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ArchiveArchiveProtection against diarrhea after environmental disaster in Nicaragua1st of November 2011
More than 150 000 people along the Atlantic coast have been trained in the last two years in water treatment and improved hygiene. Even after the frequent tropical cyclones in this region, the inhabitants were able to protect themselves from diarrhoea and other diseases.
New project in the western part of Nepal21st of September 2011
In Nepal, a SODIS/Eawag and USAID-supported three-year project has recently been initiated in the Surkhet district. The aim of the project is to improve the sanitary and hygienic conditions in the project area and to promote different drinking water treatment methods.
Water kiosks for Kenya6th of September 2011
In the Kibera slum in Nairobi, our local partner organization is setting up water kiosks for women groups. These will advise their neighbours on drinking water treatment and hygiene issues and sell them products for drinking water treatment and hygiene. In the slums of Nyalenda and Manyatta in West Kenya, the inhabitants are being trained in SODIS use and improved hygiene. There, the project focus mainly on training in schools.
Positive health impact in Ecuador26th of July 2011
The annual statistics of Ecuador now clearly reveal the positive impacts of the SODIS project jointly implemented with the Ministry of Health: the levels of diarrhoea in the project areas are decreasing, whereas the country average reveals an annual increase since 2001. The Ministry is interested in continuing the activities.
Collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Senegal12th of July 2011
Thanks to the unrelenting advocacy work of our partner-NGO EVE, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Ministry of Health last year. This further consolidated the collaboration with the Ministry of Health. After government-conducted water tests, which reconfirmed the efficiency of solar water disinfection, the Senegalese authorities now officially recommend the SODIS method. In the Tambacounda region, signing of the memorandum of understanding paved the way to a joint SODIS project with the Ministry of Health.
SODIS partner workshop in New Delhi11th of April 2011
Partner organisations from SODIS project areas in Asia (Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nepal, Laos, Vietnam) met in a workshop in New Delhi on 31 March to 2 April 2011. Focus of the meeting was the exchange of experience with the dissemination of low-cost drinking water treatment methods at household level (particularly SODIS) and improved hygiene practices. The participants developed jointly new strategies for integrated promotion of different technologies and institutionalisation of these approaches in government health and drinking water programmes.
Chilled SODIS water – a business idea of Madeleine Djike28th of February 2011
Mrs Djike lives with her family in the Song-Mahop slum in Cameroon. She has been selling chilled water to neighbours and travellers for many years. In 2008, a SODIS campaign was conducted in her neighbourhood. A promoter also visited her home and explained the use of the method. Mrs Djike hesitated at first. Considering the poor water quality in her slum, the method appeared to be too easy to work. After placing PET bottles on her roof and testing the method herself, she became an active user of SODIS method. Since then, her family is drinking clean water and suffers far less from diarrhoeal diseases. After her positive experience with the method, she also decided to offer her customers chilled SODIS water. The good quality of her water got around quickly in the neighbourhood. Today, she proudly says: "With the SODIS method, I already treat more than 40 bottles of water every day, which I chill and sell the next day. Thanks to the good water quality, I have acquired many new customers". Since Mrs Djike also shows her customers how to use the SODIS method at home, she makes a significant contribution towards improving the living conditions in her neighbourhood. Further information on the Cameroon project>>
Motivated families prevent with SODIS diarrhoeal diseases in infants22nd of December 2010
Several studies have repeatedly confirmed that SODIS-treated water can effectively prevent diarrhoeal diseases. In the study "Solar Disinfection of Drinking Water in the Prevention of Dysentery in South African Children Aged Under Five Years: The Role of Participant Motivation", Martella du Preez has now investigated the role played by motivated SODIS users. For the study, South African families with infants kept a diary for one year on diarrhoeal diseases. The frequency of entries into the diary allowed to assess the motivation of families in preventing diarrhoeal diseases. A total of 297 SODIS households were examined and compared with 267 households, which refrained from treating their water with SODIS. A 64% decrease in diarrhoeal diseases was observed among children of highly motivated families. The values hardly differed among less motivated families. These results emphasize the importance of regular SODIS use and encourage us to also seek innovative solutions when developing training strategies.
