On 2nd April, EWB-GU hosted its first ever all-day training event centred around the theme of WASH (WAter, Sanitation and Hygiene), the new committee having organised, publicised and deployed the surprise series of workshops in less time than is theoretically possible.
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Brian Reed from WEDC (the Water, Engineering and Development Centre at Loughborough University) kicked the day off with a general introduction to WASH, highlighting the holistic and cross-disciplinary approach it promotes, something that is essential to ensure the long-term success of international development projects.
 
 
Having seen the workings of a sand filter from the previous research project meeting we then focused on discussing the theory of how biosand filters work and how to train the local population to use them.

The aim for the next research meeting is to be taught by the training team on how to build a bio sand filter and actually make one.

 
 
In our second research meeting of the year on Thursday 21st October, we made sand filters from a combination of sand and gravel. The two groups then tested their filters with dirty water and both groups produced relatively clean water but at different flow rates.

The purpose of this workshop was to give a practical demonstration of the workings of sand filters and to get us them thinking about the proportions of material that should be used. At the next research project meeting we'll be focusing on the theory behind biosand filters and possible ways of improving them.
 
 
Brief: Design a simple and effective system for latrines which can separate the liquids and solids from human waste and by doing so making the latrine pits last longer. The system mustn't have any moving parts, buildable from local materials and not require frequent maintenance.

If you would like further information on this project then please follow this link.