WHO Technical Note No. 6: Rehabilitating water treatment works after an emergency

In urban areas, the population may be entirely reliant on the public water supply system for their drinking-water. Modern water treatment works rely on the inputs of skilled operators as well as supplies of chemicals, electricity and machinery. A disaster can cause extensive damage to the works leading to a reduced or even a total loss of output. This technical note identifies the first steps to take towards rehabilitating a water treatment works after an emergency. Details of the rehabilitation of smaller systems are given in Technical Note 4.

This is one of a series of four-page highly illustrated notes prepared by WEDC for the World Health Organization (WHO) to assist those working immediately or shortly after an emergency to plan appropriate responses to the urgent and medium-term water and sanitation needs of affected populations.

The notes are relevant to a wide range of emergency situations, including both natural and conflict-induced disasters. They are suitable for field technicians, engineers and hygiene promoters, as well as staff from agency headquarters.

Prepared for WHO by WEDC. Authors: Brian Reed and Bob Reed. Series Editor: Bob Reed. Editorial contributions, design and illustrations by Rod Shaw Line illustrations courtesy of WEDC / IFRC. Additional graphics by Ken Chatterton.

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