Date: October 2022
Location: Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka
Overview
Partnering with three primary schools in Polonnaruwa, MPF designed and installed comprehensive rainwater-harvesting and gravity-fed filtration systems to guarantee safe drinking water on campus year-round.
The Challenge
Seasonal water scarcity: Schools faced acute shortages during the 4-month dry season.
Unsafe sources: Reliance on open wells and tanker deliveries led to frequent water-borne illnesses.
Maintenance gaps: No local capacity to service or repair water infrastructure.
Our Approach
Roof-Catchment & Storage
Fitted 200 m² of rooftop gutters per school, feeding into 10,000 L polyethylene cisterns.
Designed overflow and mosquito-proofing features to meet WHO standards.
Multi-Stage Filtration & Treatment
Implemented sand-charcoal filters followed by UV-LED sterilizers for >99.9% bacterial removal.
Added inline TDS monitoring and auto-flush valves to maintain filter efficiency.
Community Engagement & Training
Launched “Water Guardians” clubs: 150 students trained in daily quality checks and basic upkeep.
Conducted quarterly workshops for school caretakers on cleaning protocols and part replacement.
Implementation Highlights
Harvest systems collected up to 8,000 L/month during monsoon peaks.
Independent lab tests confirmed 99.9% removal of E. coli and coliform bacteria.
Local mason cooperatives fabricated cistern platforms, boosting village incomes.
Results
Zero reported water-borne illnesses in the first school term post-installation.
75% reduction in tanker-water expenditures.
Neighboring communities have replicated the model for home installations.
“Our children drink safely every day, and they proudly maintain ‘their’ system.”
— Headmaster, Galnewa Primary School