Effectiveness of WASH Interventions in public schools of Beirut -

Abstract

WASH services were assessed in 15 out of 19 public schools of Beirut implementing WASH intervention mostly as of 2012-13. Results of the school survey were compared with WASH guidelines to assess compliance. Moreover, findings from the WASH intervention schools were compared with the mean values for Beirut public schools reported by the national school survey 2008-09 to determine improvements in WASH services. Additionally, the schools’ water supplies were screened once (June 30, July 1 2015) to determine the physical (color, turbidity, Electrical conductivity, and TDS), chemical (pH, alkalinity, hardness, ammonia, nitrates, chlorides, sodium, sulfates, phosphates, and residual chlorine) and microbiological (total and fecal coliforms) quality. The quality of the water supplies was compared to WASH guidelines and LIBNOR standards to determine compliance and accordingly safety.Results showed that the major interventions in public schools implementing WASH related mostly to installing FDA approved water storage tanks that safeguards water quality and prevent corrosion and leaching of chemical contaminants. Additionally, onsite water treatment units have been installed in 93.3percent (14 schools) of the surveyed schools and 86.7percent (13 schools) have onsite UV disinfection units (UV filter). Water quality assessment of samples collected showed that 20percent of the schools’ water supplies have a high total dissolved solid content exceeding WASH Guidelines and LIBNOR Standard Levels. And, 26.7percent of water supplies are microbiologically unsafe. This contributes, and is line with, the reported water complaints relating to water “taste” (high TDS) and safety. Additionally, the number of functional water fountains and basins are not sufficient and need to be increased to meet WASH guidelines. Hot water is not available in any of the schools; while soap is provided in 46.7percent (7 schools) of schools and tissue paper in 20percent (3 schools) of schools, and 86.7percent of schools (13 schools) placed posters that teach students th