Turkana County Launches In-Line Chlorination to Improve Borehole Water Safety

By Turkana Correspondent 

The Turkana County Government, in partnership with the Millennium Water Alliance and with funding from USAID's DRIP FUNDI program, has launched an in-line chlorination initiative to improve water safety across the county.

The first installation was completed at the Nakoyo borehole in Kakuma Ward, marking a significant milestone in providing safe water to local communities.

The Klorman in-line chlorination system is a simple point-of-use disinfection technology. It uses a compact calcium hypochlorite chlorine cartridge that gradually releases active chlorine sanitizer into the water flow, ensuring a steady supply of disinfected water.

Through this program, seven additional boreholes across Turkana County will be equipped with the same technology, expanding safe water access to a larger population.

Emmanuel Echapan, the Turkana West Sub-County Water Officer, explained that this system helps mitigate waterborne health risks by delivering chlorinated water that meets standards set by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).

Turkana West and DRIP FUNDI staff during the installation of the in-line chlorination system at Nakoyo borehole in kakuma Ward, Turkana West

He also mentioned that his office has received chlorine test kits and cartridges from the DRIP FUNDI program to ensure continuous quality monitoring for the Nakoyo borehole.

"The automated chlorination system not only provides safe drinking water but also builds on previous efforts by the county and its partners," Echapan said.

He added that the county and its partners have also established defluoridation units and reverse osmosis plants in Turkana West to further enhance water quality.

The DRIP FUNDI program aims to improve access to safe water by remotely monitoring borehole performance using satellite-based sensors. The program also supports the County Borehole Rapid Response Team, helping them address breakdowns more effectively and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Experts in water services for domestic and industrial use recognize in-line chlorination as an efficient solution for both urban and rural water systems, valued for its ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and simple operation and maintenance.