Toilet Choices 119
Where to build a toilet
When deciding where to build a toilet, make sure you will not pollute wells or
groundwater. The risk of groundwater pollution depends on local conditions
such as the type of soil, the amount of
moisture in the area, and the
depth of the groundwater.
But some general rules
can make sure
conditions are safe.
The bottom of
the pit (if it is a
more than
20 meters from river
pit toilet) or the
chamber (if it is a
more than 20 meters
from spring box
dry or compost toilet)
should be at least
2½ meters above the
more than 20 meters from well
groundwater. If you
dig a pit for a toilet
A toilet should be at least 20 meters from water sources.
and the soil is very
wet, or if the pit fills
with water, this is a bad place to put a toilet. Keep in mind that water levels are
much higher in the wet season than in the dry season. Do not build pit toilets
on ground that gets flooded.
When there is a risk of groundwater pollution from pit toilets, consider
building an above ground toilet (such as the dry toilet on page 129).
Groundwater flows downhill. So, if there is no choice but to build a toilet
in a place where there is a risk of groundwater pollution, place the toilet
downhill from nearby wells.
waste entering
groundwater
from pit toilet
well water for drinking
Wells should be uphill from pit toilets
because groundwater flows downhill.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012