facilitate roll out of the innovation
Do you have any existing partnerships, and if so, how do you create them? - What type of partnerships to do need? At present we have no formal partnerships. However, we have had a number of meetings with parties who have expressed strong interest in co-operating with us. At present these parties are all local to our intended market and are from both the public and private sector. On successful completion of our pilot programmes, we intend to take the core elements of the programme and adapt these to other countries, utilising the experience of relevant organisations in those countires. We will actively seek out partners from public, private and operational organisations who beleive that there is an appication for Aquacube V series in their country or region.
Provide one sentence describing your impact/intended impact. - Reasonable access to clean drinking water will improve the quality of life and general health of small communities in developing regions.
How many people have you served or plan to serve? - Our investigation of the numbers of communities requiring equipment which will give them reasonable access to at least 20 litres of drinking water per day in Latin America alone shows a requirement running into tens of thousands of people.
Please list any other measures of the impact of your innovation? - The equipment can also be used in agricultural applications where recycling of water is necessary. The equipment can be configured to remove pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture. We have examined the possibility of placing water treatment equipment close to schools. In many countries, the young female population is tasked with collecting water. Would it be possible to "capture" them for say an hours education when they collect clean water from our system?
Exactly who are the beneficiaries of your innovation? - Small communities in rural or peri-rural situations where raw water is available but who do not have the provision of a centralised or other water treatment utility. Improvements to the water supply should also benefit women and children becuase they are usually given the task of collecting and carrying water.
How is your initiative financed (or how do you expect your initiative will be financed)? - The initiative will be financed through a combination of public, charitable and private sources. We have already examined potential sources for such funding and are confident that these will be available. As importantly, ongoing operation and maintenance will be funded by the revenues earned by the local community who will responsible for the equipment. The revenues will be earned from charges made by the local community for the supply of water. This could be on a fixed or volumetric basis. Revenues will be used primarily to maintain the equipment therefore should be easily affordable. Current calculations indicate that the cost of 10 litres of clean water will be less than one US cent. Excess could be used for investment in new or additional equipment.
Provide information on your finances and organization: - Current Annual budget (2007 fiscal year)?
Annual budget for the past 1-2 years (2006 and 2005)? Annual revenue generated? What are your current sources and/or streams of revenue? Do you currently have sources of earned income (examples?); If not, why? Our company was formed just less than three years ago. Revenues in the first year were negligible due to development of our product range. They rose to $US400,000 last year and we have a budget for revenues in the year 2007/2008 of US$1,750,000. What is the potential demand for your innovation? - How do you estimate this demand?
Number of staff (full-time, part-time, volunteers): We cannot give a precise estimate for the demand for our innovation but as an example in one Latin American country with a population of just over 3 million, 30 units per year would be required for the next 5 years if it was to meet its Millennium Goals Target for the provision of reasonable access to clean water. This is only one country. There are many others in a similar position What are the main barriers to financial sustainability? - We do not think there are insurmountable barriers to financial sustainability if the model we have constructed is reasonable. Initial purchase will be funded by a combination of public and private funds. O and M will be covered by a small tariff applied by the local community.
What is the origin of this innovation? Tell us your story. - I have worked in the water related industry for the past 9 years in a variety of positions. However, the provision of water to those most vulnerable has always been of interest to me. I joined with some partners and was funded to develop equipment which could be utilised in this situation. We ahve created pilot programmes in countires where our business partners already have strong representation. This allows us speedier understanding of culture, administration and relationship building. It also gives us access to information about avaiable local suppliers and manufacturers as well as important guidance on how to approach contacts in Government, NGO and lender institutions.
Please provide a personal bio. Note this may be used in Changemakers marketing material - I was an undergraduate from the Unversity of Edinburgh in 1995 completing my PhD in Biogeochemistry in 2000. Since then I have worked continuously in the water industry in a number of developed and developing countries.
Contact Information:
Keith Gavin
Director of Technical Services DPM Water Technologies Limited (Business) Discussions about this entry |
Drinking Water for Small Communities
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This system seems well adapted to meet the needs of small, relatively isolated & self-sufficient rural/sub-urban communities. The end user out-of-pocket costs, per unit measure, also seem impressive, if proven in practice. The less tangible (i.e., portage) time/labor costs one of your respondents noted recently would seem to me to be a consideration factor ONLY if one were comparing putting in a system where long hours of drudgery in manual water transport/handling were not already the only means of obtaining whatever "raw" water is now available; i.e., that factor is pretty much a wash, if not on the positive (i.e., intangible cost reduction) side, since - at least theoretically, there likely wouldn't be as much "down time" loss, waiting in long lines.
One other pertinent question I would raise: Since you are providing a micro system obviously entailing substantial appropriate technology, why not go a step further and at least explore use of purification agents in the system OTHER than Chlorine-based.
Considering that the EU has - apparently fairly enthusiastically - passed legislation abandoning Chlorine use in the central systems of its member nations, in favor of silvered filters; and the reports out of medical clinics/test labs worldwide are now piling up, indicating that Chlorine - in whatever form - has some fairly strong negative health side effects, when ingested, it seems high time that those investing in alternative water - especially potable water - provisioning system should also start seriously exploring new, equally alternative technology purification agents and procedures. We really do need to start asking ourselves if we may not be "killing with kindness" those we seek to help with healthier lives; if for no other reason than to take seriously what Medical Science/Health practitioners are now telling and demonstrating for us.
