Water Filter Pitchers for Waterborne Diseases

Recruiting at 2 trial locations

Overseen By Danielle Short, MPH

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Disqualifiers: Utility-supplied water, High-income, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 months

200 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Countertop pitcher water filter for waterborne diseases?

Research shows that using point-of-use water filters, like ceramic filters, can significantly reduce the risk of diarrhea by improving water quality. For example, a study in Bolivia found that households using ceramic water filters had a 70% lower risk of diarrheal disease compared to those without filters. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is using a water filter pitcher generally safe for humans?

Research on water filters, including those used in homes, suggests they are generally safe for human use. However, some filters may leave residual substances like iodide in the water, which should be considered when choosing a filter. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

How do water filter pitchers differ from other treatments for waterborne diseases?

Water filter pitchers, particularly those using ceramic filters with silver nanoparticles, offer a unique approach by directly improving the quality of drinking water at the household level, reducing the incidence of diarrhea in vulnerable populations. Unlike traditional treatments that may focus on medication or vaccines, these filters provide a preventive measure by removing pathogens from water before consumption. ^{1 2 3 4 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Consumption of unsafe drinking water is associated with a substantial burden of disease globally. In the USA, the burden of disease associated with consumption of contaminated drinking water from non-regulated private wells and springs in rural areas is relatively understudied and unclear. For some lower-income households in rural areas of the USA without access to reliably safe drinking water, point-of-use treatment with relatively low-cost pitcher filters could help to reduce exposures to contaminated water and associated adverse health outcomes. This pilot randomized controlled intervention trial will provide information and data on water quality and contamination exposures, associated health outcomes, and the adoption potential of point-of-use water filters in rural areas of Virginia and Tennessee.

Research Team

Alasdair Cohen, PhD

Principal Investigator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for low-income families in selected counties of TN or VA who don't have utility-supplied water, are part of Ballad Health's Strong Starts program, and have a child aged two or younger. It aims to help those relying on private wells or springs.

Inclusion Criteria

There is no access to utility-provided water in the household at enrolment.

The household is located in either Tennessee or Virginia.

Your household is qualified to join, or has already joined, Ballad Health's Strong Starts program.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Households in the treatment group receive countertop pitcher water filters to reduce exposure to contaminated water

12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including pathogen infection and gastrointestinal illness

12 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Countertop pitcher water filter

Trial Overview The study tests if using low-cost pitcher filters can reduce health issues from drinking contaminated water. Families will be randomly chosen to either use the filter or continue their usual practices, comparing water quality and health changes over time.

Participant Groups

Group I: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Households randomized to the control group will be provided water filters at the completion of the study

Group II: Treatment Active Control 1 Intervention

Households randomized to the treatment group will be provided countertop pitcher water filters

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

162

Recruited

26,900+

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Collaborator

Trials

1,588

Recruited

4,364,000+

East Tennessee State University

Collaborator

Trials

23

Recruited

3,000+

Ballad Health

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

1,300+

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ceramic water filters impregnated with silver nanoparticles as a point-of-use water-treatment intervention for HIV-positive individuals in Limpopo Province, South Africa: a pilot study of technological performance and human health benefits. [2015]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk of waterborne illness via drinking water in the United States. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduction of risk of watery diarrhea with point-of-use water filters during a massive outbreak of waterborne Cryptosporidium infection in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1993. [2019]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A post-implementation evaluation of ceramic water filters distributed to tsunami-affected communities in Sri Lanka. [2015]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reducing diarrhea through the use of household-based ceramic water filters: a randomized, controlled trial in rural Bolivia. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A randomized, controlled trial of in-home drinking water intervention to reduce gastrointestinal illness. [2007]

7. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Water safety plans and risk assessment: A novel procedure applied to treated water turbidity and gastrointestinal diseases. [2021]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Microbiological performance of common water treatment devices for household use in India. [2009]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessment of inadequately filtered public drinking water--Washington, D.C., December 1993. [2008]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Removal of virus to protozoan sized particles in point-of-use ceramic water filters. [2018]