Six Majuro schools now have access to safe drinking water systems that use filtered rain water.
The program to get reliable and safe drinking water was implemented by the RMI EPA in partnership with donors the Pacific Community known as SPC and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Water stations were built at Rita, North Delap, Long Island, Rairok, Majuro Coop and Assumption elementary schools, with Long Island’s the most recent. A dedication was held December 5 at the Long Island campus.
The six school water stations are a pilot program, which is why only some schools have received these, said EPA. The EPA and the schools involved are expected to monitor how these stations operate. This information will go towards building the case for more schools to have these types of stations.
Each station is equipped with 4,500 gallons of storage. Most stations have 16 taps inside, while space limitations meant North Delap School could only fit 12 taps.
“These are resources/assets that aren’t impossible to provide,” said RMI EPA General Manager Moriana Phillip. “Filtration is a necessity and it’s doable.”
The systems used can supply filtered water at a rate of about eight gallons per minute.
“The capacity of these stations have been built with students in mind and should supply around half a gallon (of water) per student per day in most years,” said the EPA in background information about the school water program.
Each station has three levels of water treatment: First flush system – to remove first flow of dirty water from roof and gutter to remove leaves and most dirt and other material from getting into the catchment tanks. Next, a three-step micro filter is used to remove small/fine suspended dirt. Finally, a UV lamp filter kills bacteria and viruses.
Because the schools do not have a business license to supply water to the community the only time public supply should be allowed is when a drought occurs, said EPA.
The EPA will be including the school water stations into the routine water quality monitoring program.