Sodium hypochlorite dosage for household and emergency water treatment

An consequences water include quate estimated supplies, sanitation estimated 1.1 of and inadequate billion (WHO/UNICEF, 2.6 billion people billion water lack people and of access 2004). sanitation diarrhea are without to The improved and services health adewater supplies, and 2.6 billion people are without adequate sanitation (WHO/UNICEF, 2004). The health consequences of inadequate water and sanitation services include an estimated 4 bi l on cases of dia r ea and 2.2 million deaths each year, mostly among young children in developing countries (WHO/UNICEF, 2000). In addition, water borne diarrheal diseases lead to decreased food intake and nutrient absorption, malnutrition, reduced resistance to infection (Baqui et al, 1993), and impaired physical growth and cognitive development (Guerrant et al, 1999). Recently point-of-use (POU) drinking water treatment and safe storage options have been recognized as approaches that can accelerate the health gains associated with improved water until the longer-term goal of universal access to piped, treated water can be attained (Fewtrell & Colford, 2005). Household water treatment and storage practices can prevent disease and thereby support poverty alleviation and development goals.