1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Book project: where people and their land are safer - A Compendium of Good Practices in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) (where people and their land are safer)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Terre des Hommes (Terre des Hommes) - Switzerland

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

The combination of pond sand filters (PSF) and raised pond embankments protect drinking water sources and increase the resilience to flood and tidal surge events in low-lying coastal areas.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Coastal areas along the Bay of Bengal experience extreme seasonal variance in the presence of surface water including flooding, tidal surge, and drought. Many families living in these rural communities construct small ponds to ensure water availability for a variety of uses, such as washing, bathing, fish farming and animal watering as well as domestic use. Some families build larger ponds that are open to the use of all community members; whereby water is carried by women and children to households. Use of pond surface water may last up to several months during the year depending on the location, seasonal weather patterns, geologic conditions, capacity of the pond and user habits. Residents rely on ponds as a source of drinking water during the dry season when household rainwater harvesting techniques are no longer viable, making treatment essential.

Pond sand filters (PSF) is acentralised or semi-centralised water treatment technology often employed in many coastal areas where surface water is the only option due to saline aquifers and lack of resources for more robust, safely managed community water supply systems. The technology uses slow-sand filtration to remove turbidity (sediments) and pathogenic organisms whereby freshwater flows through layers of sand and gravel populated by a thin layer of microorganisms and treatment happens through physical and biological processes. Due to resource constraints, the number of PSF serving as water sources is usually limited. The technology considerably reduces the risk of infection with enteric pathogens. In conjunction with PSF, safe water transport (covered and cleaned containers) and household water treatment systems (chemical or additional filtration devices) are essential.
As stated in the Sustainable Sanitation and Water Management Toolbox (SSWM) slow sand filtration systems are characterised by a high reliability and rather low lifecycle costs. Moreover, neither construction nor operation and maintenance require more than basic skills. Hence, slow sand filtration is a promising filtration method for small to medium-sized, rural communities with a fairly good quality of the initial surface water source. As stated by the the World Health Organisation, slow sand filtration provides a simple but highly effective and considerably cheap tool that can contribute to a sustainable water management system.
Once a SSF facility is built, only clean sand is required for occasional replacement. The sand layers are put in gradually according to their grain sizes: rather coarse grains at the bottom and fine grains at the top. The sand-bed is usually covered with one meter of supernatant water (LOGSDON 2003). As the process of biological filtration requires a fair amount of time in order to improve effectiveness of water treatment, SSFs usually operate at slow flow rates between 0.1 – 0.3 m3/h per square metre of surface (WHO n.y.). The water thus remains in the space above the medium for several hours and larger particles are allowed to separate and settle. It then passes through the sand-bed where it goes through a number of purification processes (HUISMAN 1974).

Due to the risk of inland flooding and (seawater) tidal surges from offshore storms, communities build earthen embankments around the ponds to prevent contamination. Local authorities and community members must be involved in the design height of the embankment—which should be equivalent to the highest pre-recorded flood level. In the geo-referenced area (Patharghata) this is equivalent to the tidal surge of Cyclone Sidr (2007). Constructed roadways are often a good reference point. In southern Bangladesh , rural roadways are built to at a ten-year flood return period, so exceeding this height according to the means of the community and/or project is recommended.
Pond embankments are best raised with soil preferably of a clayey nature. The final covering layer must be rich in clay. Embankments should be planted with native grasses and flora that have strong root systems to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion during the rainy season and in cases of tidal surge due to storms. In Bangladesh, the native kolmi (Ipomoea) has proven effective. Community members have also planted crops on the embankments, such as banana trees, medicinal plants and even small garden trenches in the middle of the slope. Beyond structural support, the horticulture helps diversify nutrition and can provide a source of income for maintaining the pond sand filter.
Fences should be installed to prevent animals from entering ponds reserved for drinking water. Community members must guarantee that the ponds selected for PSF construction shall not be used for purposes such as: washing, bathing, fish farming (natural fish however can be allowed), direct cattle access washing and watering. Furthermore:
•Fertilizers and other chemicals shall never be allowed to go into the pond.
•The flow of any polluting materials in the vicinity of the pond shall always be directed away from the pond.
•Latrines, cowsheds, garbage dumps, graveyards, fuel outlets and similar polluting structures shall not be constructed within a distance of 30 meters from the pond.
•Duck or poultry rearing hanging sheds shall never be constructed over the pond.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• as part of a traditional system (> 50 years)
• through projects/ external interventions

