A simple method to ensure the availability of safe water for sanitation purpose from waste water is described below:

The waste water is collected in a suitable tank, firstly. To that we add turmeric powder and churn it well using  a hand based stirrer. It is well known that turmeric powder has excellent anti-bacterial properties which ensures the killing of germs. This water is then fed through a column of densely packed coconut fibres which is known to absorb oil ( In India, we use that for oil baths for centuries - this stage may be optional). During the next stage the water is fed through a sand-gravel filter column which removes other organic impurities. In the final stage, the water is fed through a column of locally available scented herbs which ensures the removal of bad odour if any. 

This way clean water is made available for use in toilets which ensures good sanitation.

This technique can be used in urban areas ( in apartments), to get safe recycled water and that can be used for gardening purposes. This will surely be helpful than going for large recycling plants that are costly to set up. Likewise this idea can be used effectively in the hostel canteens of the various academic universities. The water treated this way can be used for cleaning the toilets and thereby save fresh water. Trust me, turmeric powder is always effective. 

If any academic institution or commercial establishments is interested in implementing the idea please go ahead. It is simple. Since it is my idea, all I require is a letter of thanks duly signed by the authorities.

As of now some NGO's have approached me to try this in the villages. Recycling experts have also expressed satisfaction with this approach.

One point that should be taken into account is that the maintenance of this system is easy and doesn't require  skilled personnel as in the case of modern recycling systems. The exorbitant cost of the recycling systems is something poor people can never afford. For that matter, even in urban areas, it is really difficult to get these systems to work.

Regards, Prakash Vaithyanathan

About myself:

I am Prakash Vaithyanathan, a Science Teacher from Chennai. I always suggest to my students to drink a glass of water with a little turmeric powder added, before going to bed. This will ensure that the harmful bacteria gets killed and the stomach is cleaned.
pvaithyanathan@gmail.com