Project History
During the summer of 2007, a typhoid fever outbreak occurred in the Fijian villages of Buca, Vunikura, and Loa. This outbreak has been attributed to villagers using contaminated surface water as a drinking water supply. This water supply has tested positive for the bacterium that causes typhoid, as well as for E.coli and other harmful bacteria strains. The water distribution system supplying the villages was installed over twenty years ago, and water treatment is not employed prior to distribution.
Current Status
From July 4-August 1, two members from the EWB-San Francisco Professionals Chapter, Deborah Cohen and Justin Phalen, will be traveling to Buca Bay, Fiji for an initial site assessment. The goals for this trip are as follows:
- With help from the local NGO, establish contact with the three villages. Ascertain the current status of the issue; obtain village buy-in for the project.
- Complete a community health assessment.
- Conduct water quality testing on the source, distribution tanks, and community taps for all three villages. The water quality parameters that will be tested for include total coliforms, E.Coli, Salmonella, and turbidity.
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