Micro computer-assisted planning model for selection of appropriate technology in water and waste treatment.

Abstract

This research documents an interdisciplinary planning model which is structured to select the most appropriate water and/or sanitation treatment technology for a local site. The selected technology will be responsive to local health conditions and the selection process strongly encourages extensive sensitivity analysis prior to selection. The planning model provides a common frame of reference where a multidisciplinary group (engineers, planners, health professionals, economists, etc.) can interdependently interact to seek the most appropriate treatment scheme for an individual project. The selection process uses a systematic cost effectiveness analysis to display the range of technology suitable to local conditions and select the most appropriate technology based on the available data. Finally, the planning model uses high level technology (but appropriate, i.e., microcomputer hardware and systems analysis software) to aid in the selection of appropriate technology (indicating neither high nor low level) in the water supply and sanitation technology field. The model is entitled MAPMAT; i.e., Micro Computer-Assisted Planning Model for Selection of Appropriate Technology in Water and Waste Treatment.

The objective of this research is to establish a planning model to select water supply treatment and sanitation technology appropriate to conditions in developing countries. Four technology selection models are reviewed: CAPDET from the Corps of Engineers/Environmental Protection Agency, EXEC-OP from the Environmental Protection Agency, USAID/REID developed by Professor George W. Reid for the U.S. Agency for International Development, and WBANK developed by the World Bank. The relationship between water/waste treatment and health is reviewed in addition to the linkage between economic development and water/waste treatment.