community receives Water Filtration Plants with 100% Arsenic Removal capacity at 43 villages.

ARU construction in process

As a part of community development program, BHP Billiton had facilitated (technically and financially) to provide drinking water to local communities through installing hand pumps (HP) within the D & P lease area for extracting water from shallow groundwater aquifer. They installed 190 hand pumps in approximately 85 villages.

In order to ensure supply of clean drinking water to communities, BHP Billiton initiated blanket testing (from all water sources) of water quality through hiring a consultant Ms. Halcrow (contractor). Another study was initiated to understand the underground water aquifers situation for developing long term sustainable water supply strategy. Water test results indicated that water from around 35 HP was exceeding WHO standards and hence, not fit for drinking. The main reason was “Arsenic” in the water.

Below are the key features of first water analysis report.

100% removal of Arsenic



Operational ARU at a village of Taluka Johi



o Arsenic: Arsenic values have been eliminated in product water.

o Bicarbonates, Chlorides, Sulphate, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Nitrates, Hardness, Alkalinity and Electrical Conductivity reduced.

o TDS Concentration: TDS concentration has reduced, however it is still higher than the WHO guidelines permissible limit (both in raw and product samples). High TDS values increases the hardness of water. However there are no severe health impacts of High TDS, the maximum is irritation in Gastro Intestine. This concern will be address through an on-going education& awareness campaign amongst the community .local people especially women were told to use water after using cloth strainer prior to drinking.

o Iron: Iron concentrations are high in the product water due to the Arsenic removal media which contains Iron fillings. However, it will gradually decrease with the passage of time and regular usage of plant.  According to WHO guidelines, iron concentrations between 1 to 3 mg/L can be acceptable for people consuming anaerobic well water for drinking.

o Microbial Contamination: Both raw and product water are contaminated by Microbes. This is a serious concern which may lead to diarrhoea and other diseases. However use of either Chlorine dioxide or Potassium Permanganate can easily disinfect water. It kills bacteria, viruses, and cryptosporidium. ClO2 is EPA approved as a water disinfectant and does not produce carcinogenic by products, unlike chlorine.

A villager taking water from ARU where a girl is also seen taking water home

Basic Project model is designed by BHP Billiton expert teams based on years of experience with community and their needs at Zamzama Gas field. According to This model BHP will install 43 water Filtration Units with the cooperation of Governmental Public Health & Engineering Department (PHED). To make FU properly functional on long terms it is deem necessary that community owns and manages the water FU. NGO is required to develop and implement strategy to ensure comprehensive management of FU that includes support in installation, routine maintenance mobilize local resources to ensure functionality of FU. Proposed project that three component that is social, technical, and government liaison to ensure involvement of all stakeholders at all levels of project implementation. Project period is for one year.

For further details please visit www.ahdsindh.org or email: ahd@cyber.net.pk

Action for Humanitarian Development - Developing Alternatives
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