SODIS on Facebook17th of August 2010
Become a fan of SODIS! As a fan, you speak up for/stand up for/support the people in the South and remain informed about our work.
Midwives disseminate the SODIS method in Togo28th of July 2010
This month, we trained for the first time in Togo
midwives and nurses in the use of the SODIS method. The women who come to them
for childbirth or diseases are now taught how to treat their own drinking
water. The training was made possible thanks to a cooperation agreement of our local partner organisation and the government of Togo. Intensive discussions and persuasion work were necessary to achieve this goal. Over the next few months, we will train midwives and nurses in all our project districts. This will allow in the long term to locally entrench the knowledge on the SODIS method. More about the project in Togo
Indian study confirms that PET bottles for SODIS use are safe29th of June 2010In India, already more than one quarter million
people use the SODIS method to treat their drinking water. However, especially in
India, reports on hazardous substances in PET bottles have caused uncertainty
among users and prevent a rapid dissemination of the method. In particular the family
of plasticisers has recently given rise to discussion.
While no plasticisers are used in the manufacture of PET, traces of these
substances have already been detected in mineral water from glass and PET
bottles. In 2008, Empa, the Swiss
Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research examined the
risks involved in the application of the SODIS method (Schmid et al 2008). A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai with
PET bottles from India now confirms the results of the Empa study: during
the SODIS process, only very small plasticiser quantities are
released in the water, and the WHO limiting values for drinking water are never
exceeded. Therefore, the SODIS method does not constitute a
health risk if applied correctly – the people in India can safely continue to
drink their SODIS water. Certificate from the
Department of Civil Engineering, India [pdf]
Only a plastic bottle?25th of May 2010Martin Wegelin tells
why he was searching for a method to clean drinking water and how with PET-bottles
and sunlight diarrhoeal diseases can be avoided. Language: Swiss German with English subtitles
SODIS Newsletter 1/20103rd of May 2010The SODIS newsletter informs about our projects, activities and important events in connection with SODIS. The newsletter is disseminated semi-annually in German and in English. To receive the newsletter by email, please subscribe to our Mailing-List. SODIS Newsletter 1/2010 [pdf]
SODIS bags for humanitarian aid23rd of March 2010
So far, the SODIS method was hardly used in humanitarian missions. This was due to, inter alia, the lack of PET bottles in disaster areas. Yet, the SODIS method can be applied not only with PET and glass bottles, but also with clear plastic bags. The bags have the advantage that they can easily be transported and stored in large quantities. Hence, Eawag has launched a project to develop specific SODIS bags. Several bag models are being developed in collaboration with partners from the private sector. A prototype is currently being field tested together with local organisations in Bolivia, DR Congo, Kenya, Nepal, and Nicaragua. The information thus gained will help to improve the quality and user-friendliness of the bag, and to develop a product that can be used in future disaster situations.
