Sustainable rural water supply: effectiveness of mini water treatment plant, a case study of SMK Bongkol, Pitas, Sabah

Access to safe and clean drinking water remains a pressing concern in rural Sabah, where infrastructural and environmental challenges often result in serious health risks. SMK Bongkol, a rural secondary school in Pitas, faced a surge of skin-related infections among hostel students, prompting concerns over the quality of water used for daily hygiene and consumption. An investigation by the District Health Office (BA&KAS Pitas) revealed severe microbial contamination in the school’s water supply, with Escherichia coli measured at 78 MPN/100 mL and Total Coliform at 3500 MPN/100 mL. The contamination was traced to a leaking toilet septic tank that discharged into a rainwater collection pond, used by students for bathing. In response, a solar-powered mini water treatment plant was installed to ensure consistent access to safe and treated water. This study evaluates the performance of the installed treatment system by collecting and analyzing water samples from six locations along the treatment line, including the source (reservoir pond) and final distribution points at the male and female hostels. Post-installation results demonstrated complete elimination of E. coli and Total Coliform in all treated water samples, while the raw source water remained highly contaminated (E. coli: 90 MPN/100 mL; Total Coliform: 240 MPN/100 mL). Informal interviews with school staff indicated no new complaints of skin-related infections following the treatment plant's operation. These findings highlight the plant’s effectiveness in microbial removal and its role in reducing public health risks, demonstrating the value of decentralized, sustainable water treatment solutions for underserved rural schools.