Means and Methods of Adequate Sanitation

A large number of sanitation technologies are available. The selection of most suitable option must be done after careful analysis of all factors including cost, acceptability, operation and maintenance and locally available resources. Various factors can affect the selection of the most suitable option as discussed in the following paragraphs:

i) Water Supply Levels

The amount of water supply available to an individual holds the key in proper selection of sanitation option.

Options like the Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) Latrines are available where no water is required except for toilet hygiene. This type of options must be utilized when water supply is insufficient. (Say 20-25 liters per capita/daily)

If the water supply is up to 50 liters per capita daily, the options like pour flush and vault toilets are the better options. Similarly, if there are no constraints on water supply, cistern flush toilets with conventional sewerage or septic tank options are more suitable.

ii) Soil Conditions

Local soil conditions play a very important role in determining the sanitation option except for those options, which are completely contained over the ground like vault toilets and bucket latrines. Soil stability and permeability are the two soil characteristics, which determine the technology selection.

The impermeable soil conditions are least appropriate for a majority of the options available. In case of unstable soil, the bases of pits must be lined as in case of Ventilated Improved Pit and Pour Flush toilet options. Rocky soils are the most unwanted soil type for any type of sanction option. In case the ground water table is within 1 meter below the ground surface, various toilet options, which require pits, are not possible at all.

iii) Population Density

The population density is also a very important factor in determining the sanitation options. In high dense areas, VIP latrines are not possible and pour flush toilets and septic tanks with soakways are feasible only under favorable conditions. Conventional sewerage pourflush system and vault toilets are feasible for these areas.

iv) Other factors

Various factors including costs, reuse potential, environmental factors and institutional constraints must be given must be given due consideration prior to finalizing the sanitation option for a particular locality.

Sanitation Options

i) Open Defecation:

Open defecation is a very common sight in the rural areas of the country. People generally defecate over the places like rubbish heaps, manure heaps, and in the fields. This encourages flies, which may spread various diseases. Other type of