Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) in Phaltan, Maharashtra has developed and set up in two rural schools in Phaltan area, a very clean drinking water system.

The system is based on the technology of harvesting rainwater and then cleaning it through unique Solar purification system. The clean drinking water technology (CDWT) provides 100-200 liters of clean water per day to almost 200 children in rural schools.

Two schools, one in Nandal village and another in Adarki village of Phaltan Taluka have been selected for this technology. Both these systems have been donated by NARI to the schools.

The system collects rainwater from the school roof top and stores in food grade tanks and this water is then cleaned through a solar thermal system (without electricity) to provide clean drinking water for children.

Technology has been developed under the guidance of Dr. Anil K. Rajvanshi, Director Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute and ably helped by his team of Shri. Manoj Kumar, Shri. S. A. Adsul and Miss. Aditi R. Nalawade.

The microbial E. coli count of drinking water from the system (regularly tested in NARI labs) is less than 20 MPN and much below the WHO standards. This shows that the system is working properly. 

The system has been in operation in both schools for the last 4-5 months and the children are getting clean drinking water for the first time. The system has also been designed in modular form and can be operated by school children. One of the main components of this technology is for children to learn about rainwater harvesting, solar energy and water testing. This may help the rural school children to become interested in STEM.

Dr. Rajvanshi believes that such a technology should be spread in all rural schools of Maharashtra and India.