THE Sindh government intends to build a slow sand water treatment plant to provide safe drinking water to Sindh University students. The water will be drawn from the KB feeder canal. Slow sand filtration (SSF) is a versatile water treatment system that is used for drinking water treatment in rural areas. As things stand, however, the proposal in its present form will not produce safe water. If possible, the source of raw water should be switched to the Indus River, as the Indus is relatively less polluted.

Instead of slow sand filters, rapid sand filters (RSFs) should be provided. RSFs provide increased filtration rates. When used with pre-treatment, RSFs can effectively handle highly turbid water. RSFs are highly effective in removing turbidity, and over 90 per cent removal of suspended solids. RSFs cannot remove the heavy metals. Even at low levels, heavy metals can lead to significant health risks.

F. H. Mughal
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026