Use of ceramic water filters in Cambodia : improving household drinking water quality

Household-scale ceramic filtration technology is considered among the most promising options for drinking water treatment at the household level in developing countries. In Cambodia, ceramic filter pilot projects (2002-2006) have yielded promising results, suggesting that these interventions can be effective in improving drinking water quality and can contribute to substantial health gains in populations using them. Its use is widespread and growing, with involvement of local and international NGOs and government efforts and supported by UNICEF, WSP-Cambodia and others.

Although several different kinds of ceramic filters are used for household-scale water treatment worldwide, among the most widespread is that promoted by Potters for Peace, a US and Nicaragua-based NGO; the Cambodian version is known as the Ceramic Water Purifier.
Based on early successes and the positive result of this study, further investment in the technology is planned by NGOs and the Cambodian government. Stakeholders identified evaluation of the CWP experience to date as vital to inform the scale up process and to identify lessons learned in the first 4 years of production and implementation. Part of this evaluation is an independent study, critically examining two major implementation efforts to date in Cambodia undertaken by the two main producers, IDE and RDI. The goals of the study were to characterize the microbiological effectiveness and health impacts of the ceramic water purifiers in target populations, and to identify successes and potential challenges facing the scale-up and implementation of the technology.
The results of the study and program recommendations are presented here.