Access to microbiologically safe water remains a fundamental challenge in remote areas of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. For our 2026 Development Projects, CEF has standardized the use of Sawyer filtration systems as the primary technical component of our clean water initiatives.
Our objective is to move away from complex, centralized water plants that are difficult to maintain, focusing instead on scalable “Point of Use” (POU) and community-level systems that prioritize long-term reliability, effective replacement filters and value, over sophisticated mechanical parts.
The Technical Specification
The core of our water solution is a 0.1-Micron Absolute Hollow Fiber Membrane filter. This medical-grade technology utilizes a cluster of microfiber tubes with tiny pores that physically trap contaminants as water passes through. Depending on the different needs and context of each community we use a wide array of different Sawyer products to address specific needs.
- Filtration Capability: The 0.1-micron pores are small enough to remove 99.99999% of bacteria (such as E. coli, Salmonalla, and Cholera) and 99.9999% of protozoa (such as Giardia).
- Operational Requirements: The system is entirely gravity-fed. It requires no electricity, chemical additives, or external power sources to function, making it ideal for the off-grid environments where CEF operates.
- Performance: Depending on the setup and head pressure, the system provides a consistent flow of clean water, ensuring immediate access for drinking, cooking, and medical hygiene.
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Sustainability and Maintenance
A critical factor in our selection of Sawyer technology is the “back-washing” maintenance model. Unlike many commercial filters that rely on disposable cartridges—which create a permanent financial burden and a supply chain dependency for the community—Sawyer filters are designed to be cleaned and reused.
- Restoring Flow: When the filter becomes clogged with sediment, it is back-washed using a provided syringe. This process flushes out trapped particles and restores the flow rate.
- Product Longevity: Sawyer filters are built for the long haul. While the lifespan depends on the turbidity (cloudiness) of the source water and the frequency of maintenance, these filters are designed to provide a durable, multi-year solution for a community.
- Zero Ongoing Costs: Once the system is installed, there are no replacement items to buy. Each installation we make comes with a lifetime of replacement filters. This ensures that the water solution remains functional long after the initial project phase is complete.
Scalable Infrastructure: From Households to Water Tanks
While the filter itself is the heart of the system, CEF specializes in the infrastructure required to make it work for your specific needs.
Our 2026 program is built on a modular approach. For individual households or small clinics, we provide the filtration hardware and technical training. However, for schools, community centers, or larger catchments, we offer custom-built tank and gravity-fed systems.
Custom Solutions Upon Contact: If you are a provincial authority or a private sector partner, we can design and build larger-scale water stations. This includes:
- Integrating Sawyer filtration units into large-capacity rainwater harvesting tanks.
- Designing gravity-fed distribution points for high-traffic community hubs.
- Full site assessment and technical installation by our infrastructure team.
A Partner in Health Equity
By providing a verifiable method for removing waterborne pathogens, CEF’s Clean Water Systems directly support improved health outcomes in remote catchments. This system represents a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to water security—prioritizing simple maintenance and high-performance filtration over complex, fragile infrastructure.
Interested in implementation a Clean Water installation for your region? Whether you need individual units or a large-scale tank system, contact our team today to discuss a custom solution.
