Monitoring drinking water quality

Every year more than five million human beings die from illness linked to unsafe drinking water and sanitation. Improved access to safe water supply and appropriate sanitation can also improve the economic status, mainly through saving large amounts of people's time and energy.

It is a matter of concern that despite the progress made with water supply, the level of water-related sickness continues to be high. About 70-80 % of illnesses are related to water contamination and poor sanitation.

In India, the economic burden due to morbidity and mortality from these diseases is staggering. The resources saved by improved water supply and sanitation can be used in many economically productive or educational activities.

During the last few decades the national policies have shown increasing emphasis on both rural and urban water supply and sanitation.

In terms of physical progress, the achievements have been remarkable. In rural context, however, unfortunately these efforts have not been converted into health benefits and water borne diseases continue to be the dominant cause of morbidity and mortality in many parts of the country.

In realm of this domain to overcome these challenges, the need of the hour is monitoring of water quality, surveillance and management. By putting these things into practice the dream of supplying pure drinking water to each individual could be achieved.

Objectives of the training

To help organisations understand the importance of Water Quality Monitoring in Water Quality Management.

To impart Technical Skills on various practical aspects of water quality monitoring and management.

To Promote Surveillance of Drinking Water.

Pedagogy

The following techniques would be used to conduct the training programme.
·         Lectures/interactive sessions
·         Group Discussions
·         Case studies/Group exercises
·         Brainstorming sessions/ Experience sharing
·         Training Support materials/ Handouts
·         Power-point Presentations
·         Guest lectures from potential funding agencies

Field visits

To Betwa River for on site water quality analysis by using field based water quality testing kits. This session is especially designed for the participants to provide details on the use of field based water testing kits and its importance in water quality monitoring at the field level or in remote areas where sophisticated laboratory facilities are not available.

This section will also provide information on the participatory approach in water quality monitoring-community based water quality monitoring. Participants themselves will be performing water quality analysis in the field by using these low cost field-testing kits.

Water quality Management

This session will deal with different aspects of water quality management in general.

As this is an integral part of any water quality monitoring, it would give different management options, solutions to various contaminants whether it is biological, physical or chemical contaminants.

In order to make the participants understand on the overall water treatment procedures adopted in a typical water supply system, a small exposure visit will be organised to community water supply scheme at Babina.

Course Eligibility

This programme is designed for Development Professionals from NGOs, academic institutions, CSR professionals, officers from central and state governments, public health engineering and health department functionaries, technocrats, social scientists, educationists, teachers and international development organisations working on water quality monitoring and management aspects and related projects and are keen to upgrade their knowledge.

Duration

The training will be for a period of three days from 27-29 August 2008, which will essentially consist of:

1. Class room sessions
2. A guided tour to the development models within TARAgram campus
3. An evening out to visit the Orchha temples and fort.

Fee

INR 10,000 per participant for Indian Participants
INR 18,000 (450 USD) for Overseas Participants

The Training fee covers the following:
·         Accommodation
·         Food
·         Course material
·         Leisure trip to the famous Orchha Temples and Fort

To ensure your participation, we request you to send the nomination forms and the course fee (non-refundable) by 20 August 2008.

The confirmation is made after the payment and the seats are reserved on First-Come- First-Serve basis.

Indian participants to make payment through Demand Draft drawn in favour of Development Alternatives payable at Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The address for sending the Demand Draft is:

Training Coordinator
TARALivelihood Academy
Development Alternatives
TARAgram, Orchha Tigela,
Orchha - 472246, District.- Tikamgarh (MP)

Tel: +91 510 2911368

Please send the Demand Draft by registered post or speed post only.

Overseas participants may please send the fees through wire transfer. The details of the wire transfer will be sent to each selected trainee once we get their nomination form.

To download the registration form, Please click here.

Venue

The training will be held in TARAgram, Appropriate Technology Centre, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh.

TARAgram is a campus set in the rural environment of Orchha. It is a centre, which showcases the livelihood models developed by DA in the field of appropriate technology, and environment.

Participants to the training will be provided a guided tour of the campus, which will enrich the learning from the classroom sessions.

Enquiries and suggestions

If you have any queries or suggestions for the training or nominations, please contact the following:

Juhi Nigam
Training Assistant
Jhansi (UP)

Tel: + 91 510 2911 368, +91 983 9820 689
E-mail:  tla@devalt.org

Bhavana Gadre
Executive Programme Management Unit
New Delhi
Tel: 011-26132718

Source: Development Alternatives