Kenya 2

Challenge 4: Data Driven Water Quality

Inclusive City Solutions Targeting Households

DREAM TEAM

WHERE2O: Enhancing Water Quality and Access in the Greater Accra Region

Introduction

Where2O, is an innovative app designed to address the challenges arising from intermittent water supply and ensure improved water quality and access in Accra. It offers a practical solution that leverages technology and community involvement to bridge the gap between GWCL’s (Ghana Water Company Limited) utility network and the point of use of water, thus enhancing water services in the Greater Accra Region.

Background Information

The pressing issue of intermittent water supply in Accra has had an adverse impact on water quality and sanitation. Consumers have employed various coping strategies such as relying on storage tanks, fetching water from yard taps, using public stand posts, or resorting to truck delivery services. While these methods temporarily address the water scarcity issue, they introduce a disconnect between the utility’s network and the point of use, resulting in compromised water quality. The prolonged storage of water in tanks can lead to bacterial growth and contamination. Additionally, alternative water sources, such as unregulated stand posts or truck-delivered water, may not undergo proper testing or treatment processes, further compromising water quality. The lack of data on household water quality and limited access to water infrastructure in low-income communities further exacerbate this problem.

Low-income communities are particularly affected by this challenge because they have limited access to the water network and rely heavily on alternative water sources.

GWCL’s monitoring and data collection systems primarily focus on the supply side of the process chain. There is thus no data on water quality at the household-level . This data gap hinders effective planning for sanitation service delivery and prevents targeted interventions in areas most in need.

To address these issues, it is crucial to bridge the gap between the utility’s water supply network and the point of use. This is where the Where2O app comes into play, offering a practical solution to monitor, map, and provide information on water collection points and their associated water quality parameters.

How WHERE2O works

We focused on creating an intuitive and user-friendly mobile application, making it easy for consumers to navigate and access the information they need.

Here is a detailed description of how WHERE2O tackles the presented challenge:

Mapping Water Collection Points: WHERE2O incorporates a robust mapping feature that identifies and displays all water collection points throughout the Accra region. This includes all the yard taps, public stand posts, and other water sources commonly utilized by consumers. The app utilizes accurate geolocation data from LE34 to provide users with a visual representation of these collection points on a map. These collection points can be searched for by the consumers, and the app recommends the source closest to them. To discourage long-distance transportation of water, Where2O includes an alert system. If a water collection point is located beyond 500 meters from the user’s position, the app sends a notification, informing them that the water source is not within their region. This prompts users to consider alternative water sources that are closer and more convenient.
Water Quality Testing and Database Management: GWCL (Ghana Water Company Ltd.) plays a pivotal role in the app’s functionality. They undertake regular water quality testing at each collection point. The test results of the various water quality parameters are stored in a dedicated database. The test results are also transferred from the database to the app so that the users can access the various quality parameters of the water they are consuming. This ensures that up-to-date and reliable information is available to both the users and GWCL about water collection points.
Ensuring Water Quality Standards: WHERE2O plays a crucial role in ensuring water quality standards are maintained. In cases where a water collection point does not meet the required standards, GWCL has the capability to blur that specific point on the app. This prevents users from selecting it and raises an alert indicating that the water source does not meet the necessary quality criteria. This feature helps protect consumers from accessing subpar water sources.
Data Insights for Improved Planning: The app’s mapping functionality and user engagement provide GWCL with valuable data insights. By monitoring the selection patterns of water collection points, GWCL can identify crowded areas with high demand for water services. This information aids in effective planning for infrastructure development, ensuring that new water collection points are strategically placed to meet the needs of the community.
Incentive System for App Adoption: To encourage app usage, WHERE2O incorporates an incentive system. Users can sign in using their phone numbers, and during the payment process, vendors inquire if customers have the app. If confirmed, users provide their phone numbers, and they are allocated “water points” based on the quantity of water they purchase. These points accumulate over time and can be converted into monetary value, which can be used for future water purchases. This incentivizes users to embrace the app and actively engage with its features. Furthermore, we have incorporated common methods of payment such as use of visa cards and master cards. Payment using these techniques will automatically add points to the consumer’s profile.
Water Handling Practices: The app includes a section dedicated to informing users about proper water handling practices. This section provides valuable guidance on important steps to maintain water quality standards, such as regularly washing jerrycans and avoiding long-term water storage.
Registration of Private Vendors: An additional feature of the app is the ability for individuals to register as private water vendors. To register, vendors must provide a unique vendor ID issued by GWCL. Before issuing the ID, GWCL ensures that the quality of the water being sold by the vendor meets the required standards. This process guarantees that registered vendors sell water of high quality and safe for consumption. Registered private vendors are required to pay a specified amount to GWCL, which facilitates periodic testing of their water quality. This ensures that the water being sold by vendors consistently meets the required standards. The aim is to promote private vendors to prioritize selling water of high quality. Furthermore, the plan is to make the app scalable so that users only trust water sources from the app that have met the required standards. This additional feature enhances the overall objective of the app, which is to improve water quality and accessibility. By involving private vendors and ensuring their compliance with quality standards, the app expands the network of reliable water sources available to users. It instills trust in users by providing a reliable platform for accessing water sources that have been thoroughly vetted and meet the necessary standards.

