school chum chon ban sakea

Schools have large surface for roofwater harvesting. NE Thailand has tradition to collect and store rainwater
Storage in number of large concrete tanks per school; total contents 50.000 – 80.000 liters; often in bad condition
No water distribution system: one faucet at bottom tank. Rainwater collected unsafe to drink because of birds droppings, dead animals drown in storage tanks. Therefore “drinking water” mixture containing pathogenic bacteria: E-coli and Coliform
Replace/renovate existing system: repair, extend storage tanks, install new gutters, pipes, secure proper first flush and sedimentation. Install RainPC® unit for turning rainwater into drinking water. Install 2x 200 liter buffer tanks with floats to secure safe, preserved drinking water so more children can drink at same time (green smiley). Install waterthrough with faucets for 3 liter/min. For household water separate faucets (with red smiley). Works on gravity pressure, without any chemicals (no chlorine); can also work on pump pressure
No chemicals (chlorine). Silver and copper ions eliminate bacteria and algae

Silver (Ag+) and copper (Cu2+) penetrate bacterial. Cell wall, disrupt DNA and inhibit bacteria reproduction
Silver plus copper work synergetically (1+1=3). Copper effective against algae. Simple and durable rainwater purification and preservation when combined with activated carbon as in RainPC. No taste, smell or colour. Tested and approved by water laboratories in Mexico, the Netherlands.

Catchment and Purification of Rainwater at a Thai Primary school in Buriram Province.
Extension to villages.
Activities include replacement, reparation and/or installation of gutters, rainwater pipes, rainwater storage tanks, clean water buffer tanks, water filters and drinking place.

Goals

• Awareness among children and teachers
• Improved health
• Less school absence
• Spreading the word by bringing water home from school

School's principals sign an m.o.u. and agree to replace the filters cartridges when necessary, paid for by the school annual budget which is provided by the authorities or generated by an inschool project guided by HOAT foundation.