Evaluation of Drinking Water Storage Practices and Point Of Use (POU) Treatments for Water Purification in Rural Area around Kolhapur City, Maharashtra

Abstract : Safe water for drinking is one of the fundamental necessities of mankind, irrespective of his origin or socio-economic status. Waterborne diseases are one of the common causes of mortality in developing nations. The potable water status is very poor in case of rural areas, where there is an immediate requirement of sufficient and secure potable water. The purpose of the present study is to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding water storage and purification practices as possible determinants of diseases in the rural population around Kolhapur city. Women members which are chiefly related to household water were interviewed using questionnaires in 6 villages in Karveer district. The study showed that all households stored drinking water in containers. Though many water purifying gadgets are available in market, the rural population is deprived of these treatment options, either due to unawareness or poor economic conditions. Improper storage practices at household level can aggravate the problem of drinking water contamination. It was observed that Point of Use (PoU) Treatments for water purification can be the good solution which can solve the issue of unsafe potable water