How the SODIS method kills bacteria22nd of February
Building upon earlier research at Eawag, Franziska Bosshard has gained further insight into the inactivation mechanisms of bacteria at cellular level during solar water disinfection (SODIS). She confirmed earlier hypotheses that the formation of reactive oxygen species during UV-irradiation is responsible for the inactivation process. Membrane proteins involved in the energy generation of bacteria are the first targets of cell damage, followed by other protein damages and the aggregation of proteins. This process is very similar to the aging process of cells. Bosshard,
F., Berney, M., Scheifele, M., Weilenmann, H.-U., & Egli, T. (2009). Solar disinfection (SODIS) and subsequent dark storage of Salmonella
typhimurium and Shigella flexneri monitored by flow cytometry. Microbiology,
155, 1310–1317. Other scientific publications
SODIS in Haiti21st of January 2010
As many Organizations asked us for SODIS training material we developed a flyer for SODIS promotion in Haiti. The flyer can be distributed together with PET-bottles. Unmodified it can be printed and distributed without consulting us. Flyer in French [pdf] Further SODIS education material is available here >>
New project in Angola6th of January 2010
The 1st of January 2010 we started a new SODIS project in Angola. The project is located in the province Benguela and will reach in a first phase more than 6000 people. The project is implemented in collaboration with Joint Aid Management (JAM). More about the project in Angola
New scientific findings on SODIS training strategies22nd of December 2009
Social scientists published a paper that investigates different ways to promote SODIS in Bolivia. The results suggest that household visits by professional promoters are the most successful strategy in terms of reaching people and changing their behavior toward the use of the SODIS method. Local opinion leaders — although less effective — show some potential to stimulate communication among people about SODIS. A one-time information during a health fair did not have a big impact on the application oft the SODIS method. Tamas, A., Tobias, R., & Mosler, H.-J. (2009). Promotion of solar water disinfection: Comparing the effectiveness of different strategies in a longitudinal field study in Bolivia. Health Communication, 24(8), 711-722. [pdf] Other scientific publications
SODIS Workshop in Kolkata14th of December 2009
An experience sharing workshop on SODIS took place in Kolkata, India, in November 2009. Project coordinators of SODIS promotion projects implemented in Assam, Delhi, Kolkata and Tamil Nadu gathered to exchange experiences and discuss options for scaling up the promotion of solar water disinfection in India. The workshop was hosted by Women’s Studies Research Center (WSRC), University of Kolkata. The Assistant Director of the West Bengal State Department of Public Health & Communicable Diseases participated in the meeting and highlighted the urgent need for effective and affordable technologies for water treatment at the level of water user households, especially also in disaster situations. The workshop participants established an information exchange platform and agreed to coordinate their activities more closely in the future. For further information please contact the Women’s Studies Research Center in India or Samuel Luzi, project manager Asia.
SODIS newsletter23rd of September 2009 The SODIS newsletter informs about our projects,
activities and important events in connection with SODIS. From 2009 on,
the newsletter is disseminated semi-annually in German and in English.
To receive the newsletter by email, please subscribe to our Mailing-List. SODIS Newsletter no. 2 - September 2009 [pdf]
The SODIS Advocacy campaign5th of September 2009We want all people who are suffering from contaminated drinking water to know how to treat their water. We can not reach this ambitious goal alone. Therefore we start this year our advocacy campaign to achieve the global establishment of the SODIS-method. Our aim is that worldwide, decision-makers in the development corporation know the SODIS-method and include it in the programs of their organisations. This is possible through the specific informing of governments, NGOs and international Organisations, the sound trainings of project leaders and staff of public authorities (teachers, nurses, etc.) and the demonstration of pilot project. With our campaign we want to achieve that the SODIS-method reaches faster those who need it most urgently.
