Souklatsamy Chanpasith

Access to clean drinking water remains a challenge in many rural areas of Laos, particularly during the rainy season when rivers, ponds, and wells become contaminated with sediments, microorganisms, and organic matter. This capstone project designs and evaluates a low-cost water filtration system using locally available materials including rocks, pebbles, sand, and charcoal, followed by ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection. The filtration system removes suspended solids, reduces turbidity, improves water quality, and the UV stage destroys harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The project aims to provide an affordable, sustainable, and easy-to-maintain solution suitable for rural households, schools, and community centers in Laos.