Simple methods for disinfecting household drinking water.

BACKGROUND: The methods commonly used for disinfecting drinking water are either too expensive or impractical for use in villages and urban slums. METHODS: We have devised two simple and cost-effective methods for disinfecting drinking water using solar heat and the normally unutilized heat from the traditional Indian mud stove or chulha. RESULTS: Using these methods water temperatures of 60°C were attained which successfully disinfected water contaminated artificially with E. coli (120 organisms per ml) after 3 hours. CONCLUSION: This simple technique of disinfecting water may be acceptable on a large scale.