Results of SODIS health impact study in Bolivia published23 August 2009A recent study [1] of Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) has attracted substantial media attention for its negative findings on the SODIS process, in which water is disinfected by placing it in PET bottles and exposing it to sunlight. The investigators reported that the incidence of diarrheal diseases was not significantly decreased in an intervention group as compared with a control group. The intervention group included both SODIS users and non-users and the reported rate of SODIS use was only 30%. The actual consumption of SODIS-treated water in the household may have been as low as 14%. The report concluded that further research including “a direct comparison of SODIS to alternate drinking water treatment methods [is] needed before further global promotion of SODIS.” As researchers of the SODIS process and advocates of its use, we must challenge this conclusion. An estimated 3 million people in 30 countries are currently using SODIS to reduce their risk of water-borne disease. Numerous studies have reported health benefits of SODIS when it is correctly and consistently used. In one such study [2], the incidence of cholera during an epidemic in Kenya was 88% lower among SODIS than non-users. A well-known weakness of the SODIS process is that it is often not used consistently or is used to treat only a fraction of the drinking water consumed. Beneficial health impacts associated with the use of SODIS may also be compromised by poor sanitation and hygiene. Nonetheless, we feel that people should not be discouraged from continuing to use SODIS or from adopting it unless an alternate supply of safe drinking water is available. We strongly support continued studies of the effectiveness of SODIS and other methods to reduce the incidence of water-borne disease. We suggest, however, that recommendations based on such studies be tempered by the recognition that people who are using (or might adopt) SODIS have no alternative source of safe drinking water. In contrast to the recommendation of Mäusezahl and co-workers, we suggest that future education of SODIS users should focus on establishing the regular practice of the method and also on eliminating the consumption of any untreated and contaminated water. [1] Mäusezahl et al. (2009). Solar Drinking Water Disinfection (SODIS) to Reduce Childhood Diarrhoea in Rural Bolivia: A Cluster-Randomized, Controlled Trial. PLoS Med 6(8)[2] Conroy et al. (2001). Solar disinfection of drinking water protects against cholera in children under 6 years of age. Arch Dis Child. Oct; 85(4):293-5The new study is published in the newest edition of PLoS Medicine.
High-ranking visitors in SODIS project in Burkina Faso16 - 20 February 2009
The SODIS project in Burkina Faso started in 2008 and is funded by the Lions Club Switzerland. Robert Rettby, Council Chairman of the Lions Switzerland, visited the project to see how their funds contribute to improve the living conditions of poor families. He was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Rik Eggen, Deputy Director of Eawag, who wished to learn more about water related problems in developing countries. Both visitors were highly impressed by the impact the project has on the life of the families. They appreciated the engagement of the local partner organisation, Helvetas and ICODEV, and supported the project during their visit in advocacy and scientific activities. For more information please see the article of Mr. Rettby in the Revue LION (in French).
Regional Training Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya18 - 21 January 2009
Lobbying and advocacy for the SODIS-Method is an important aspect of all SODIS projects. Therefore 24 project managers and staff from 13 different countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) participated in a regional training workshop on advocacy and communication. The theoretical input and the sharing of lessons learnt in different projects allowed for an intense learning experience for all participants.
The new SODIS newsletter can now be downloaded2 July 2008The SODIS newsletter informs about our projects, activities and important events in connection with SODIS. From 2009 on, the newsletter is disseminated semi-annually in German and in English. To receive the newsletter by email, please subscribe to our Mailing-List. Suggestions and feedback are welcome (newsletter@sodis.ch) SODIS Newsletter no. 1 - July 2008
Proceeds of Carla Bruni's photograph for SODIS10 April 2008Carla Bruni’s photo by the star photographer Michel Comte was auctioned in New York on 10 April 2008. Gert Elfering promised the proceeds of USD 91’000 of this picture to SODIS. On 10 April 2008 during one of the most important photo campaigns, Christie’s auctioned 135 photographs of Gert Elfering’s collection in New York. The photograph of Carla Bruni by the star photographer Michel Comte was taken for an anti-aids campaign in 2003.
Regional Training workshop in Yaoundé, Cameroon2 - 4 April 2008
To start up the second batch of Lions funded projects in Africa, a training workshop was organized in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Representatives from the SODIS Projects in Kenya, Cameroun, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Togo, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique and Switzerland were present. Participants were enthusiastic to learn from the on-going projects and had the opportunity to exchange their experiences.
Regula Meierhofer is the new head of the SODIS in Switzerland1 September 2007On 31 October 2007, Martin Wegelin has retired from Eawag/Sandec after 25 years of dedicated commitment to develop appropriate technologies for water treatment. After the information on solar water disinfection was published by Prof. Aftim Accra in the 80ies, Martin was a driving force behind the continued research on the SODIS-method and the global promotion and dissemination of the method. Thanks to his engagement and persistence, the SODIS project was able to gain significant support by various donors and could be promoted worldwide. Martin will continue to support the activities us as a senior advisor. Since 1 November 2007, Regula Meierhofer is heading the SODIS at Eawag. Regula has been involved in the promotion and research activities of SODIS at the Eawag since over 7 years. We very much appreciate that she is taking over this challenging position and brings in her wide experiences.
