Technical FAQs

What are the different technologies that WaterAid uses?
Why do you use the technologies you do?
I have invented a new technology or product that I think would benefit WaterAid, what should I do now?
I visited a community which didn't have access to water or sanitation, can you help?  

What are the different technologies that WaterAid uses?  (back to top)

To ensure sustainability communities are trained in maintenance of water points.

Credit: WaterAid / Marco Betti

WaterAid uses a wide range of water supply and sanitation technologies and technical approaches which aim to help poor communities in Africa, Asia and the Pacific region to set up safe water supplies, build their own latrines and learn about safe hygiene practices. 

Water technologies include protected hand-dug wells, boreholes, tube wells, rainwater harvesting schemes, protected springs, gravity flow schemes, sand dams and infiltration galleries.

Where pumping is required, WaterAid usually supports the installation of handpumps, such as the India MkII, Afridev, Nira or rope pump. Electrical, diesel and solar pumps are sometimes used where communities are able to cover operation and maintenance costs and where spare parts can be found locally. 

Examples of sanitation technologies include simple pit latrines, arbour loos, ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines, dual pit latrines, composting latrines, pour flush latrines and communal latrines with septic tank. Communities and families are trained in all aspects of the correct usage and maintenance of latrines, including emptying systems which is of particular importance in high density settlements.

WaterAid evaluates each technology with a promary aim of ensuring long-term sustainability. Each is evaluated based on:

• Availability in local markets
• Availability of spare parts or materials in local markets
• Ability to deliver cost effective, long-term supplies without complex maintenance, expensive components or expensive chemicals

This list is not exhaustive and WaterAid is supportive of innovation at the local level and efforts to develop new sustainable technologies. Read details of the technologies and approaches used by WaterAid at www.wateraid.org/technology

Why do you use the technologies you do?  (back to top)

WaterAid focuses on long term sustainable development and therefore uses technologies and approaches that can be supported by local communities and institutions beyond WaterAid's term of intervention.

The technologies we use to assist with water and sanitation provision need to be appropriate to local financial and geographical conditions and within the technical capacity of the benefiting community to operate and maintain. We aim to use technologies that include locally sourced materials and spare parts which can be purchased and transported easily.

WaterAid works closely with local and national governments who may have their own criteria for technology choice. Read details of the technologies and approaches used by WaterAid at www.wateraid.org/technology

I have invented a new technology or product that I think would benefit WaterAid, what should I do now?  (back to top)

WaterAid is supportive of locally led innovation.

Credit: WaterAid / Suzanne Porter

WaterAid is always interested to hear about innovative technologies and approaches. We are particularly supportive of locally led innovation within the communities where we work and support our partner organisations to develop technical solutions to water, sanitation and hygiene related problems.

We do however, have limited financial resources and as such are not in a position to pilot new inventions developed outside of our programme work. If there is a sufficient body of data concerning the performance, cost, sustainability and appropriateness of a particular technology and it fills a clear gap in the provision of equipment or services WaterAid may consider using it.

But, if it seems to us that a technology is not appropriate for work with the poorest people, we will not take it up. Reasons for this may include cost, availability of spare parts, skills to operate and maintain, and suitability for use in specific geographical conditions.

If you have developed a new water or sanitation technology or have a new product that's been reviewed against the above criteria and would like further advice please contact WaterAid's Technical Advisors at advisor@wateraid.org.

I visited a community which didn't have access to water or sanitation, can you help?  (back to top)

The scale of the global water and sanitation problem is vast and WaterAid only has limited resources. Therefore, we are unable to reach everyone who needs support.

Instead, WaterAid currently focuses its work in specific programme areas in 17 countries, so that we can make a significant and lasting contribution to those living without safe water and sanitation in each country.

We use the practical examples from our project work to demonstrate good practice through our national and global advocacy work, through which we aim to change policies and practices around the world that impact upon people's access to these basic needs. In this way, we can reach beyond the communities that we assist directly.

You can contribute to what we do by making a donation or alternatively find out about the many other great ways to get involved with WaterAid.