Evaluation of a Community-Scale Drinking Water Treatment System

This paper presents the results of a community-scale drinking water treatment system assessment by University of Mississippi School of Engineering students and the organization Living Waters for the World (LWW). Communities facing a severe lack of sustainable and clean drinking water use LWW microfiltration, ozone water treatment, ultraviolet, and chlorination systems worldwide. Students worked on two projects: (1) evaluation of the ozonation system by measuring several water quality parameters, and (2) creation of a chlorine concentration table based on strength and volume of bleach added to a batch of water. The students' assessment determined that the LWW ozone disinfection and microfiltration system effectively treats water by removing and inactivating bacteria that could cause adverse health effects in humans. When developing the chlorination table, students considered typical units of measurement and tools available in disadvantaged communities. Students learned and performed water quality testing while considering technical and social implications of the treatment systems.