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What is JARR?
The JARR project, named after the Sindhi word for “groundwater,” aims to raise awareness about testing drinking water quality among communities in Sindh. Utilizing the innovative Portable Microbiology Laboratory (PML) Kit, designed by Dr. Robert Metcalf (Emeritus Professor, California State University, Sacramento), JARR introduces a groundbreaking method for water testing in Pakistan for the very first time. The PML Kit detects coliform and E. coli bacteria within just 24 hours, making water testing both accessible and efficient. This initiative contributes to public health services and policy development.
How were we introduced to PML Kits
The idea for JARR was born when our CEO, Anosha Nangraj, attended the ASM Microbe 2024 Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America—the largest microbiology conference in the world, organized by the American Society for Microbiology. At the ASM Microbe 2024 Conference, Anosha Nangraj presented her research poster titled “Water Quality and Environmental Analysis of Shrines in Karachi,” highlighting her research on the environmental and public health challenges faced by these significant community spaces. This prestigious event brings together scientists, researchers, and industry leaders to share cutting-edge discoveries and advancements in microbiology.
During the conference, Dr. Robert Metcalf visited Anosha Nangraj’s poster, appreciated her research, and introduced her to Portable Microbiology Laboratory (PML) kits. He provided her with several kits to test water quality in Sindh. This pivotal meeting marked the inception of the JARR project. Following this, Ms. Nangraj signed a MoU with Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) to pilot the kits in their communities and engage female community members in learning how to use the PML kits and understand their importance for health and safe drinking water.
The initial results from these tests were shared with Dr. Metcalf, leading to the acquisition of additional kits for expanded testing across different areas of Sindh.
SBD, in collaboration with Management & Development Centre (Private) Limited (MDC), has initiated work in Hyderabad district. This includes conducting community surveys, selecting water testing areas, and cross-checking results from PML kits with those obtained through PCRWR testing methodologies. Initially, water samples from the area were tested using PCRWR methods, and the same samples will now be tested with PML kits.
Water testing activity with SRSO is in progress in upper Sindh & with MDC in lower Sindh.
After completing the awareness and testing phase, SBD and its collaborators plan to enter a new phase of community engagement and facilitation, focusing on promoting the use of safe drinking water to ensure healthier lives.
Why is JARR Special?
Community-Centric Design: The PML Kit is designed for ease of use, enabling individuals to test water quality whenever and wherever needed.
Simplifying the Process: It demystifies the complex procedures of traditional water testing, putting control directly into the hands of the community.
“With PML kit every person can be a microbiologist,”
