UNICEF handbook on water quality

This handbook provides an introduction to all aspects of water quality, with a particular focus on the areas most relevant to professional staff members working in developing countries. The handbook focuses on real-world problems faced by poor people, and on community- and household-based, low-cost solutions. It provides extensive pointers to key texts and resource materials for reference when users require more detailed information. The handbook includes chapters on: Effects of poor water quality, covering microbiological contamination and the main chemical contaminants that pose a threat to human health; Water quality monitoring and surveillance; Contamination sources and pathways and techniques for water system protection; Principal technologies for water treatment, both for microbiological contamination and the main chemical contaminants. The handbook concludes with a discussion on advocacy for increased national resource allocation for water quality, communication with communities on the importance of water quality, and capacity building at national and community levels. The handbook is designed as a resource for field staff members from UNICEF and its partners involved in the water, environment and sanitation (WES) sector.