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce risk of disasters
• adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Agroforestry

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• rainfed

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• surface water management (spring, river, lakes, sea)

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Preventing salt water intrusion, the surface water quality and quantity is protected. Turfing and planting the embankment prevents erosion.

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• not applicable

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology unit

Specify currency used for cost calculations:

• USD

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Community consultation for Committee Formation	Before onset of rain
2.	Create PSF Users' Committee, agre on user contributions	Before onset of rain
3.	Committee / pond selection approved by local Government	Before onset of rain
4.	Technical orientation to PSF Committee, input on designs	Before onset of rain
5.	Excavation of Pond	Before onset of rain
6.	Embankment Construction	Before onset of rain
7.	PSF Construction
8.	Fencing
9.	Turfing and hortiuclutre on the embankment	Before onset of rain
10.	PSF Training on Media Selection and maintenance	Regular intervals throughout the year (every 1-2 months)
11.	Pond embankment maintenance	Before onset of rain

Comments:

In general, the community approach begins with several consultation meetings in the community (inclusive: gender balanced and representative of the diversity makeup of the community) and with municipal authorities. An Outcome Mapping process is initiated to observe signs that a village is prepared and mobilized to receive support for PSF and pond embankment construction. Families must be willing to participate and contribute in the construction and take complete responsibility for operation and routine maintenance.
During the initial phase, a PSF Users’ Committee is formed and approved by the municipal government. Its members make time to participate in trainings on the design, use, maintenance and community organization for managing a PSF. Importantly, the PSF User’s committee must seek public commitments toward the construction costs in cash and/or in kind (labor, construction materials, embankments plants, etc). In Bangladesh this was 10% and usually in kind. Roles and responsibilities of the PSF Users’ Committee:
1)Be responsible for regular operation, maintenance and cleanliness of the pond sand filter;
2)Ensure that the maintenance points for pond water quality is respected per the manual;
3)Advocate for local authorities to conduct regular water quality testing; and to promote household water treatment systems
4)Establish a system of collecting money from users for the regular maintenance;
5)Organize Committee meetings before the start of each season and whenever needed. Similarly if required organize a wider meeting with users in connection with resolving any O&M issues.
6)Care for the tools and other materials that may be purchased for the pond sand filter.
Selection of ponds for PSF construction should be participative with criteria agreed and communicated with the community members and local authorities. The following criteria are suggested based on Terre des hommes’ experience in Bangladesh:
•Ponds that are large enough to retain water throughout the dry season.
•The salinity of the pond water must not exceed 600 ppm at any time of the year.
•While the location of the PSF should be close to a family to ensure its security, it must be as centrally located as possible for ease of access
•Freely accessible to the public; ideally donated for public use.
•Ponds located on higher ground and thus more resistant to flooding / sea water intrusion.
•Space available for raising the embankments around the ponds
•Ponds most accessible to a largest segment of the population during disaster.
•Each PSF should have an effective drainage space and system.

