Dispensers for Safe Water

Dispensers are a 3 or 5 liter plastic container filled with 1.25% chlorine solution and fitted with a valve that doses 3 mL of solution per 20 Liter water container. They are fixed on a post in the ground near a water collection point.

Chlorine refills are delivered to the local promoter at each dispenser every two to three months. There are hotlines for promoters to contact with any issues, and repair dispenser hardware as needed. Dedicated field officers regularly monitor service delivery operations and adoption rates, which are used to adjust operations as necessary, hold staff accountable for service delivery targets, and track impact.

The chlorine in the dispensers can last at least 3 months. Each full dispenser will treat water for ~150 people for ~1 month before needing refilled.

Dispensers in emergency contexts are more likely to be effective if: installed at point-sources, a high-quality chlorine solution manufacturing and distribution chain is maintained, Dispenser hardware is maintained, Dispensers projects are within larger water programs integrated, Promoters are compensated, project staff is experienced, local partners are involved with implementation, ongoing monitoring is conducted, and if projects have sustainability plans.

Some household water treatment technologies are less effective if chlorinated water is used, for example filter with silver added or biosand filters.