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Treating River, Dam and Pan Water for Homes, Schools and Farms
- Settle → filter → disinfect
- UF removes mud particles and bacteria
- RO only if a test shows dissolved salts
- Abstraction permit from WRA for bigger uses
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What Is in River and Dam Water?
Mud and silt (turbidity), organic matter, and germs from animals and people upstream. Levels change with the seasons: water is muddiest after rain. Have a laboratory test done before designing a system; see how to read a water test report.
The Treatment Train
- Settling: let heavy silt drop out in a settling tank (sometimes helped by a coagulant).
- Filtration: a pressure media filter (sand and multimedia) removes the remaining particles; ultrafiltration (UF) removes very fine particles and bacteria.
- Disinfection: UV kills germs without chemicals; chlorine also keeps stored water protected.
- RO (only if needed): when a test shows high salts or other dissolved contaminants.
Media Filters
817 FRP Tanks and PP FiltersKSh 9,200
820 FRP Tanks and PP FiltersKSh 9,800
835 FRP Tanks and PP FiltersKSh 11,600
844 FRP Tanks and PP FiltersKSh 12,800
935 FRP Tanks and PP FiltersKSh 13,300
948 FRP Tanks and PP FiltersKSh 13,500| Model | Size / capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 817 FRP Tanks and PP Filters | – | KSh 9,200 |
| 820 FRP Tanks and PP Filters | – | KSh 9,800 |
| 835 FRP Tanks and PP Filters | – | KSh 11,600 |
| 844 FRP Tanks and PP Filters | – | KSh 12,800 |
| 935 FRP Tanks and PP Filters | – | KSh 13,300 |
| 948 FRP Tanks and PP Filters | – | KSh 13,500 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 4 October 2026). Full range: FRP tanks & filters price list.
UF Systems
UF Under Counter System (5 Stage)KSh 17,000
H-Tech 3-in-1 Municipal UF 250LKSh 240,000
H-Tech 3-in-1 Municipal UF 500LKSh 280,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| UF Under Counter System (5 Stage) | KSh 17,000 |
| H-Tech 3-in-1 Municipal UF 250L | KSh 240,000 |
| H-Tech 3-in-1 Municipal UF 500L | KSh 280,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 4 October 2026).
UV Disinfection
| Model | Size / capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| H-Tech 0.4GPM 6W UV Sterilizer | 0.4 GPM | KSh 5,000 |
| H-Tech 0.65GPM 10W UV Sterilizer | 0.65 GPM | KSh 5,300 |
| H-Tech 1GPM 12W UV Sterilizer | 1 GPM | KSh 6,000 |
| H-Tech 2GPM 16W UV Sterilizer | 2 GPM | KSh 11,600 |
| H-Tech 6GPM 25W UV Sterilizer | 6 GPM | KSh 13,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 4 October 2026). Full range: Water treatment components.
UV only works on clear water, so it always comes after filtration. See UV vs ozone.
Permits
Taking water from a river, dam or borehole beyond basic domestic use needs a permit from the Water Resources Authority (WRA). Schools, farms and water businesses should apply before installing.
Watch: RO purifiers and water ATMs
Frequently asked questions
How do you treat river water for drinking?
Settle it, filter it (media filter or UF), then disinfect it with UV or chlorine; add RO only if a test shows dissolved salts.
Does UF remove bacteria from river water?
Yes, UF removes bacteria and very fine particles, but not dissolved salts.
Do I need RO for river water?
Usually not; river water is low in salts. Test it first.
Do I need a permit to use river water in Kenya?
Abstraction beyond basic domestic use needs a permit from the Water Resources Authority.
Why does UV need filtered water?
Mud and particles shield germs from the UV light, so filter first.