Continuous safe water monitoring using 3G telemetry in IDP camp water supply systems: Iraq trial

Water quality monitoring for disinfection using chlorine in humanitarian settings is predominantly measured through low-resolution manual sampling and analysis methods, that is subject to human error, as well as being highly dependent on accessibility of sites, capacity and availability of human resources. The Chloroclam, a small high-resolution chlorine analyser that transmits continuous real-time data through a 2G/3G mobile network, was trialled over a 7-month period in an IDP camp in Northern Iraq to determine its functionality and ease of use in a crisis context. The results validated the data produced by the Chloroclam, with datasets highlighting significant seasonal and diurnal variances in chlorine concentrations and noting that manual sampling was not representative of the functionality of the water supply system. The data was able to suggest adjustments to dosing regimes to ensure sufficient levels of chlorine is available throughout collection periods and across the year.