In summary, Where2O revolutionizes water access and sanitation practices in Accra by providing a user-friendly app that maps water collection points, delivers real-time water quality information, promotes informed decision-making, and enables effective water resource planning and management.

INCORPORATION OF LE34 TECHNOLOGIES

Geospatial Mapping and Visualization: LE34 Technologies in geospatial mapping and visualization will be of great use as it can be integrated into the Where2O app. This feature enables users to view the water collection points on a map and easily locate the ones closest to their location.
Actual App Development: LE34 Technologies can be leveraged in the actual app development, by using their tools to enhance its functionality, performance and user experience.
Databases and Data Management and Analysis: LE34 Technologies already have advanced Databases and Data Management tools that can handle large volumes of data efficiently. With the databases, the various data to be shared between GWCL and the App can be stored, organized and accessed. By integrating with the Data Management tools, the WHERE2O App can effectively manage the vast amounts of data related to water collection points, water quality parameters, and test results. LE34’s data analytics capabilities can also provide valuable insights and trends, helping identify areas with frequent water quality issues and informing decision-making processes

User Experience

The following video showcases the user experience of using the WHERE2O app: HTTPS://DRIVE.GOOGLE.COM/FILE/D/1OWZMODQYZHROF7VVZ6PE3NYW9TON0K3U/VIEW?USP=DRIVE_WEB

How is WHERE2O Scalable and Sustainable?

Where2O has the potential to be adopted in other locations and accommodate a large number of users through its scalable design and adaptable features. Here’s how:

Customizable Localization: WHERE2O can be customized and adapted to suit the specific needs and context of different locations. By incorporating local water sources, infrastructure, and regulations, the app can be easily deployed in other cities or regions.
Partnerships with Utilities and Vendors: WHERE2O can form partnerships with water utilities and vendors in different areas. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the app can leverage existing infrastructure, establish relationships with trusted vendors, and gain access to a larger user base.
User-Driven Expansion: WHERE2O’s scalability can be fueled by user-driven expansion. As more users join the app and contribute data on water sources and quality, the app’s database grows and becomes more comprehensive. This encourages the participation of additional vendors, utility companies, and communities, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of expansion and adoption.