Could you please help me find any reference to EU attitudes to silvered filters? I asked the question in my last response to you.
..." we are always open to alternative solutions when looking at all aspects of water treatment, not just disinfection. As a result I am intrigued by your reference of the EU passing legislation abandoning chlorine in favour of silvered filters as I have not heard of this, and can find no reference to it on the internet – could you please inform me where I could get more information on this"....
regards
Keith
Dear Seamus,
Thank you for your comments.
In our range of products we do use a range of disinfection methods other than just standard chlorination, such as electro-chlorination and UV, and for specific projects ozonation and chloramination.
The reason we have chosen to use standard chlorination using calcium hypochlorite for this system is threefold;
Firstly calcium hypochlorite is readily available pretty much everywhere in the world.
Secondly it is highly cost effective.
Thirdly the concentration of chlorine in the treated water can be easily measured using simple colourometric (DPD) tests, which are cheap and simple to use.
With regards the health issues associated with chlorine, you are right that chlorine has been linked with adverse health effects, but you just need to look at the statistics to see that the health benefits clearly outweigh the risks, i.e. how many deaths can be attributed directly to dirty water vs how many deaths can be attributed directly to ingestion of chlorine in drinking water.
That being said, we are always open to alternative solutions when looking at all aspects of water treatment, not just disinfection. As a result I am intrigued by your reference of the EU passing legislation abandoning chlorine in favour of silvered filters as I have not heard of this, and can find no reference to it on the internet – could you please inform me where I could get more information on this.
Whilst silver is an option, my concerns with regards the use of silver as a disinfectant are follows:
Firstly, there are health concerns over the use of silver which is why the US FDA passed a ruling in 1999 stating that “drug products containing colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts for internal or external use are not generally recognized as safe and effective”.
Secondly, I would question the effectiveness of silver as a disinfectant. The WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality states “Silver is not very effective for eliminating disease-causing microorganisms, since silver by itself is slow acting.” (Section 6.3, p110)
Thirdly, how easy would it be for the end user, who may be in a fairly isolated community, to source the required silver chemicals?
Fourthly, how would the use of silver affect the cost of the treated water, especially if a comparatively costly logistical chain is required to be put in place to supply the consumables?
And finally, how would the operator measure the concentration of silver in the treated water? There are obviously ways of doing this, but how easy and expensive are the photometers, or other equipment, required to do this?
Kind Regards
Dr Keith Gavin
Hi Keith,
I am impressed with your committment to providing safe water for small communities and your plans to promote community ownership of the system but I am concerned about the relatively high costs that you mention just for operation and maintenance. Will this really be financially sustainable?
The cost that you mention of $ 1.00 per kiloliter (1 cent per ten liters) is about twice what is currently charged to industry for water in India and roughly 20 times what is charged to residential users. In addition, it appears that you are only counting the cost of operating and maintaining your system, not the cost to the consumer of walking to and collecting the water from your treatment plant.
While these latter costs (the opportunity cost of women's time) may be difficult to estimate, they are very significant and typically far greater than the actual purchase price of water. For suggestions in estimating these costs, take a look at the following site on the Indian Water Portal: http://www.indiawaterportal.org/blog/index.php/2008/02/09/on-the-hidden-cost-of-free-water/ (Although the prices there are quoted in Rupees, you can easily convert Rupees to Dollars at the rate of 40 Rupees to the Dollar.)
With these costs (the personal cost of collecting and transporting water) in mind, you may want to also want to incorporate a system of small private entrepreneurs to deliver water to individual households and/or compare the cost of a piped water distribution system.
While I recognize that there are many differences between communities in the Carribean and in India, there is an unfortunate universal tendancy to ignore the value (opportunity cost) of women's time.
Thanks for your continued interest in this area,
David
Hi David
thank you for your email which we have all found very thought provoking. What our tests have shown is that the cost is less then 1 cent per kilolitre and we believe, significantly below 1 cent. However, you are correct in saying that we have not taken into account the opportunity cost for women collecting the water. Our experience in LAC countries is that the distances travelled to collect water are not significant. I completely agree that India is different although I have very little knowledge of the country.
What I would like to do is discuss your message with my colleagues on Monday and then get back to you with our thoughts. Clearly your opinion would be of great interest to us.
regards
Keith
Hello Keith,
Do you have any sites in mind for installation? What countries has the plant been installed in? Has it been implemented yet? I'm uncertain about your social impact and financial sustainability. Have you worked to create a market and community based approach around your product? Are you working to build systems in the communities that will support this technology for the long term? Thank you for your response.
Dana Frasz
Changemakers
Dear Dana
I hope this answers your questions.
We have selected the Dominican Republic and Haiti as sites. Through strong contacts in both countries we have identified three definite and one possible site. The first units are scheduled for delivery to one orphanage and one charity children’s hospital at the end of March. The other to an orphanage in April.
