On-site chlorine generation as a smart and cost-
effective alternative for chlorine sourcing for water
utilities located in conflict areas
Since 2014 the armed conflict in Ukraine led to massive displacement of civilian population
destruction of infrastructure and affected water quality. Befor e the conflict water utilities mainly treated
water with chlorine gas or HTH (Calcium Hypochlorite). Both substances are however highly toxic and
considered dangerous goods as they can be used in chemical warfare and are therefor e under embargo (VD
2018). For water utilities operating in such contexts disinfectant sourcing can thus be very challenging putting
at stake both the quality of water and health of populations already under great distress.From February 2015
onwards Swiss Humanitarian Aid (SHA) has organized five humanitarian convoys with water treatment
materials and medical supplies to both sides of the conflict line. SHA introduced the WATA™ technology and
provided capacity building to Vodadonbassa (VD) the water utility in Eastern-Ukraine for implementing and
monitoring the technology.WATA™ is a simple and low-tech solution developed by Antenna Foundation to
locally produce active chlorine (0.6% sodium hypochlorite) by electrolysis of saltwater. By end of 2017 58
WATA™ devices were progressively installed in different water utilities permitting the continuous disinfection
of water for 300000 people in the conflict region (SHA 2018). Through this intervention water quality was
maintained with <1 CFU E. coli/100ml (VD 2018) and increased the autonomy of the water utilities through the
reduced dependency on external chlorine provision (SHA 2018). In Q1/2018 Vodadonbassa ordered 28 WATA™
devices for providing safe water to additional 150000 people per day. These experiences offer potential for
replication in other emergency situations where the logistics of chlorine sourcing is complex or common
chemicals for water purification are under embargo.
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