Those in South Sudan have been facing dire straits recently, as they are forced to choose between buying clean water or food to feed their families.  For those lucky enough to make it across the border into Uganda, some of the burden is being lifted as solar technology is being used to pump enough water to keep refugees hydrated, up to 20 liters per day.  By our standards – American families maintaining an average usage of more than 1500 liters per day – it may seem a minor improvement, but to those who faced death by dehydration, it is a miracle.  In their own country, they were lucky to have five liters per day, a quarter of what they are now able to receive, thanks to the solar pumps.

The water issues that are now being thwarted with the help of solar panels can also be attributed to flowmeters. With the health requirements being clearly stated that each person requires a certain amount of water each and everyday, this has allowed the installation company of the pumping stations, and solar array to properly size and ensure that the systems are providing enough water to sustain the refugee camp.

With flowmeters like the Flowmetrics FM series Turbine flowmeter that is often used in this country, the designers can ensure that the amount of water being provided by the pumps is enough to safely sustain the camps. It allows installers a means of properly monitoring the wells to ensure they do go dry. If for some reason they see that the power generation is the same, and the demand has not changed, but the output of the wells has diminished, then they can react accordingly.  This will provide the advance notice needed, so they can begin trucking in the water, or perhaps tap another well in order to meet the needs of the refugees.