Title: Sanitary survey of rainwater collection and storage
Course: Hygiene and Environmental Health Part 2 - Ethiopia (Full)

Sanitary survey of rainwater collection and storage

As you learned in Study Session 15, rainwater harvesting is applicable for areas that have a shortage of other water sources. The roof from which rain is collected should be free from contaminants. There also needs to be a clean and well-constructed tank with no cracks in the walls and a properly covered inspection hole. Figure 16.5 shows what you should be looking for when you are doing a sanitary survey of rainwater collection and Box 16.3 has a list of questions to be asked. As before the numbers in the diagram demonstrate particular points and correspond to the checklist of questions. Any ‘yes' answers would be a cause for concern.

Figure 16.5  Rainwater collection and storage. The numbers refer to the questions in Box 16.3. (Source: as Figure 16.3)

Box 16.3  Sample checklist for rainwater collection and storage inspection

Name of Health Post ------------

Village name ------------

Questions to be asked during survey:

1. Does the roof have any visible contaminants (plants, dirt or excreta)?
2. Are the guttering channels that collect the water dirty?
3. Does the filter box at the tank inlet have any defects that could let in fine dusts?
4. Does the tank have any other point of entry which is not properly covered?
5. Do the walls or top of the tank have cracks or holes that could let water in?
6. Does the tap leak or have any defects?
7. Does the concrete floor under the tap have any defects?
8. Does the water collection area drain inadequately?
9. Does the area around the tank or water container have any source of pollution like faeces?
10. If a bucket is in use and left in place, is it exposed to contamination?

Name ------------

Signature ------------

Date ------------