Rainwater Harvesting Workshop in Troy

DATE: September 19, 2009
COST: $15, doors open at 8:00 a.m.
TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Boys and Girls Club of Troy
3670 John R Rd
Troy, MI 48083


Sponsored by A Vision for Clean Water and Rotary Club of Troy, MI

For more information contact:eheasley@avisionforcleanwater.org

This workshop offers basic instruction on the concept and technology of rain water harvesting for domestic use and how it fits into the overall picture of appropriate rural and urban water supply in developing countries. An overview will also be given on the application and implications of rainwater harvesting for us here in the greater Detroit area. Topics to be addressed include the following:
• rainwater quality
• water supply and demand
• rain water harvesting technology
• basic construction, operation and maintenance of roof and ground catchments
• social, economic and environmental considerations

Pittsburgh Supporters Raise Money for AVFCW

Our Pittsburgh supporters are working very hard for AVFCW. On May 3rd they are running a relay marathon in the name of our technical advisor and dedicated volunteer-Nick Sulfaro. Thank you Sally Sulfaro-Woller, Ken Woller, Donna Terwilliger and Steve Cratty for participating in this event.

September 15-18 Biosand Filter Workshop

A Vision for Clean Water has scheduled the next biosand filter training for September 15-18, 2009. This workshop will offer instruction and hands-on experience for participants in the construction of all components of the filter, including concrete containers, sand media, diffuser basins and lids. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the rationale behind the filter design, how to install it and how to instruct householders on its correct usage. The training will be conducted by CAWST.
This workshop will include modules on the fundamentals of water epidemiology, household water treatment alternatives, and alternate water sources. A proper understanding of these program elements is essential for the correct application of biosand filters. Other topics to be introduced include sanitation, hygiene, water quality testing and the global impact of clean water.
Content
Theory: water issues, pathogens, disease transmission, household water treatment technology options and designs, water storage and hygiene.
Practical: construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the biosand filter.
Implementation: model, requirements for a successful HWT program, developing a basic project plan including next steps after the workshop. Half of the workshop will be spent ‘getting dirty’ constructing and commissioning a concrete Biosand filter!

The cost is $500. Space is limited. We have sold out other years. For more information contact Eileen Heasley eheasley@wideopenwest.com or call 248-689-5634.

Since 2003, in Nepal, over 10,000 individuals have received safe drinking water using Kanchan Biosand or SBL Ceramic Filters. We have donated filters to over 40 schools and built two toilets. In 2009, working with the Kathmandu- Midtown Rotaracts, ENPHO, and others, we are planning to target three villages in one section of the Kathmandu Valley. As we donate, we plan to fill in the gap between these villages until an entire section of the Kathmandu Valley has safe drinking water. We involve the schools, pre and post test the water, and use microfinancing to help individuals pay their portion of the cost. Our filter manufacturer undergos a monthly random testing procedure to ensure consistency and quality.

Board Members Visit Nepal

Board members John Heasley, Eileen Heasley and Kay Sulfaro visited Kathmandu to evaluate the existing projects and begin others.

The women’s organization has made a big difference this year. AVFCW now has a system in place to determine which families are most in need, how villagers can pay their portion of the filter costs and who from the village women can help with the hygiene awareness and evaluation.

Since last year, over 500 more families now receive safe drinking water. In one of the first villages AVFCW has supplied Kanchan Biosand Filters to all, repaired the existing pump, and built a new toilet with pump for the school. AVFCW also provided 4 new villages with SBL Ceramic Filters. WaterAid has followed the lead in some of the villages and provided over 100 toilets to the same households.

Since AVFCW began, over 10,000 individuals have received safe drinking water and over 300 children now have proper sanitation in school.

The villages of Johor Mahankali, Tokha, Dharmasthali in the Kathmandu Valley each received ninety-one filters using a donation from Rotary International District 6380. The water was tested to find which filters were appropriate. It was determined that SBL (Solutions Benefiting Life) ceramic filter costing $7 each and Kanchan TM Biosand Filters costing $32 each were most suitable. The women’s association helped decide the amount each family would pay, which filter would be used and microbanking was established. The local schools participated in the hygiene awareness. The Rotarians worked closely with the villages during delivery, hygiene and filter training and followed-up with the villagers.

CAWST gives biosand training in Michigan

Members from Engineers Without Borders, Rotarians, missionaries, and other concerned individuals have come together to learn about implementing household water treatment projects to help address this global issue. They focused on the cement biosand filter which they constructed themselves from inexpensive and simple materials such as concrete, sand and gravel. The biosand filter is effective in removing pathogens and providing improved water supply to those without safe water.

Calgary-based Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) conducted the technical training and consulting services, and acts as a catalyst to make water and sanitation projects a reality for the poorest of the poor in the developing world.
Bob Johnson took the training last year and returned to tell the group how he started a biosand filter business and rainwater retention project in Rwanda. Attendees will take their training to Mexico, Kenya, Senegal, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

Biosand Filter Training in Troy Michigan

Biosand Filter Workshop will be held in Troy, Michigan from 8 AM ro 4 PM February 20-24, 2008. Learn about household water filtration for rural and developing communities and become certified to train others. Construct a concrete BioSand filter with your own hands! This workshop is for anyone interested in household water treatment in developing countries. The instructors are Rotarians certified by CAWST and the inventor Dr. David Manz. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to build and install the filter correctly, and to instruct others on its correct operation and maintenance. Half of the workshop will be spent ‘getting dirty’ constructing and commissioning a concrete BioSand filter! The cost is $250. We must have your registration form and payment in advance. For more information contact Eileen Heasley eheasley@wideopenwest.com or call 248-689-5634.