在发展中国家，资金、管理和技术技能、熟练劳动力以及组织良好、稳定的机构严重短缺。因此，迫切需要降低水处理厂的初始成本，设计简单、经济的运行和维护。在这篇文章中，作者讨论了发展中国家水处理厂的替代设计，包括:最小化工厂规模和结构；最大限度地依赖重力进行化学饲料；最大限度地利用水力手段进行混合、絮凝和过滤速率控制；最大限度地减少通过电厂的水头损失； 以及尽量减少使用泵、电机和化学品进料设备等设备。作者还提出了有效利用化学处理、减少水头损失、混凝剂分散、絮凝、沉淀、过滤器和直接过滤选项的建议。包括8个参考文献、表格、图表。

In developing countries, there are acute shortages of money, managerial and technical skills, skilled labor, and well-organized, stable institutions. Therefore, it is urgent that water treatment plants be low in initial costs and designed for simple and economical operation and maintenance. In this article, the author addresses alternative designs for water treatment plants in developing countries including: minimizing plant size and structures; maximizing reliance on gravity for chemical feed; maximizing use of hydraulic means for mixing, flocculation, and filter rate controls; minimizing loss of head through the plant; and minimizing use of equipment such as pumps, motors, and chemical feed equipment. The author also presents suggestions for effectively utilizing chemical handling, minimizing head loss, coagulant dispersion, flocculation, settling, filters, and direct filtration options. Includes 8 references, table, figures.