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Pond Excavation and Embankment Raising	Person-days	180.0	5.0	900.0	10.0
Labour	Pond Fencing Works	Person-days	20.0	5.0	100.0
Labour	Masonry	Person-days	36.0	6.25	225.0
Equipment	Repairing tools	Set	1.0	15.0	15.0
Equipment	Tubewell/handpump	Pieces	1.0	35.0	35.0	10.0
Equipment	Sanitary Fittings	Set	1.0	100.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Bleaching powder for disinfection	kg	2.0	1.0	2.0	10.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Lime for cleaning	kg	50.0	0.5	25.0
Construction material	bricks	pieces	6000.0	0.075	450.0	10.0
Construction material	cement	50 Kilo Bags	50.0	5.75	287.5	10.0
Construction material	sand	cubic feet	52.0	0.375	19.5
Construction material	mild steel round bar	kg	210.0	0.75	157.5
Other	Materials Transport Cost	Lump Sum	1.0	185.0	185.0	10.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					2501.5
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					2501.5

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The project requested 10% contribution in kind (materials, transport, labor) from each community. The remaining costs were covered by the project.

Comments:

The budget is for raising a 100m perimeter length of embankment.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Repairing	Before onset of rains
2.	Cleaning	Before onset of rains

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	two-monthly cleaning of filter materials	Person days	12.0	5.0	60.0	100.0
Labour	Seasonal erosion control	Person days	12.0	5.0	60.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	bleeching powder	bag	5.0	2.0	10.0	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					130.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					130.0

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Comparatively, construction materials costs was reflected as the most expensive consideration.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

Yes

Specify:

groundwater table is salty along the Bay of Bengal, salt water intrusion. Tidal surge following cyclones also creates soil salinity.

Is flooding of the area occurring?

Yes

Regularity:

frequently

5.5 Biodiversity

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• individual, not titled
• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• open access (unorganized)

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Water availability and quality

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Climatological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
drought	well

Hydrological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
storm surge/ coastal flood	very well

Comments:

PSF serves as disaster resilient Technology that helps residents in coastal villages along the Bay of Bengal to cope with the effects of climate change; such as increased incidence and intensity of storms and salt water intrusion.

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• > 50%

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
The Technology is useful for supplying drinking water at household level and supports cultivation of fruit trees, medicinal plants and vegetables at the pond embankment, above the flood line.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
The Technology is conducive for ensuring supply of water for drinking, cooking and irrigation purposes if the community is motivated and understands the impact of PSF when faced with water shortage during dry season and other disaster events.

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Every five to six weaks, the PSF filter media needs to be maintained, requiring some training, as well organising labor and collecting petty funds for bleaching powder.	The PSF User's Manual has been translated into local language with images and tips for maintenance. This is distributed following the training. The PSF User's Committee must regularly collect user fees for smooth operations. A bank account promotes transparency. Sale of crops harvested on the embankments can help defray costs of maintenance.
Although not laborious, the hand pump requires some degree of force, and the taps are often a target of children's play.	Children should be supervised and small children must not be allowed to operate or play near the pump. Investing in sturdy tap systems is essential.
The bio-film will form after seven days of operating the pump.	Users must boil or treat water very carefully in this period.
Private owners could lose interest availing their asset for the communty. For example, they may start using the pond for fish farming in order to sustain their livelihoods.	Formal agreements with the municipality about the usage rules for the pond, and public commitments taken by the pond owners are important. Posting signboards that identify the pond as "Drinking Water Only" and specify forbidden activities is also helpful. Owners can take a higher share of crops cultivated on the embankment.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

SSWM University Course Module 6: Disaster Situations: Planning and Preparedness Further Resources: Water Purification Slow Sand Filtration, Marco A. Bruni, Dorothee Spuhler (seecon international gmbh), 2012.

Available from where? Costs?

https://www.sswm.info/sswm-university-course/module-6-disaster-situations-planning-and-preparedness/further-resources-0/slow-sand-filtration

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Pond Sand Filter (PSF) Manual – community operation and maintenance, Laxman Kharal (Terre des hommes), 2012

Available from where? Costs?

Contact: info@tdh.ch

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, 4th Edition, WHO, 2011

Available from where? Costs?

http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/2011/dwq_guidelines/en/