The technology we have developed is based upon existing proven water treatment technology. We have not set out to re-invent the wheel. Although our V series units are a new product development, they are based upon this proven technology but modified to suit the particular requirements of rural and peri-rural communities in developing countries. Ease of use, on-board spares and consumables, fail-safe controls to ensure efficient use and adherence to maintenance regimes etc.
The social impact will be material. Haiti is trying hard to meet its Millennium Goals, including reasonable access to clean water for its population. Our units will be able to provide clean water for tens of thousands of Haitians. After the initial capital cost, the units are self funding through a small charge made to the consumers for clean water. Present estimates put the cost to consumers at less than one US cent for 10 litres.
We have visited both countries and have already identified community partners, business contacts, NGO’s and Governmental parties with whom we intend to develop the overall water provision model. Many of these organisations have representation throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. This will facilitate scaling up.
The key is of course support for the equipment in the longer term. Yes we have that very much in mind and have already began discussions with a non-profit organisation who would be responsible in Haiti for o and m as well as general care fro the equipment. The organisation has some highly qualified volunteer engineers who are happy to support the product for the medium to long term.
I hope this helps and thank you for taking the time to contact us
kind regards
Keith Gavin
Dr
Greetings Keith,
Is your plan to fabricate your systems in the UK and ship to, say Latin America or Africa? And do you see your primary market as emergency response applications, or permanent installations, or both?
Finally, your website mentions an ECA system producing ClenoxTM. Are you able to speak about the disinfectant? Is it chlorine dioxide?
Many thanks,
jeff
Jeff Albert, PhD
Principal, The Aquaya Institute
www.aquaya.org
Hi Jeff
We plan to fabricate the first few systems in the UK. These will act as quality and manufacturing benchmarks. Thereafter we intend to fabricate as locally as possible. We have already identified a suitable manufacturing partner in the Dominican Republic.
We see our markets in both of the sectors you mention. We have a range of machines which can be deployed in emergency situations, similarly we have machines which, while easy to locate, favour a more permanent infrastructure.
ClenoxTM is a electro-chlorination process producing a mixed oxidant, chlorine type disinfectant.
Regards
Keith
Dr Keith Gavin
DPM Aquacube
Thanks Keith. That's useful.
Presumably you'll need to import filter and/or Clenox production components even if you do assembly locally?
all the best
jeff
Yes Jeff
there will have to be some importing in the early stages but we hope to try and source as much locally as possible.
best regards
Keith
Hi Keith,
I second the question raised by Dr. Byamukama...this is a recurrent question that needs to be addressed in many of the efforts...the "scientific" part of treating water.
On the other hand, I would like to suggest/recommend that you contact the UN and other international organizations such as the Red Cross or Red Crescent and seek ways in which to "demo" your ideas and technology with them...the needs for disaster relief water treatment are always in front of us and if your technology can be applied there it will certainly be well received.
I did some work a few years ago with a fellow by the name of Roddy Tempest...you can see some of what he does here http://www.pqmd.org/publish/Publish_item.asp?ID=351
All the best,
Brian
Thank you taking the time to email us.
We have been in contact with ICRC,IFRC,UNHCR,UNICEF and a number of other organisations. We have also been working with Oxfam GB on development and final testing of the system. The testing has now been going on for about 9 months and is now approaching completion of these tests. At that point we will be following up with our contacts at each of these organisations.
best regards
Keith
Dr Keith Gavin DPM Aquacube
Dear Ron,
Thanks for what sounds like an interesting decentralised water treatment system. You mention that this sytem can be configured to remove pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, may be you need to highlight on what kind of raw water can be used with this kit. Additionally, what kind of technology is it using? As you might be well aware the quality of raw water is very important as it affects and limits most of the treatment approaches that are currently available , for both Centralised conventional technologies and small scale such as household level treatment.
Dr. Denis Byamukama
Faculty of Science
Makerere University
P. O. Box 7062
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 782 519315
Current Status: Staff
Dear Denis
thank you for your comments, I would respond as follows:
The system is designed to treat most fresh (non-saline) water sources, but
we also supply systems to treat brackish and saline sources. You are
correct in your statement that the quality of the raw water limits the
effectiveness of water treatment technologies, which is why we utilise a
modular approach to our water treatment technologies, enabling the correct
technology to be used for specific water sources
I hope this helps
Kind Regards
Dr Keith Gavin
Keith
Good to hear about your innovation. Could you share with us how much a system costs to purchase for a the 15,000 people you mention?
What country has it been installed in?
peace
Ron Rivera
International Coordinator
Ceramic Water Filter Program
Potters For Peace www.pottersforpeace.org
Managua, Nicaragua
tel: 505 277 3807
pottersforpeace@yahoo.com
PFP is a Member of The International Network to Promote H
Thanks for the communication Ron
We have not arrived at a firm price yet but it would be more than US$5,000 and less than $20,000. this would include the provision of spares and consumables for at least 6 months operation and the equipment should last for at least 3 years. We want to work on a whole life cost per litre of water produced and as you can probably gather with the numbers involved, the cost per litre is a small fraction of a US Cent per hour.
Hope this helps
Keith