We recently received a Philippines Aid Fund newsletter stating that ‘the water project is rock solid’. We are pleased with this outcome, and it confirms that AAWS has the technology available to purify rainwater on a large scale, in a stable and efficient manner. But that’s not all: we are very grateful to the local water manager for the work done so far and the fact that he has been able to maintain and manage the RainCatcher since May 2023 without our support!
Short history
In May 2023, we realized a rainwater collection and purification project for the Philippines Aid Fund in the village of Salcedo in the Philippines. The aim of the project was to realize a stable water supply for the on-site Doctors’ Hospital based on large-scale rainwater collection and purification.
We installed a ‘RainCatcher system’ in which the roof of the hospital was used to collect rainwater. The water was drained to a 50,000-liter tank. We then used an extensive set of filters and purification to upgrade the rainwater to water of drinking water quality.
Achieving that quality was necessary because water would not only be used to improve hygiene within the hospital and to ensure that patients could shower. The water would also be applied as drinking water and to improve hygiene during operations.
We agreed that Doctors’ Hospital would not proceed overnight: before the water could be used, it would be extensively tested and approved. These tests were carried out and the rainwater has since then met the set criteria.
Result delivered so far: 4.200 euro saved on water purchases
We estimate that, since the project was completed in May 2023 in Salcedo, approximately 400,000 liters of rainwater has been collected, treated and utilized. Furthermore, based on the number of beds and daily consultations, we estimate that approximately 20,000 patients have had access to the treated rainwater since then.
Assuming that during the 1,5 years of operation approximately 30% of the treated rainwater, approximately 120 m3, is used as drinking water. And given the fact that one cubic meter of drinking water in Salcedo costs 35 euro’s, leads to the conclusion that the RainCatcher produced a volume of water in the first 1.5 years with an economic equivalent value of 4,200 euros. This money has not been spent to purchase water from water vendors but is more effectively used to pay for medical treatment of patients and for payment of medical personnel.