Abstract

An essential requirement for human survival is access to clean, safe drinking water. However, due to a lack of accessible water filtration systems, many communities worldwide, particularly in developing nations, have been affected by waterborne illnesses. The objective of the present study is to find out the most significant factors for designing a low-cost water filter to provide clean drinking water to the rural population. In this aspect, two MCDM methods, AHP, and ELECTRE, have been used. Different factors have been considered that influence the performance and cost-effectiveness of water filters, including filter size, filter rate, filter materials, and designs that are tested for their ability to remove impurities, including bacteria, viruses, and chemical pollutants. Results suggest the hardness of water is the most significant parameter to consider when designing a low-cost water filter. The investigation could be extremely beneficial for the design of low-cost water filters, which are simple to manufacture and can be quickly installed in locations with limited resources.