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PROMOTION OF INNOVATIVE RAINWATER FOR DRINKING (RFD) SYSTEM AS A SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLY IN RURAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES (HCFS) AND/OR SCHOOLS

    • Priority Sector

    • Environment

    • Duration

    • 2022/01/01 - 2024/02/28

    • Call Number

    • MKCF CALL 5

PROMOTION OF INNOVATIVE RAINWATER FOR DRINKING (RFD) SYSTEM AS A SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLY IN RURAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES (HCFS) AND/OR SCHOOLS

Country of Implementation

  • Cambodia
  • Lao PDR
  • Thailand
  • Viet Nam

Project Description

Rapid population growth, climate change, and environmental pollution have resulted in a scarcity of clean water, significantly affecting wellbeing, particularly in rural areas. Advanced technologies from developed nations like South Korea are essential for Mekong Basin countries to improve living conditions and address environmental challenges. This project involved the construction of a 20 m3 pilot Rainwater for Drinking (RFD) system at one rural hospital or school in each of the five Mekong countries (CLMVT), providing 500 liters of safe, sustainable drinking water daily. Local residents and officials were trained in system maintenance, and design and operational guidelines were proposed for potential future regulation.

Our Core Objectives

1

To design, build, and operate a sustainable community-based RFD system at one rural healthcare facility or school in each of the five Mekong countries, providing over 500 people with 1 liter of drinking water daily.

2

To establish a local management committee responsible for the post-handover operation of the system, fostering a sense of ownership

3

To train local residents for the dissemination of this innovative drinking water supply system

4

To propose a financial model for constructing such systems at all hospitals and schools by mobilizing ESG or CSR funds through public-private partnerships.

5

To suggest legislation or regulations for the widespread implementation of community-based RFD systems throughout the country.

6

To share Korean knowledge and the cultural significance of rainwater management as a climate change strategy, inspired by King Sejong the Great's invention of the world’s first rain gauge in AD 1441.

Activities / Components

1

Site Selection and Survey

Local governments selected a rural hospital or school based on factors such as location, water demand, technical capacity, and willingness of local authorities to support the project

2

Design of the RFD System

A self- sustaining model for rainwater harvesting was developed, utilizing local labor, skills, and materials for catchment, storage, and drinking water techniques.

3

Construction of a 20 m³ RFD System

The system was designed to produce 500 liters of water per day, meeting National Drinking Water Quality Standards.

4

Handover to a Local Management Committee

The committee took responsibility for the system’s operation, supported by one year of technical assistance and data monitoring.

5

Training

Training was provided for operators, managers, and senior public officials

6

Guideline Development

A draft design guideline for RFD systems was created for potential regulatory consideration

Results Achieved

  • Five 20-cubic-meter Rainwater for Drinking (RFD) systems were successfully established in Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand, Lao PDR, and another region of Viet Nam, providing 500 people per site with 1 liter of clean drinking water daily, meeting national standards.
  • A comprehensive water quality and quantity monitoring mechanism was developed for each system, along with operation and maintenance manuals and education/training plans to ensure stable operation and effective knowledge dissemination.
  • A sustainable maintenance system was established through community participation, forming local management committees responsible for system operation and providing them with training. The Rain School Initiative gained recognition from the United Nations Water Action Agenda.
  • International Rain School conferences and camp activities further promoted the concept of rainwater utilization. Detailed design and maintenance reports were prepared for each project site, offering valuable references for future projects.

Successful Factors/ Strategies

  • Community engagement, localized design, and school-based management were key to the project’s success. The use of low-cost, locally sourced materials ensured adaptability.
  • Training teachers and students fostered ownership and sustainability.
  • Recognition by the UN Water Action Agenda amplified the project’s impact and visibility, encouraging policy adoption and scaling across the Mekong region

Future Strategies and Plans

  • Maintenance is Key: Voluntary participation from school teachers and students is essential. Rain School activities should be integrated into the curriculum, and the Mekong school network will help generate interest.
  • International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: These are essential for the success of the project.
  • Efficient Operation of CBRS: Effective operation of the CBRS (Community-Based Rainwater Systems) is crucial for optimizing their impact.
  • Countering Misconceptions: It is important to address misconceptions about the effectiveness and safety of rainwater harvesting through innovative social approaches, especially by engaging young students in Rain Schools.