Continuous flow solar disinfection system for a rural community in Kenya

This project involved the design and installation of a continuous flow solar disinfection reactor at a rural village of approximately 500 population in a drought prone part of Kenya. The system was installed to disinfect surface water collected at a recently constructed microdam. The solar reactor uses CPC reflectors which reflect both direct and diffuse solar radiation onto clear pipes through which the requisite water supply flows. The system has been installed to operate by gravity flow between the hours of 9am to 5pm. The community fully participated in the planning, installation and subsequent operation of the system. Preliminary water quality results indicate that the system is providing a safe source of water for the community. However, the technology needs to be evaluated over a longer period across a wide range water quality and solar radiation conditions, in particular during the next rainy season.