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Appropriate Technologies Resource Center
We are creating an Appropriate Technologies Resource Center. This will be a repository for references relating to the implementation of appropriate technologies in water and sanitation in developing areas. Most of the solutions are low-tech. They are simple to implement, based on skills which are easy to learn and teach, and utilize low-cost easily-obtainable materials.
We are accumulating a library, with resources in every medium, which will provide the basis for learning and teaching the skills necessary to implement all of the technologies in the field.
In addition, we are actively developing appropriate technologies. As mentioned in the Projects with the Peace Corps section, we are helping Volunteers in the field.
At present there are several volunteers who have potential projects, which would greatly enhance their effectiveness, based on new technologies. Three of these that we are developing and testing are the following:
(1) New water Well Drilling Technique. - This involves assembling materials and building a system based on low-cost parts, and deploying them to drill water wells up to 200 feet deep. We are currently testing the method locally. It is based on the components of a simple air drill, attached to a special drilling bit. The mechanism is attached to the end of a PVC pipe, a hole is started by hand, and then the drill continues the job. Water is put down the deepening shaft, the tailings are pumped out as drilling progresses, and the water is recycled.
(2) Solar Still – A particular problem exists in an area where the water that comes out of the wells is salty. An efficient and inexpensive method is needed to desalinate the water to make it potable. Although the distillation process takes time, and yields relatively small amounts of water, stills can be built of a size to fulfill the critical needs of a family. Furthermore, multiple stills can be joined to provide greater quantities.
(3) Horizontal Dry Wetlands – A Volunteer has identified a particular need for purifying and storing water. We are just beginning to study technologies that will be applicable to this area.
This summer the Peace Corps community has an opportunity to be part of an extraordinary effort to improve our communities through volunteer service.
President Obama’s summer service initiative, United We Serve, is a call to all Americans to join a volunteer effort this summer and be part of building a new foundation for America, one community at a time. Please visit the 
