A study conducted by The Environment and Public Health Organisation revealed that the newly introduced technology for water treatment, Solvaten, which is used to purify drinking water, is the most feasible method of water treatment. The study was carried out in different climate zones in Nepal from June through November of 2007. Solvaten is a portable container which treats water by utilising solar radiation in combination with an inbuilt filter. According to the study, the technology is effective in filtering big particles and other toxins present in contaminated water. It is expected to be suitable in Nepal as it can be used for almost 65 per cent of the year and is also cost-effective.

Tens of thousands of people get infected by water-borne diseases in the country every year, while dozens succumb to death for lack of treatment. Moreover, lack of awareness has led to most of the people, especially those in the remote areas, using contaminated water drawn from wells and hand pumps. This poses grave health hazards. While it is necessary to raise public awareness about the adverse effects of drinking contaminated water, the government should help in bringing the new technology for water treatment to the public as soon as possible. This and other water treatment technologies, if widely used, could help control the scourge of waterborne diseases to a large extent.