America's North Shore Journal

ISAF’s Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) introduced a water purification process to village elders in Shajoy district, Zabul province July 31.

The process is called hypochlorite generation. The machine uses electricity to convert salt water into a chlorine solution; this solution is added to water drawn from village wells. About one tablespoon of the chlorine solution added to a 4-gallon jug of well water is enough to kill all bacteria and parasites in the water.

“Unclean water and dysentery are the biggest issues in Zabul,” said Dr. Saleh Mohammed, director of the Shajoy district hospital. “This project will help children under 5 years old, who suffer from malnutrition and diarrhoea.”

The Zabul PRT chose Shajoy to test the project because of its proficient hospital, where the equipment will be placed. It is the first district in Zabul province given the opportunity to make clean drinking water for families.

“This process will destroy the germs in the water, making it safe to drink so your children won’t get sick,” Air Force Capt. (Dr.) James Arnold, family physician for the Zabul PRT, said to a group of Shajoy elders. “I ask you, respectfully, as the leaders and educated men of this district, to encourage your families and others to continue to use purified water. If you do this, you won’t get sick from the water, but more importantly, the children will not get diarrhea and will get the nutrition they need to grow big and strong.”

ISAF