My name is Pawan. I live with my mother in a suburban town of Varanasi district. As a child, I wished to grow as a professional dancer and even attended a school near to my home where dance was taught. However, at very young age my father passed away and we had to move to maternal-grandfather's home. I had to discontinue my dance classes as my family cannot support both-my education and dance, as a hobby. Later my mother’s health deteriorated too and after passing class XII, I had to join a job to support mother’s medical expenditures. Currently, I work as a health worker and continuing my education. 

 
At home, we receive piped water supply which is used for all domestic purposes including cooking food. Water is stored in tank at rooftop and we use taps in kitchen and the washing area. Sometimes water supplies appear muddy, particularly during the rainy seasons. During these days we buy water cans sold at Rs 20 for each 20 liters. Those who can afford, already have water purification systems installed in their homes.  

 
I have been hearing if water contains more impurities, we may fall sick. As a student I also read that drinking water must be safe. Therefore, we should take necessary precautions and ensure that water is safe for drinking and cooking. But so far as my understanding goes, water purification system for homes are expensive. Electricity is required for treatment of water and the device needs regular maintenance. These add to the costs, hence certainly beyond our means to buy.  
 

Needed small support to add my income  

I had been looking for additional earning opportunities which I could combine with my current job and study. My night-shift duties usually give me the next 12 hours free time. I think, I can work at least for few hours and increase my incomes.

Training opportunity with EquigateSocial offered me both- a convenience to operate from home and work during my free hours.

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Learning in drinking water quality 

All of us in my family, including me, drink water without much thoughts. But after my training I learnt what is clean water. As a student, I knew only pH value of water and when it is acidic. But after I completed my training, I learnt, what are other constituents of water that should be tested before considered safe for drinking. 

Testing water sample is really interesting.  Now I can tell how drinking water is different from other water that we get from handpumps or open wells. I understand the difference between what is unfit for drinking and when it is safe. 
 

My plans for the near future 

Everyday, I meet many people. I explain them how to conduct water sample tests at home. Many-a-times the women in families complaint about water but do not know what to do next.

Some families have water purification systems at home, but I can see these are not functioning. Decisions to repair are postponed because of costs involved in the replacement of parts and payments for the mechanic's visit. The families are back again, using untreated or raw water from taps and handpumps. 

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During my training, I learnt several new methods to purify water. We do not need electrical water purifiers in every situation.

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I am happy that I can guide people. 

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