Removal of arsenic and E.coli from groundwater (Nepal)

Ensuring universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals is a challenge. Globally, 29% lack access to safe drinking water, mainly due to arsenic and E. coli contamination, while 61% lack access to managed sanitation. This study addresses the critical global challenge of ensuring universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation, recognized as fundamental human rights and integral to Sustainable Development Goals. In Chandranagar RM of Sarlahi district, the study identified the Level of Service (LoS) of existing water supply systems and analyzes the correlation between on- site sanitation facilities and E. coli contamination in groundwater sources. This research evaluated prevalent household-level for arsenic and E. coli removal technologies, focusing on the Kanchan Arsenic filter and the Nails in Sand (NIS) filter. The NIS filter emerged as superior for arsenic removal, particularly in Nepal’s lowlands. While, presence of E. coli in groundwater sources and their proximity to on-site sanitation facilities, along with the depth of the tube well are related.