Training
A primary activity of IWHA is to train others in the use of the Portable Microbiology Laboratory (PML). Use of the PML allows the user to determine if the bacteria Escherichia Coli is present in water which is an indicator of fecal contamination. Training participants are not required to have any formal education to understand the training concepts or to utilize the two tests for Escherichia Coli contained in the PML.
As part of the training, participants learn to analyze water samples using the IDEXX Colilert test for the presence or absence of Escherichia Coli in a water sample of 10 ml and the 3M Petrifilm which allows a count of Escherichia Coli colonies in a 1 ml sample of water.
Training participants have included personnel of International Development Agencies including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Habitat, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, government institutions including Ministries of Health in several countries and staff and volunteers of volunteer organizations including the Red Cross and volunteer institutions such as NAREWAMA and FOTO in Kenya. Training has been provided to local community organizations including water committees.
IWHA regularly provides demonstrations and individual training in the use of the PML at international events such as the 1st International Water Association (IWA) Development Congress in Mexico City in 2009, the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in Montreal in 2010 and the UN Habitat World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden in 2011.