Regional SODIS Workshop Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam16 - 19 July 2007
From 16 to 19 July 2007 participants from 10 SODIS Projects in Asia met in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to exchange experiences during the implementation of SODIS Projects. The following countries were represented: Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Indonesia.
SODIS Training Workshop in Kisoro, Uganda12 - 16 June 2007
To start up the first batch of Lions funded projects in Africa, a training workshop was organized in the Kisoro Region of Uganda. Representatives from the SODIS Projects in Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroun, DR Congo, Malawi and Switzerland were present. Participants were enthusiastic to learn from the on-going projects in Kenya and Uganda. At the end of the workshop, the participants decided to form the SODIS Africa Network to enhance the exchange of information and experiences.
National Lions Day in Switzerland for SODIS12 May 2007
On 12 May 2007, 8800 Lions - members of 226 Lions Clubs in Switzerland - were present in the public all over Switzerland to sell mineral water bottles. With the sale of the bottles, the Lions collected more than 2 Million Swiss Francs to support the promotion of the SODIS-method particularly in Africa and in Latin-America. Through this engagement more than 1 Million people can be trained in the application of the SODIS-method and measures to improve hygiene.
The SODIS Foundation wins the PLACA prize 2006 for accelerating access to safe drinking water in Latin America11 October 2006
The Water Center for the Humid Tropics of Latin America and the Caribbean (CATHALAC) and Plan International awarded the Latin America and Caribbean Water Prize 2006 to the SODIS Foundation for its efforts to enable thousands of families in Latin America to obtain high quality drinking water. PLACA Water Prizes are awarded annually to individuals, communities, organizations, schools or business for outstanding local, national or regional water-related achievements. The Prize is supported by UNESCO and the United Nation’s Environmental Program.
FC St. Gallen and AFC Zürich play for SODIS16 August 2006The Lions Club Toggenburg organized a soccer game for a good purpose. FC St. Gallen and AFC Zürich played on 16 August against each other. The funds collected through the game will be used for SODIS projects in Africa.
SODIS receives the Swiss Red Cross Prize24 June 2006For the first time in its 140 years old history, the Swiss Red Cross Federation has awarded a price for special humanitarian commitment. This price has been awarded to the SODIS project directed by Martin Wegelin, Eawag/ Sandec. The ceremony took place in the house of parliaments in the capital Berne on June 24, 2006.
SODIS Documentary on 3Sat22 April 2006Reporter Charlotte Eichhorn accompanied Martin Wegelin during his travels and visited SODIS Projects in Ecuador, Brazil and Sri Lanka. The documentary is shown on Saturday 22 April, 18.30 on 3Sat.
SODIS wins the Special Award during the Energy Globe Awards 200424 November 2004
The Energy Globe Award is the most significant environmental award worldwide. Best practice projects and initiatives for a careful and efficient use of our resources are awarded each year in the categories earth, energy, water, air and youth. This year more than 600 projects from 100 countries have applied for the Energy Globe Award. More information is available under: http://www.energyglobe.at
Lions Clubs support Drinking Water Projects for Developing Countries7 June 2004
On Monday Tae-Sup Lee, president of the International Association of Lions Clubs, a chemical engineer, and representatives of Swiss lions clubs visited the Swiss Federal Institute of Science and Technology (ETH) to receive information about SODIS. The group was received by ETH rector Konrad Osterwalder, ETH vice president Gerhard Schmitt and Alexander Zehnder, Director of EAWAG and designed president of the ETH Council. Martin Wegelin, programme manager of SODIS, introduced the technology and thereafter served with the SODIS-method treated water from the lake of Zürich. The SODIS water was enjoyed by hosts and guests with much delight.
