acts as an effective fly control mechanism. Despite their simplicity, well-designed
VIPs can be completely smell-free and more pleasant to use than some other more
complicated technologies if designed, used, and maintained correctly.
3.3.2 Pour-Flush Latrine
A pour-flush latrine (Fig. 2.3) is similar to a regular cistern flush toilet, except that
the water is poured in by the user instead of coming from the cistern above. Pourflush latrine pits often have unsealed bottoms allowing liquid to percolate down into
the soil. In areas of high groundwater, these latrine pits have sealed bottoms. The
additional water from flushing causes sealed pits to fill up faster. Full pour-flush pits
are then emptied using the vacuum hose of a sludge pumping truck or allowed to
settle before being emptied manually using a shovel. To ensure proper sanitation is
maintained, the destination of the pumped or shoveled sludge must be carefully
considered. For example, if a truck is allowed to discharge the untreated sludge to a
nearby waterway, there will be a significant negative impact to the environmental
health of the waterway and in turn to human health if the waterway is used as a water
supply for drinking, bathing, or fishing.
Fig. 2.3 Pour-flush latrine
48
J. Knight et al.
VIPs can be completely smell-free and more pleasant to use than some other more
complicated technologies if designed, used, and maintained correctly.
3.3.2 Pour-Flush Latrine
A pour-flush latrine (Fig. 2.3) is similar to a regular cistern flush toilet, except that
the water is poured in by the user instead of coming from the cistern above. Pourflush latrine pits often have unsealed bottoms allowing liquid to percolate down into
the soil. In areas of high groundwater, these latrine pits have sealed bottoms. The
additional water from flushing causes sealed pits to fill up faster. Full pour-flush pits
are then emptied using the vacuum hose of a sludge pumping truck or allowed to
settle before being emptied manually using a shovel. To ensure proper sanitation is
maintained, the destination of the pumped or shoveled sludge must be carefully
considered. For example, if a truck is allowed to discharge the untreated sludge to a
nearby waterway, there will be a significant negative impact to the environmental
health of the waterway and in turn to human health if the waterway is used as a water
supply for drinking, bathing, or fishing.
Fig. 2.3 Pour-flush latrine
48
J. Knight et al.