Combating waterborne disease at the household level

This document reviews the case of managing water quality in the home, describes the Network and its objectives, gives a brief overview of low-cost technologies, and outlines some of the implementation challenges that lie ahead. A growing body of research has confirmed the key role that point-of-use (POU) water quality interventions aka household-level approaches to drinking water treatment and safe storage, can play in reducing diarrhoeal disease in a cost-effective manner. POU can reach the vulnerable, as POU disinfection can be a low-cost option. Taste and other aesthetic properties of the water, convenience of use, price and cultural attitudes are important considerations in home treatment. Household-level interventions can make an immediate contribution to the safety component of MDG 7, Target 10, and would significantly contribute to meeting the MDGs in situations where access to water supplies is secure, but household water quality is not assured.