The ideal equipment

Often, articles about sanitation systems and access to water, refers to third world countries. Although according to the world Resources Institute, on 2040 this will worsen globally, especially in urban cases, due to a higher concentration of people per square meter, the situation is even worse in disaster situations, even in developed countries or in process of being so.

However, the access to clean drinking water and sanitation it is regarded as essential to the realization of all human rights, recognized by The United Nations General Assembly (resolution 64/292), but still there is a lot to do on infrastructure and quality, this situation is aggravated by the occurrence of disasters, as they commonly do not have resilience. The above is further exacerbated because generally water sources are outside the city limits and therefore another factor, transportation is added.

At this stage, the purifying water systems get into the action, where you can find the widest range of sizes and capacities. As is known, there are also a large number of donors, motivated by the most different types of interest involved in disaster situations. However, a widespread problem is the type of equipment normally delivered, which often is sent it to the affected area, from others countries as a way to support, but to project and support its technology also, which often come  without training and support (short-term operations). Sometimes you get a piece of art, but as the same of food deficit, fuel resources and spare parts also suffer shortages. Without the appropriate fuel or water filter is over!!!!! and it becomes an excellent museum piece (it happens).

Analyzing with common sense and from the point of view of disaster situations needs, in my opinion the ideal for massive and individual use (water purifying systems), should consider:

A. Portability

      This is because in most cases; except when it comes to urban areas, access             roads and water sources are affected as well.

      1. Transportation

           a) Massive plant (container size)

               Air or maritime means will be required. Then, Size and weight should                    not be excessive (Compact and transportable).

               Airlift: It may require air dropped or transported by small helicopters.

                Maritime: structure requires to be customized to fit a standard shipping                 container.

               In both cases, the equipment must be robust with shock bearing                              capacity, waterproof and with jacks for fixing (Container Corner                              Castings) (MILSPEC).

           b) Individual:

                    Bottles: no more than 2 liters.

                    Pillow or light tanks: with carrying handles.

                    Clear instructions (considering illiterate people) 

1. Water sources 

         Depending of the type/grade of contamination, different applications could           be required. 

B. Easy to operate

       Installation, operation and maintenance with minimum skilled labor; except        on second grade maintenance level or repair. 

C. Low cost of operation

      Capable of operate for long periods; despite having a low or no maintenance.

        Standard parts design with NSN (NATO Stock Number, NSN)                                   identification. Available on the world market and According with the NATO         Support and Procurement Agency, NSPA                                                                         http://www.nspa.nato.int/en/organization/nspa/ nspa.htm

D. Multiple power supplies 

      Besides with the food deficit, usually fuel resources also suffer shortages, so         the plant needs duplicity power capacity (multifuel) or another alternative             source of energy.

E. Multiple coupling

      It is very common to find many different coupling systems to connect hoses.         So a good solution is to include a set of fire water hose connectors (storz                 coupling and traditional hose coupling)

Technology is good, but in humanitarian aspects, I believe there must be a balance between efficiency and effectiveness.

Of course, the further development usually is motivated by the military rather than humanitarian sector, where means and resources are not a problem at least for deployed forces.

Any enterprise which is looking for disaster support, I believe, should considerer at least the points mentioned above.

Just keep it simple!