Case study - Rainwater harvesting jars in Uganda

Question 1

How many people in the Kitayita village in Uganda lack access to clean water?

Answer 1

3,000

Question 2

Which international non-governmental organisation has funded the project in the Kitayita village?

Answer 2

WaterAid

Question 3

Local builders have been trained in the construction of rainwater harvesting jars. What are they made from and how much water can they hold?

Answer 3

They are made from locally available materials and have a capacity of 1,500 litres.

Question 4

Give some advantages of the rainwater harvesting jars?

Answer 4

• The jars have a long lifespan and once they have been constructed they can provide a stable water source for many years
• They are cheap to construct and therefore they can be implemented in the developing world

Question 5

Give one disadvantage of the rainwater harvesting jars?

Answer 5

Supplies can be contaminated by bird and animal droppings on catchment surfaces and guttering structures unless they are cleaned before use.