Eawag, Helvetas and Migros initiate SODIS-Projects in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Philippines19 March 2004
New long-term SODIS Projects have been initiated in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Philippines. The projects are being implemented by Helvetas in collaboration with Eawag, providing the technical assistance and Migros, granting an annual financial support of 300'000 SFr. for the next 5 years.
Launching of the Michel Comte Water FoundationDecember 2003Michel Comte Water Foundation, a non-profit foundation involved in the financing and promotion of sustainable water projects worldwide, has supported a SODIS project in Latin America with 100'000 USD.
Lions Club Rorschach engages actively for SODIS16 December 2003The Lions Club Rorschach, Switzerland actively supports the worldwide promotion of the SODIS-method through different awareness activities within the Lions Clubs in Switzerland. For the Swiss Delegation Meeting held in Lugano on May 17, 2003, members of Lions Club Rorschach prepared an exhibition on SODIS and informed with great enthusiasm the delegates on the new water disinfection method. Furthermore, club members presented SODIS during Lions Club lunches throughout the year. In November 2003, the Lions Club Rorschach organized a fund raising campaign in their region. CHF 40’000 were collected through these activities and handed over by Mr. Paul Nater to Mr. Martin Wegelin in a small ceremony on December 16, 2003.
New Solaqua funded Projects11 November 2003
This year's competition for submitting SODIS project proposals to the SOLAQUA foundation has met large interest: 36 Organisations filled in the preliminary application format. Out of these 36 applications, 11 organisations with interesting applications had been invited to submit a project proposal for funding. On 11 November the board of the SOLAQUA foundation met to review these eleven project proposals. Due to the limited amount of fund available, the number of organisations selected had to be limited. Selected for funding were the proposals from the following three countries: Tanzania, Zambia and Cambodia. The SOLAQUA foundation also decided to support a second phase of already ongoing projects in Uzbekistan, India and Kenya.
New Empa-Study about plasticizers in PET-bottles20 June 2003Plasticizers are used in the production of certain types of plastics and packaging materials (e.g. PVC). These are chemical substances are used to make the plastic material soft and bendable. Though they are not among the most dangerous chemical compounds, the consumption of high amounts of certain plasticizers is a risk for human health. Plasticizers are not, however, used in the production of PET. Whatever concentrations of plasticizers are found in water stored in PET bottles must thus originate from cross-contaminations. A scientific study conducted by Empa proved this. Poster Empa
SODIS-method selected as Best Practice for the Dubai International Award20 June 2002
The Dubai International Award selected the SODIS-method selected as one of the 40 Best Practices. The Dubai International Award for Best Practices plays a crucial role in the identification of Best Practices from around the world and maintains the UN-Habitat Best Practices database.
WHO recommends the SODIS-method during World Water Day 200122 March 2001On the World Water Day on 22 March 2001 WHO recommended the following most need solutions to reduce health hazards related to drinking water:
More information about World Water Day 2001
1st Prize for SODIS in the International SIMAVI Contest17 March 2000In 1999, the SIMAVI World Waterfund organised an international competition for fresh ideas on improving the water supply and/or sanitary conditions. The submitted proposal should be innovative and especially applicable in poor rural and/or slum areas in developing countries. The submitted project had to be widely applicable, maintenance or renewal had to be as much as possible self-financed by the beneficiaries, it had to include training possibilities for local people, etc. The SODIS-method meets all these criteria. On 17
March 2000, during the SIMAVI Conference at the World Water Forum in The Hague,
SODIS was officially awarded the first prize amounting to US$ 50,000. Additional information on SIMAVI and the World Water Forum is found on: www.simavi.org or www.worldwaterforum.org.
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TRAINING MATERIALWe developed training material for SODIS projects. We compiled them for your projects. | more >> 
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONSResearch results in the areas of Microbiology, Health, Training strategies, PET bottles | more >> 
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Last update: 01.11.2011 |
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 Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology |