Rapid assessment of drinking-water quality in the - WHO/UNICEF ...

4.3 The RADWQ project in Jordan
Methodology
The RADWQ methodology was clear and the chosen parameters produced a good snapshot of
water quality in Jordan.
The standard sanitary risk questionnaires used in the pilot project were not completely
appropriate for Jordan. Sanitary risk questionnaires should be adapted to the local situation.
The RADWQ field tests are not appropriate for regular surveillance programmes because of
expense and because laboratory tests are more aseptic and efficient.
The RADWQ methodology could be used for specific studies, such as rapid assessments of
emerging risks and specific chemicals, or to audit existing surveillance data.
The RADWQ pilot projects assessed water quality across different developing countries. For a
wider analysis, the pilot studies could have included more industrialized and developed countries.
Project management and implementation
The main problems with in-country management of the project were confusion over WHO and
UNICEF roles, and on the budget available. This altered the workplan and delayed
implementation of the field tests.
Neither the Ministry of Health nor the Water Authority of Jordan had funds readily available for
project implementation. The field coordinator for the Water Authority of Jordan had to advance
money from his own pocket, and then be reimbursed from UNICEF and WHO.
Because of budget constraints cars could be hired for only two field teams, instead of four. The
two teams had to visit two clusters per week, and faced serious difficulties and worked long hours.
The fact that the project was not delayed suggests that the cluster size chosen during the survey
design was probably too small.
Field implementation of the RADWQ survey was generally well-planned and the survey helped
to strengthen collaboration among national agencies.
WHO and UNICEF provided good in-country and remote technical support, and the training
materials were clear.
Field kits
The field kits used in the RADWQ survey were less sophisticated than those commonly used in
Jordan, but they will be useful for future field tests.
The digital arsenator originally sent to Jordan was not working and it took Wagtech two months
to replace it, by which time field teams were accustomed to not using it. There were also safety
concerns about the arsenic fumes.
The consumables for assaying total chlorine levels in the water samples did not work properly,
and it took Wagtech 10 weeks to replace them.
Wagtech training on field equipment was good.
29