Portable Microbiology in the Field

Lupang Pangako, Zambales

Lupang Pangako is the final relocation site for the Aeta People of Belbel who have been displaced from their original homes made uninhabitable by the eruption
of Mt Pinatubo in 1991. A Single Drop for SafeWater conducted a PODS
training to create a community-based water organization to rehabilitate
and maintain an existing deep well to pump water to tapstands around
the community to provide better access to clean water.

ASD
introduced the PML to the Lupang Pungako PODS so they can use the tests
to test their various sources of water. ASD and the PODS went around
the community testing water from water holes, rivers and the tap stands
from the rehabilitated water system. To also support WASH Education, we
also tested different circumstances where water can be recontaminated,
e.g. storage containers, water transport, etc...

The
Portable Microbiology Lab enables local people to test their water
without expensive equipment or labs. Access to these tests have been a
significant factor in providing proof that water is either contaminated
or safe. The power of this information strengthens hygiene education
and promotes proper hygiene practices.

Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao is one of the poorest regions in the Philippines. ASDSW works with the local Water Service Associations, Municipal Water Task Forces and Community Service Organizations to provide them with the tools and outreach strategies to educate the community about their water. Here are some of the members testing their water!

And the results are in......three (3) out of the four (4) major water sources are contaminated. whew!!! Now the community knows which water sources are contaminated and just how dirty they are. This is the first step towards behavior change and implementation of viable interventions!