Safe Water Systems-JHU

AMAN TIRTA PROGRAM

More than 100 million Indonesians do not have access to safe and healthy drinking water. Unsafe drinking water is one of the leading causes of diarrhea, the second highest killer of children under five in Indonesia. Through the Aman Tirta program, USAID is taking the initiative to increase access to safe drinking water by introducing a low-cost, easy to-use and safe water purification product, Air RahMat, for use at the by household levels.

The Aman Tirta program has introduced the Air RahMat, product, whose title means Blessed Water, with RahMat standing for Economical, Easy and Healthy (muRah, Mudah dan, sehAT). Air RahMat is a 1,25% sodium hypochlorite solution that was developed by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). To use it, simply drop 3 ml of Air Rahmat into 20 liters of clear water, shake for 30 seconds, and let sit for 30 minutes or more. The water is then safe to drink with no need to boil! If used correctly in conjunction with safe storage, Air RahMat can reduce the risk of diarrhea by up to 40-80%.

The Aman Tirta program targets the low-income families, with a focus on women with under-five children. Air RahMat is sold for Rp. 4,000 per 100 ml bottle, which is enough to purify 660 liters of water, meeting the drinking water needs of a family of four for more than one month. To expand access to this product, Aman Tirta partners with both government and NGO partners working in the areas of health and education. Air RahMat is distributed through traditional markets (kiosks, vendors and pharmacies) as well as through NGOs, midwives, and health volunteers.

All Environment activities