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Rick Johnston and Sara Marks

It is well known that water treatment at the household level can lead to dramatic improvements in drinking water quality. But does Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) also have global relevance? What are the potential treatment solutions and how do they function? Is there a standard strategy for successful HWTS implementation, or can we identify key components which make programs more likely to succeed?

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It is well known that water treatment at the household level can lead to dramatic improvements in drinking water quality. But does Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) also have global relevance? What are the potential treatment solutions and how do they function? Is there a standard strategy for successful HWTS implementation, or can we identify key components which make programs more likely to succeed?

In this course you will learn about the most important water treatment methods at household level, successful implementation strategies and about assessing the impact of HWTS.

MOOC SERIES “SANITATION, WATER AND SOLID WASTE FOR DEVELOPMENT” : This course is one of four in the series “Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development".

FRANçAIS: Dans ce MOOC, vous allez apprendre les plus importantes méthodes de traitement de l'eau au niveau des ménages, les stratégies pour une mise en œuvre réussie et l’évaluation de l’impact du traitement et stockage sûr de l'eau à domicile.

ESPAñOL: Aprende acerca de los métodos más importantes de tratamiento de agua a nivel domiciliario, de estrategias de implementación eficientes y de la evaluación del impacto del tratamiento doméstico y almacenamiento seguro del agua.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to HWTS
The course begins with a review of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water. We define physical, chemical, and microbial aspects of drinking water quality and present the major classes of pathogens. Information about pathways for faecal contamination of drinking water are followed by an introduction to the concept of HWTS and the principal technologies.
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HWTS treatment options
During week 2 and 3 we focus on potential treatment methods. We refer first to the standards of safe drinking water and improved drinking water. Week 2 focuses on sedimentation and different kinds of filtration.
During week 2 and 3 we focus on potential treatment methods. We refer first to the standards of safe drinking water and improved drinking water. Week 3 focuses on heat, ultraviolet radiation, chemical disinfection. Specific modules are provided to cover safe storage and combined methods of water treatment.
Implementation strategies for HWTS
During week 4 we analyse different approaches that have been successfully applied. We highlight key components which make programs more likely to succeed. We ask the questions, what is required that the most vulnerable populations use HWTS correctly and consistently over the long-term? In separate modules we consider the special case of HWTS in emergency response and provide information about the role of government bodies.
Monitoring and Evaluating HWTS
During the last week, we present different approaches for monitoring and evaluating HWTS. Case studies and guest lecturers, we highlight several key challenges, including the need for consistent use and field-robust measurements. The course ends with a wrap-up module, which serves as preparation for the final exam.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Investigates water treatment options at household level, which is vital for improving drinking water quality
Emphasizes successful HWTS implementation, which is crucial for ensuring sustainable water treatment practices
Covers key components of successful HWTS programs, which can guide practitioners in implementing effective interventions
Provides insights into monitoring and evaluating HWTS, which is essential for assessing the impact and effectiveness of water treatment interventions
Part of a comprehensive series on sanitation, water, and solid waste for development, offering a holistic perspective on water-related issues
Taught by experienced instructors, Rick Johnston and Sara Marks, who have extensive knowledge in water treatment and public health

