Field Evaluation of Long-Term Performance and Use of Biosand Filters in Posoltega, Nicaragua

An evaluation was conducted in 2007 on biosand fi lters that were installed in Posoltega, Nicaragua in 1999 and 2004. The objectives were to characterize the condition and use of fi lters eight and three years after installation, determine fi lter performance of those fi lters still in use, and identify determinants of successful long-term use and performance. Methods consisted of household identifi cation, user questionnaires, and water quality testing. Of the 234 fi lters installed, only 24 were found to still be in use. Average log reductions were 1.73 (98%) for total coliforms, 1.36 (96%) for Escherichia Coli, and 0.91 (88%) for turbidity. Statistically signifi cant effects were detected for the magnitude of the contamination of source water, the peak hydraulic loading rate, and the standing depth of water over the fi lter media. Questionnaire results indicated user training on fi lter maintenance could improve the peak hydraulic loading rate and hence fi lter performance. The low rate of sustained use (10%) is an indication of failed implementation, and is attributable to structural failure, particularly cracking of the concrete fi lters from 2004. Nonetheless, this evaluation demonstrated the biosand fi lter technology to be robust since those fi lters still in use were performing as expected three and eight years postimplementation.

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