This paper evaluates the performance of a low-cost technology in rural Benin (West Africa) that locally produces chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) and then injects it into the community water tanks. Thirty-one water tanks were selected in cooperation with local authorities to receive electro-chlorinator devices (WATA™). Water samples were tested at two points: before chlorination and at the most distant terminal after chlorination. Residual chlorine control tests and microbiology control tests were performed. Water samples that tested positive for the presence of microorganisms were analyzed at a laboratory when possible. The water provided to the community was not always chlorinated, and over half of the tanks lacked access to chlorine powder. Among the sites using the technology, 30% (9/31) of them had structural problems that prevented the existing system from performing adequately. Furthermore, 60% of the water samples collected before chlorination were positive for microbiological contamination. All samples collected from systems where proper chlorination was taking place tested negative for microbiological contamination. However, the water from six tanks presenting structural problems continued to be distributed to the population despite contamination. The average residual chlorine level analyzed at the most distant terminal fountain was 0.29±0.2 mg/L, which is within the country's reference level 0.1–0.8 mg/L. The installation of water-chlorinator devices (WATA™) produces water without microbiological contamination and with chlorine levels within the WHO's recommended values. However, the success of the technology depends on the pre-existing structure of the water tank.

本文评估了贝宁（西非）农村地区一种低成本技术的性能，该技术在当地生产氯（次氯酸钠），然后将其注入社区水箱。与地方当局合作选择了 31 个水箱来安装电氯化器设备 (WATA™)。水样在两个点进行测试：氯化前和氯化后最远的终端。进行了余氯控制测试和微生物控制测试。在可能的情况下，在实验室对微生物存在检测呈阳性的水样进行分析。提供给社区的水并不总是经过氯化处理，超过一半的水箱无法获得氯粉。在使用该技术的网站中，其中 30% (9/31) 存在结构性问题，导致现有系统无法充分发挥作用。此外，氯化前收集的水样中有 60% 的微生物污染呈阳性。从进行适当氯化处理的系统中收集的所有样品的微生物污染检测均呈阴性。然而，尽管存在污染，来自 6 个存在结构问题的水箱的水仍继续分配给居民。在最远的终端喷泉处分析的平均余氯水平为0.29±0.2 mg/L，在国家0.1-0.8 mg/L的参考水平范围内。安装水氯化器装置 (WATA™) 可生产无微生物污染且氯含量在 WHO 推荐值范围内的水。然而，