WHERE2O is sustainable in the following ways:

Social Sustainability: The App addresses the challenge of intermittent water supply and its impact on communities, particularly those in low-income areas. By providing information on water collection points, water quality, and access, the app empowers users to make informed decisions about their water sources. This helps improve the quality of water consumed and promotes better sanitation practices, positively impacting public health and well-being.
Economic Sustainability: The app’s integration of private water vendors who meet quality standards promotes economic sustainability. By enabling private vendors to register and sell water through the app, Where2O creates opportunities for income generation and entrepreneurship. This fosters a sustainable market for high-quality water supply and supports local businesses, contributing to the economic development of the community.
Behavioral Insights: The data collected by Where2O can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and water usage patterns. By analyzing this data, water utility companies and policymakers can identify areas of improvement, develop targeted conservation strategies, and implement demand management measures. These insights contribute to long-term sustainability by optimizing water allocation and reducing waste.
Water Source Monitoring: Where2O’s water quality monitoring system can help identify potential sources of pollution or contamination. By promptly detecting issues, authorities can take necessary actions to mitigate risks and maintain the integrity of water sources. This proactive approach ensures the long-term sustainability of water resources and protects the health of communities relying on them.

WHERE2O AS A BUSINESS

Where2O can be developed as a viable business model by incorporating various revenue streams and value-added services including:

Advertising and Partnerships: Through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, such as water treatment equipment manufacturers, water testing laboratories, or sanitation product suppliers, to display targeted advertisements within the app. Advertisers can pay for placement and reach a specific target audience interested in water quality and sanitation.
Data Analytics and Insights: The data collected in the app can be aggregated and anonymized to generate valuable insights on water consumption patterns, user behavior, and water quality trends. These insights can be sold to water utility companies, research institutions, or government agencies interested in improving water management strategies and decision-making processes.
In-App Purchases and Referral Programs: Introduce in-app purchases of water-related products or services, such as home water filters and sanitation solutions.
Partnerships with NGOs and Development Organizations: Collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or development organizations working in the water and sanitation sector. Seek funding or grants to support the app’s implementation, operation, and outreach activities aimed at underserved communities or low-income areas.

Implementation of WHERE2O

WHERE2O can be implemented through the following key steps:

Actual App Development: Building the WHERE2O mobile application, incorporating features such as mapping of water collection points, water quality testing, user registration, and information on proper water handling practices. Ensure a user-friendly interface and seamless functionality.
Data Collection: Collaborating with the Ghana Water Company Ltd. (GWCL) to gather data on water collection points, water quality parameters, and vendor certifications. Conducting initial testing and verification of water quality to populate the app’s database.
Vendor Registration: Establishing a process for private water vendors to register on the app by providing a unique vendor ID issued by GWCL. Implement a system where vendors pay a fee to GWCL for periodic testing of their water quality, ensuring compliance with the required standards.
User Adoption: Launch marketing and awareness campaigns to promote the WHERE2O app among the target audience, including consumers, water vendors, and relevant stakeholders. Highlight the benefits of accessing reliable water quality information, convenient water source selection, and the importance of proper water handling practices.
Scaling and Expansion: Monitoring of user feedback and continuously improve the app based on user needs and technological advancements. Explore partnerships with other water utility companies or organizations in different regions to expand the app’s coverage beyond Accra.
Sustainability and Revenue Generation: Implementing the revenue streams such as targeted advertising, data analytics, in-app purchases, and consulting services to ensure the financial sustainability of Where2O.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly updating the app to incorporate user feedback, technological advancements, and new water quality standards. Stay informed about emerging trends in the water and technology sectors to maintain a competitive edge.

What’s in Store?

In our future plans for WHERE2O, we aim to enhance the app by incorporating the USSD system, for the users who are not using smartphones. By dialing a designated USSD code, such as *123#, non-smartphone users will also benefit from the app’s features. They will receive information about the best water source for their location based on distance and water quality, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to such important information.
Additionally, we envision implementing an automatic notification system within the app. If a user has previously obtained water from a particular source, our app will keep a record of that information. In the event that the water source is tested in the future and found to be below the required standards, all users who have ever obtained water from that source will receive a prompt notification alerting them of the non-compliance with standards. This proactive approach ensures that users stay informed about the water quality of sources they have used, regardless of their current usage.