Environmental Engineer:
Applied Research and Practice

Challenges to Implementing Drinking Water Technologies in Developing World Countries

Authors: David R. Hokanson, P.E., Qiong Zhang, Joshua R. Cowden, Alexis M. Troschinetz, James R. Mihelcic, and Dana M. Johnson

Abstract

Access to a sufficient quantity of high quality water is important for improving health and economic livelihood of people residing in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the technical, economic, and social barriers to implementing drinking water technologies in these countries. The intent is to provide guidance to practitioners regarding the barriers and to assist development of strategies for successful implementation. Four representative regions and six water purification technologies were selected for this study. Information on engineering attributes and cost for these technologies were collected and evaluated. A survey of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers was conducted to understand current practice in developing world countries. Successful implementation of technology in developing world countries requires it be culturally and economically appropriate. Also, it is very important to provide water and sanitation education to local communities before implementing the technologies so families understand the interaction between clean water, sanitation, and improved health.

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