Post-implementation Effectiveness of Selected Household Water Treatment Technologies used in Rural Kenya

Highlights The four household water treatment technologies (HWT) assessed (Aquatab, Ceramic filter, PUR, Waterguard), improved drinking water microbial quality, even though external support had been withdrawn one to two years prior to the study. However, inadequate knowledge and poor user behaviour reduced the effectiveness of the HWT technologies to below the expected baseline log reduction values. In spite of their proven efficacy in laboratory and short–term field studies, user education on the critical steps of HWT use and the selection of appropriate HWT options are necessary for maintaining HWT effectiveness in typical use situations. Provision of improved water sources is the first step towards protecting the health of users, and enforcement of adherence by practitioners to the stipulated standards for development of these water sources.