The filtration system, donated by Pall Corp as part of SUNY Broome’s Health for Haiti program, has been operating since March.
The installed system is a smaller version of the robust Pall Aria membrane systems used in municipal water treatment plants around the world. It draws up to 22 gallons of river water per minute, filtering out harmful bacteria and pathogens, including cholera and Giardia.
“Clean water is basic and fundamental for human health,” said Jennifer Musa, Biology professor at SUNY Broome and co-instructor of the Health for Haiti program. “It’s easy for those of us who enjoy clean water every day to take it for granted, but there are many in our global community who do not have access to safe water. This collaboration has enabled us to provide a community in Haiti with access to clean, safe water. Not only has it benefited the people in Haiti, it has also provided a life-changing experience for our students.”
“The launch of this Pall Aria system in Haiti is an extremely significant achievement,” said Jodi Tate, vice president of Operations, Pall Process Systems. “Pall is honoured to join the SUNY Broome team in providing a solution which enables the people of Grande-Saline to meet a very basic, yet very critical, human need. We are pleased to share our resources and skills to support a life-improving initiative such as this, and are thankful that our channel partners have contributed to this great cause as well."
The Health for Haiti program also supports three new computer schools which give Haitians access to and training in technology. In addition to the Pall Aria water system, Pall has donated 30 laptops for use in these schools.
