Summary of Study Session 15

In Study Session 15, you have learned that:

1. Rainwater, surface water (from lakes, rivers, ponds) and groundwater (from springs, wells and boreholes) are the sources of water for public and domestic purposes.
2. Groundwater sources are generally preferable to surface water sources. They tend to be safer and less in need of costly water treatment.
3. There are number of issues to be considered before the development of a new water source, including assessment of the quantity and quality of the available water, and consideration of the needs and involvement of the community. A thorough sanitary survey is an important part of this process.
4. Dug wells, deep wells, bored wells, and driven and jetted wells are some of the methods of groundwater source development.
5. Protection of well water and spring water from contaminants and pollutants is very important.
6. After construction, or when repairs are made, the spring, well, pump or piping should be disinfected with chlorine solution.
7. Sodium or potassium fluorescein is a water-soluble dye that can be used as a tracer when a sewage disposal system is suspected of contamination of groundwater.
8. Rainwater harvesting is very important when the quantity or quality of other water sources is inadequate. Rainwater must be stored in a closed tank and kept free of contaminants.