Methodological Evaluation of Water Treatment Facilities in Senegal: A Randomized Field Trial for Cost-Effectiveness Assessment

Water treatment facilities in Senegal are crucial for ensuring safe drinking water, but their effectiveness varies widely. A randomized field trial was conducted across multiple regions in Senegal. Water quality parameters were monitored, and economic data on operation costs were collected from both treated and untreated sources. In one region, the chlorination system reduced bacterial contamination by 70% compared to unchlorinated water sources at a cost-effectiveness ratio of $15 per household served. The study demonstrated that randomized trials can effectively assess the performance and economic viability of water treatment systems in developing countries. Investment decisions should prioritise facilities with proven cost-effectiveness, such as chlorination systems, to ensure sustainable water safety at a lower cost per household served. The maintenance outcome was modelled as $Y_{it}=\beta_0+\beta_1X_{it}+u_i+\varepsilon_{it}$, with robustness checked using heteroskedasticity-consistent errors.