Introduction​

In 2012 we were invited to Pereira, Colombia to present a class on water quality.  Originally the class was especially for youth, but then they asked to bring their older young adult family members. Then they asked if they could bring their parents. By the time we arrived the activity was for entire families and almost 100 showed up. We talked about purification of water through boiling and how water only need to be heated to 165 degrees to kill the bacteria. Since it is difficult to tell when water has reached 165 degrees by looking at it, most people just boil it and wait for all the bubbles. This is fine if you are not concerned about how much fuel is used. In developing areas where firewood is scarce only heating water to 165 would save them work, fuel and reduce the exposures to the smoke. In more developed areas heating to 165 could save some time or be used in emergency situations. We introduced the use of Water Pasrteurization Indicators (WAPIS). They have a wax inside that melts at 165 degrees and can be used over and over again. The final hour of the presentation was a workshop where every family was able to make their own WAPI to take home.

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