ASD is constantly looking for new technology solutions that can be transferred to local communities. We strive to find technologies that meet the following criteria:

• simple, durable and easy to maintain
• affordable in that it uses local resources and infuses local economy
• can be manufactured locally and replicated easily
• can be income-generating to ensure financial independence
• does not have a negative environmental impact

These are several of the technologies we employ: 

Water Testing 
Portable Microbiology Lab – simple, inexpensive, easy-to-use kits to identify unsafe water
The lab takes the mysticism out of microbiology. It allows any person, with a minimal amount of training, to conduct and interpret valid microbiological tests. It requires no expensive equipment or electricity. Tests are incubated using body heat, with results in 18 to 24 hours, so grassroots organizations can test their water out in the field without the need for a lab.

Water Treatment
Bio-Sand Filter – removes 95-98% of biological contaminants; Designed by David Manz, the Bio-Sand Filter (BSF) is smaller than traditional slow-sand filters and does not need water to flow through it all the time. It can be built anywhere in the world because it can be made of concrete with layers of sand and gravel – materials that are available nearly everywhere. The sand and gravel remove dirt, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other impurities from the water.

Solar Pasteurization – using the sun and reflective material to clean water during certain seasons is an affordable household treatment solution that can be implemented immediately at low or no cost.

Water Access
Community Water Systems

Wells – direct drilling to access groundwater sources
Spring Development – gravity-fed systems to capture and pipe water to communities
Pump installation and repair – capacity to maintain their own pumps as well as offer income-generating service to surrounding communities

Household Water Systems

Rainwater Harvesting – roof catchment of runoff using makeshift gutters and local materials can be one of the quickest ways to create a cleaner alternative water source

Water Storage
Cement and brick tanks – protecting water from contamination by enclosing it in secure, easily built storage tanks 

Water Conservation
Greywater reuse – recycling “grey” waste water to reuse on-site for landscape projects

Drip Irrigation Technology – reducing the water used for landscape and agriculture

Groundwater Recharge - allowing clean waste water to return to the ground

Sanitation
Pit latrines - ensuring safety for girls and women

Composting toilets - uses natural processes to turn human waste into soil amendment

Small scale septic tanks – construction of enclosed tanks can be a simple solution for waste disposal while protecting nearby water sources

Technical Training for Professionals
Water System Training for Civil Engineers – governments often have building and road expertise but not water systems