SODIS Links

Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) is a simple, environmental friendly low-cost solution for clean drinking water treatment at the household level. It uses sunlight to kill bacteria in water. The UV-A rays in sunlight or solar radiation kills germs such as viruses, bacteria and parasites in just six hours.

The Development Alternatives (DA) Group works with a vision of “A world where every citizen can live a secure, healthy and fulfilling life, in harmony with nature". We believe that every citizen should be able to fulfill his basic needs. Access to safe clean drinking water is for all. Keeping this is mind we develop and promote several safe water technologies, including those of others.

The SODIS technology for clean water is one such technology that we are advocating, particularly where the maximum population is living below poverty line and there are no sources for clean drinking water.

10,000 households reached for promoting this solar solution within various slums in Delhi.

A comprehensive advocacy and demonstration campaign with a strong Information Education Communication (IEC) programme, is being implemented by DA though its partners in Delhi, as a part of the “Provision of Safe Drinking Water in 15 slums of Delhi, through point of use (p-o-u) treatment method – SODIS” project. These areas do not have access to clean and safe drinking water. There is inadequate pipe water supply in these areas and the water sources available are not reliable for clean drinking water.

This project sensitises, educates, trains and monitors slum dwellers on the need for clean drinking water, importance of hygiene and correct application of SODIS techniques. DA has partnered with NGOs such as Ehsaas Foundation and the Indian Society for Applied Research & Development (ISARD) for demonstration of SODIS and IEC activities.

• Increase public awareness on water related health topics, point-of-use water treatment (SODIS) and hygiene practices - 100% completed. We have achieved this among 10,000 HHs in 17 slums of Delhi
• Promote and disseminate SODIS on demand driven approach targeting slum households in Delhi. - 100% completed. We have promoted and disseminated this method among 10,000 HHs in 17 slums in Delhi
• Influence key stakeholders in Delhi such as the Delhi Jal Board, Education and Health Department and others about the application and efficacy of SODIS. – Meetings ongoing - relevant material being prepared based on queries

The overall approach followed to bring about this change is:

• Implementation through networks and local partners.
• Large-scale awareness building through mass communication and PR events.
• Advocacy and alliances with government institutions and key players in the water sector in the slums at all levels.

Solar Water Disinfection - the SODIS method - is a simple procedure to disinfect drinking water. The contaminated water is filled in a transparent PET-bottle and exposed to the sun for six hours. During this time, the UV-radiation of the sun kills diarrhoea generating pathogens.

The SODIS method helps to prevent diarrhoea and thereby prevent deaths related to this illness. It becomes particularly relevant in India as 20.3% of deaths amongst children under five years is due to diarrhoeal diseases. The SODIS activities are focused on establishing communication with the community to bring about behaviour change and adoption of SODIS and other point-of-use water treatment technologies.