ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the history of the Ephraim problem and presents the status of the point-of-entry treatment system used to remedy it. Point-of-Entry (POE) treatment was found to be the most cost-effective solution. This was followed by a pilot study of POE treatment since this approach was not accepted by its current regulations. By early 1995, “A Management Plan for Point-of-Entry Treatment Systems” was developed to guide practices for implementation of a point-of-entry treatment system. Although the feasibility study vigorously investigated more than 13 alternatives to address this water contamination problem, the majority of discussions focused on comparing the traditional municipal system to the POE treatment system concept. POE treatment systems are designed to handle all water entering a household. The system would be used to treat the water coming from individual wells before it reached the household distribution system. The Ephraim Point-of-Entry treatment system is a resounding success in providing a solution to microbial contamination in the village.
