Evaluation of a slow sand filter to improve water quality in a rural educational institution in Aguas Blancas, Valledupar-Cesar

Abstract

This research evaluated the efficiency of a slow sand filter (SSF) as a treatment alternative to improve the quality of water supplied to a rural educational institution located in the village of Aguas Blancas, Cesar Department, Colombia. The study was conducted in three phases: diagnosis, system design and implementation, and performance evaluation. During the diagnostic phase, the groundwater source supplying the institution was characterized through the analysis of physicochemical and microbiological parameters, following the guidelines established in Decree 1575 of 2007. The initial results showed high turbidity and apparent color values, as well as the presence of total coliforms and Escherichia coli, classifying the water as high risk according to the Water Quality Risk Index (IRCA). The quality of the treated water after passing through the system was subsequently evaluated. The SSF demonstrated significant removal of turbidity, apparent color, and indicator microorganisms, achieving near-complete elimination of total coliforms and E. coli. Conservative chemical parameters, such as hardness, alkalinity, and nitrates, exhibited moderate reductions, consistent with the expected performance of this technology. Overall, the results confirmed the technical and economic feasibility of the slow sand filter as a sustainable alternative for improving water quality in rural communities.