Water project technologies

Water project technology

There are many factors that go into selecting the water technologies we use. What works in mountainous regions of Nepal might not work in the capital of Nigeria, for example.

Follow along as we showcase some of the water technologies we use in our water projects.

Gravity-flow system

Gravity-flow water systems use gravity and a network of pipes to carry water safely from mountainous areas down to community distribution points. This sort of water system is deceptively simple, however, this age-old technology is useful in rural regions of mountainous countries, such as Nepal.

Gravity-fed systems can also be used for water storage and distribution in non-mountainous areas. In that instance, electric pumps (often solar-powered) pump water from a lake or a stream to an elevated water tower. A series of pipes connects the water tower to taps closer to home or school.

Fun fact: the Ancient Romans used the same approach for their aqueducts, many of which are still standing today.

Livestock water point and drainage

Once a water system is in place, people can raise animals for farming and crops. This helps people start businesses and improve their economic outlook.

Rainwater harvesting

This is an example of a larger rainwater harvesting storage tank. In this example, the school roof collects the rainwater and a pipe drains the water into the tank where it can be stored safely. Making use of rainwater is an intelligent way to manage drier seasons.

Rainwater harvesting is often used as a secondary source of clean water in our water projects.

Community water kiosks

Water kiosks are often set up in larger communities. Community members self-administer water for themselves. At times, this includes providing water to visiting pilgrims in the event of a religious festival.

Hand-powered water pumps

Hand pumps - often the Mark II - are used throughout many parts of Africa and Asica. This allows for water points closer to home. In this example, the figures in the right can water plants and bathe children.

Yard tap

Like the hand pump, a yard tap gives residents direct access to a reliable source of clean, running water.

Domestic rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting at home can help families manage their water supply during dry periods. It can be used to water crops or for general washing and cleaning. Rainwater harvesting is an efficient use of available water. Water stewardship is a key part of our work.

Hand-dug well

Water systems like this are the closest to the fairytale image of a well. This technology is still used but increasingly the preference is for a borehole well. The surface of the well is covered to protect the water source from debris.

Borehole well

Borehole wells like this have become increasingly popular. A large drill, drills down to the water table as indicated here.

Drilling Tip: Drill during the driest season of the year to help ensure water is available all year around, from the height of the dry season to more rainy seasons. This ensures clean water 365 days a year.

Clean water and more at schools

Currently 29% of schools, that's almost 1-in-3, do not have clean water. (Source) When we work in communities, we regularly install clean water, hygiene and sanitation systems at schools.

This not only allows children, staff and teachers to hydrate during the school day, but it also supports good hygiene practices and reduces school absenteeism.

In the top right you can see school-level handwashing stations. This basic hygiene measure saves lives!

Tippy-taps for handwashing

On the left you can see a simple handwashing solution that allows handwashing after a trip to the bathroom.

In this instance it is shown next to a composting latrine block.

As with all of our water projects, Tippy-taps are made from locally-sourced materials. This allows the community to easily maintain and repair these services.

Domestic latrine

Sometimes called VIP latrines, the domestic latrine is a basic toilet designed for family use.

Water systems create local jobs

Once a system is installed, we work with the community to set up long-term maintenance plans alongside utility companies and local government officials. This creates employment opportunities in the community and fuels economic productivity. In this section, a sanitation worker is emptying the septic tank using a "Gulper".

What is the common thread throughout our water projects?

Community. The people we serve are at at the heart of everything we do. Before the first strike of the shovel, WaterAid staff and our partners are on the ground, building relationships with the community members, elected officials and utility companies. We factor in the needs of the community when we design our projects. This work, beyond the tap, is what helps us build long-term, sustainable water infrastructure that is designed to last an average of 25 years.

This is how we transform communities and lift people out of poverty. This is how we create a ripple effect of positive change.