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Reviews summary

Learning household water treatment

Learners say this well-received course offers a detailed look at household water treatment. It delves into specific treatment methods, along with the benefits and impact of each. Led by professors and guest speakers from the World Health Organization (WHO), this course provides a comprehensive understanding of water safety and storage.
This course provides you with helpful information regarding household water treatment.
"Course is systematically arranged."
"In truth I spent more time per week and finished it far quicker."
"A highly informative and need based course for the contemporary drinking water conditions."
The engaging lectures and guest speakers make this course a great learning experience.
"Wonderful and diverse lectures from professor and guest lectures from WHO."
"A really interesting and exiting course."
"I so loved this course!"
This course is well taught with presentations from professors and guest speakers who are experts in their field.
"Presenters are very knowledgeful and interactive."
"The course was very well designed and the teachers were brilliant throughout."
"Dr Rick Johnston and his colleague are awesome."
"Fantastic course. EPFL and EAWAG always create very well structured and engaging courses."
This is a great course for anyone interested in household water treatment or safe storage.
"It is an informative and re search based course specially."
"I have benefited from coursera a very valuable course."
"It is a course in which I gained new knowledge."
"Congratulations for making an excellent course!"
"Challenging and very interesting course presented by the tutours in a very good way!"
This course contains some outdated references and statistics.
"It was a great course. The only improvement I would deem necessary is the update of some sources."
This course does not get into some of the more advanced or technical aspects of household water treatment.
"it was very much helpful for me to understand how to safeguard the water at household level."
"Challenging at times yet, easy to follow along with, not to mention very informative and modern in presentation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage with these activities:
Review your previous knowledge of water chemistry
This will help you review fundamental concepts that are essential for understanding the course materials.
Browse courses on Water Chemistry
Show steps
  • Review your notes and textbooks from previous courses in chemistry or water chemistry.
  • Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
  • Join online forums or discussion groups related to water chemistry to engage with other learners and experts.
Follow online tutorials on specific water treatment technologies
This will supplement your course materials and provide you with additional insights and practical demonstrations.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials related to the water treatment technologies you are interested in.
  • Select tutorials that are clear, well-structured, and align with your learning style.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and asking questions as needed.
Read "Water Treatment Principles and Design" by James M. Montgomery
This book provides a comprehensive overview of water treatment principles and design, complementing the course's focus on implementation strategies.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
  • Complete the practice problems and exercises at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Solve practice problems on water treatment methods
This will help you strengthen your understanding of different water treatment techniques and their applications.
Browse courses on Water Purification
Show steps
  • Find practice problems and exercises in your course materials or online resources.
  • Set aside dedicated time to work through the problems.
  • Check your answers against provided solutions or consult with your instructor for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Water Treatment Specialist
Water treatment specialists design, build, and operate water treatment systems. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the different types of water treatment methods, how they work, and how to evaluate their effectiveness. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for water treatment specialists who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water treatment plant operators oversee the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the different types of water treatment methods, how they work, and how to evaluate their effectiveness. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for water treatment plant operators who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Public Health Engineer
Public health engineers work to improve the health of communities by designing, building, and maintaining public health infrastructure, such as water treatment plants and sewer systems. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water, the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water, and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for public health engineers who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Water Quality Analyst
Water quality analysts test water samples to ensure that they meet safety standards. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water, the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water, and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for water quality analysts who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Water Utility Manager
Water utility managers oversee the operation of water utilities. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water, the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water, and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for water utility managers who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Water Quality Manager
Water quality managers oversee the quality of water supplies. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water, the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water, and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for water quality managers who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Water Resources Engineer
Water resources engineers work to manage water resources, such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water, the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water, and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for water resources engineers who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers design, build, and operate chemical plants and other industrial facilities. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the different types of water treatment methods, how they work, and how to evaluate their effectiveness. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for chemical engineers who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental health scientists work to protect human health from environmental hazards. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water, the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water, and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for environmental health scientists who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Sanitarian
Sanitarians work to improve public health by ensuring that food, water, and the environment are safe. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water, the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water, and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for sanitarians who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water treatment plants. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the different types of water treatment methods, how they work, and how to evaluate their effectiveness. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for civil engineers who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for microbiologists who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and other health problems in populations. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing an understanding of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water, the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water, and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for epidemiologists who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
Health Educator
Health educators teach people about health and healthy behaviors. This course may be useful for health educators who are working to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries. The course provides an understanding of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water, the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water, and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for health educators.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit program managers oversee the implementation of nonprofit programs. This course may be useful for nonprofit program managers who are working on programs to improve access to safe drinking water in developing countries. The course provides an understanding of the public health impacts of unsafe drinking water, the different types of pathogens that can contaminate water, and the various methods that can be used to treat water at the household level. Furthermore, this course explores strategies for implementing HWTS programs successfully, which could be valuable knowledge for nonprofit program managers.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage.
This textbook covers the principles and design of various water treatment processes. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the technical aspects of water treatment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between water, sanitation, and health. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the public health aspects of water treatment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the microbiology of waterborne diseases. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the health risks associated with water contamination.
This textbook covers the principles and design of physical/chemical water treatment processes. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the engineering aspects of water treatment.
This textbook covers the principles and design of water resources engineering systems. It good resource for those who want to learn more about the engineering aspects of water resources management.

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