3.2 Latrine Design Checklist
The following is a minimum list of set criteria for a latrine project, using the
EWB-USA Latrine Design Checklist [11], where the information is decided in
collaboration with the village driving the project.
1. Problem Definition. Give a concise description of the problem that the latrine is
meant to solve. For example, a family of six currently is using a neighbor’s
latrine and would like to have their own latrine.
2. Design Standards and Criteria. Decide which country-specific or worldwide
standard is to be used (local or national government standard, World Health
Organization, United Nations, World Bank, etc.)
3. Current System. Note the community’s current methodology for sanitation.
Include types, pictures, sketches, sizes, condition (new, not in use, dilapidated,
almost full, etc.), volume (original volume and current level of liquid and
solids), number of people served, year installed, and maintenance level (flies
visible, cleanliness, emptying schedule, etc.).
4. Solution Comparison. Give a short summary of different methods that could
solve the given problem, and explain why the chosen solution is the best one.
Potential rationales include depth to water table during the rainy season, soil
infiltration rate, current accepted sanitation practices, etc.
5. Intended Use. Provide a description of how the latrine is to be used. For
example, the proposed system will provide 100% of the latrine needs for the
family of 6 for 20 years, with yearly emptying necessary.
6. Land Ownership. Provide confirmation and ideally documentation that the
proposed land for the latrine is owned or allowed to be used by the
proposed user.
7. Soils Analysis. Give a soil description of the site with potential issues for
drainage, erosion, and excavation. For example, knowing the soil stability in
the dry season helps understand the safety of excavation; knowing the saturated
soil condition helps to understand the need for pit wall stabilization.
8. Water Table. Provide the water table depth, ideally for 1 month into the dry
season and 1 month into the rainy season, when historical highs and lows are
most likely to occur. Note dates measured and methodology of measurement.
9. Siting Latrine Locations. Consider the source(s) of drinking water for the
community, and use this information to determine a suitable downstream or
otherwise hydrologically segregated location for the latrine to reduce the potential for contamination of drinking water sources. Consider flooding risks based
on area flood maps, community historical knowledge, seasonal rainfall, proximity of streams, etc., to avoid siting the latrines in an area that could become
flooded. This is an important consideration to support climate change resiliency.
10. Calculations. Ensure that your calculations are consistent with your latrine
drawings.
2 Village-Driven Latrines with “Engineers Without Borders USA”
43
The following is a minimum list of set criteria for a latrine project, using the
EWB-USA Latrine Design Checklist [11], where the information is decided in
collaboration with the village driving the project.
1. Problem Definition. Give a concise description of the problem that the latrine is
meant to solve. For example, a family of six currently is using a neighbor’s
latrine and would like to have their own latrine.
2. Design Standards and Criteria. Decide which country-specific or worldwide
standard is to be used (local or national government standard, World Health
Organization, United Nations, World Bank, etc.)
3. Current System. Note the community’s current methodology for sanitation.
Include types, pictures, sketches, sizes, condition (new, not in use, dilapidated,
almost full, etc.), volume (original volume and current level of liquid and
solids), number of people served, year installed, and maintenance level (flies
visible, cleanliness, emptying schedule, etc.).
4. Solution Comparison. Give a short summary of different methods that could
solve the given problem, and explain why the chosen solution is the best one.
Potential rationales include depth to water table during the rainy season, soil
infiltration rate, current accepted sanitation practices, etc.
5. Intended Use. Provide a description of how the latrine is to be used. For
example, the proposed system will provide 100% of the latrine needs for the
family of 6 for 20 years, with yearly emptying necessary.
6. Land Ownership. Provide confirmation and ideally documentation that the
proposed land for the latrine is owned or allowed to be used by the
proposed user.
7. Soils Analysis. Give a soil description of the site with potential issues for
drainage, erosion, and excavation. For example, knowing the soil stability in
the dry season helps understand the safety of excavation; knowing the saturated
soil condition helps to understand the need for pit wall stabilization.
8. Water Table. Provide the water table depth, ideally for 1 month into the dry
season and 1 month into the rainy season, when historical highs and lows are
most likely to occur. Note dates measured and methodology of measurement.
9. Siting Latrine Locations. Consider the source(s) of drinking water for the
community, and use this information to determine a suitable downstream or
otherwise hydrologically segregated location for the latrine to reduce the potential for contamination of drinking water sources. Consider flooding risks based
on area flood maps, community historical knowledge, seasonal rainfall, proximity of streams, etc., to avoid siting the latrines in an area that could become
flooded. This is an important consideration to support climate change resiliency.
10. Calculations. Ensure that your calculations are consistent with your latrine
drawings.
2 Village-Driven Latrines with “Engineers Without Borders USA”
43