Water purification plan

Recently, our dedicated colleagues took the time to revisit schools participating in the Water Purification Plan. Their goal was to assess both the condition and usage of the water purification equipment. Let’s explore two heartwarming stories from these schools and their experiences with the water filter systems.

Unclean Mountain Spring Water

When you think about mountain spring water, what comes to mind? Perhaps you envision it as clean, clear, sweet, and rich in minerals—maybe even beneficial for your health? While mountain spring water may appear pristine at first glance, it can unfortunately harbor many unseen impurities and pollutants as it flows through mountainous terrains. This was precisely the challenge faced by our first school featured in this story.

The school's primary source of water is surface runoff from nearby mountain springs. Typically, they utilize a piping system along with a sedimentation tank to treat this water before boiling it in heaters for drinking purposes. However, during summer months when children tend to drink more frequently, long lines often form at the heaters due to insufficient hot water availability.

Fortunately, with the arrival of the Water Purification Plan at their school came new purification equipment that significantly improved access to safe drinking water for all students. Following installation, our project partners diligently monitored both equipment performance and overall water quality. During one routine inspection where a partner disassembled a filter for examination, everyone was taken aback—the filter had turned completely black! This served as an eye-opening reminder of just how much dirt and debris had been effectively filtered out.

The Water Purification Plan not only ensures that children have access to clean drinking water but also highlights potential contaminants present in what might otherwise seem like pure sources. It serves as an important reminder for everyone about avoiding untreated water and fostering good hygiene habits.

Reliable Filters

Another story unfolds at a primary school shortly after the implementation of the Water Purification Plan. One day, the school’s water system manager noticed that the purified water output was not flowing as smoothly as it had before. Initially, they suspected that low water pressure might be to blame. However, upon inspecting the system, it became clear that neither the water supply nor pressure was causing the issue. Consequently, the manager reached out to the equipment manufacturer for assistance.

During their phone conversation, the manufacturer guided the manager through checking some common issues; however, no faults were identified. Eventually, they decided to open up the filter for a closer inspection.

The water purification equipment provided by this project utilizes advanced nanofiltration technology and features a five-stage purification process. Unlike typical urban home or school systems, this equipment is specially designed to handle rural water sources' complexities and includes an additional pre-filter stage. The initial filter—usually made from polypropylene cotton—effectively blocks sediment and other impurities. It is replaced based on local water quality and usage frequency in order to protect the core filter and ensure optimal functioning for our rural children.

When the manager opened up the filter, they were taken aback—the first-stage filter was quite dirty! This discovery clarified why there had been a slowdown in water flow. Acting quickly, they replaced the soiled filter with a new one provided alongside this essential equipment.

After making this replacement, everything returned to normal within the water system; once again, children could enjoy clean drinking water without concern. The teachers expressed their heartfelt gratitude while reflecting on how different things might have been without such an invaluable Water Purification Plan in place. Most importantly though—they felt immense relief knowing that all children now have access to safe drinking water!

In April, the One Foundation's Water Purification Plan project successfully completed the installation of 37 water purification devices in schools, delivered 231 water conservation, hygiene and health classes, and distributed 3,312 water cups to children. The project team also conducted a community project return visit in Xinhua Township. The team also visited Tianquan County, Ya'an City, China, to gain further insight into the utilisation of community water purification devices and the project's activities. Furthermore, the implementation partners of the Water Purification Plan Project conducted a return visit to 60 project schools, during which they conducted a demand research survey at 44 schools.

Project Story:

Our volunteers arrived at Abongjiang Primary School with teaching tools and water purification equipment, prepared to deliver the special lesson to the children. The children were visibly excited about our arrival and gathered around us, eager to learn more.

Upon informing the children that the lesson would be on handwashing, they appeared somewhat perplexed. As they have not previously had the opportunity to receive instruction on the subject, they are not fully aware of the importance of hand washing.

We proceeded to elucidate the correct methodology for handwashing, elucidating the necessity for handwashing and the potential consequences of non-compliance. The children listened attentively and displayed clear signs of concentration.

Subsequently, we conducted a field demonstration and permitted the children to perform the task independently. They followed the instructions we provided and performed the hand-washing procedure with great care, paying close attention to detail. Some children even volunteered to assist their partner, ensuring that all participants were able to demonstrate the correct handwashing technique.

During the course of the proceedings, we observed a child named Lele. He is typically introverted and not particularly adept at verbal communication. However, in this particular class, he was notably active. He not only demonstrated attentive listening, but also demonstrated an eagerness to participate by raising his hand to ask questions, indicating a desire to gain knowledge. At the conclusion of the lesson, we inquired of the children as to their feelings.

Lele stood up and said, "I had no idea there was so much to be said about hand washing." I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of hand hygiene. "I will inform my parents of the knowledge I have gained today, so that they can also prioritize hygiene."

Upon hearing Lele's words, we were all deeply affected. The children were taught the correct way to wash their hands, and were also made aware of the importance of hygiene and health. Furthermore, the transformation of Xiaoming demonstrated the transformative power of education, which can alter a person's perspective and foster greater well-being and prosperity.

This story reinforces our commitment to continue participating in the water purification plan project. We aim to extend our efforts to bring health and happiness to more children, thereby enabling them to have a better future.