Automatic small water supply system for remote areas with plasma-modified poly(tetrafluoroethylene) membranes

Small water supply systems provide safe drinking water to small communities. This study developed, built, and tested a self-sustained small water supply system with an annual capacity of 1000 m³, using 20 surface-modified PTFE membranes for a total filtration area of 1.42 m². The system includes a settling tank, membrane module, filtrate tank, chemical tank, pumps, pipes, and a control panel. It was installed and operated in a remote site of northern Taiwan for 242 days, even during power outages and typhoons. Operational and maintenance costs for small water supply systems can be high due to extensive chemical use and workforce demands, while ensuring the reliability of these systems is also a public health and safety challenge. Long-term tests showed the present system produced quality drinking water without coagulants or disinfectants, significantly reducing chemical costs. The system was self-sustained with minimal maintenance, lowering workforce costs. It achieved a water production cost of 0.18 USD/m³, much lower than the tariffs in most countries. © 2025 The Institution of Chemical Engineers.