Water & Sanitation
Finding, purifying, and distributing clean water. Waste management and hygiene systems that prevent disease.
Topics in this Domain11 topics
Finding Water Sources
BeginnerReading landscapes for groundwater. Spring identification and geological indicators.
Water Purification Methods
BeginnerBoiling, filtration, solar disinfection (SODIS), and improvised charcoal filters.
Sanitation & Waste Management
BeginnerPit latrines, composting toilets, and preventing waterborne disease.
Rainwater Harvesting
BeginnerRoof catchment systems, storage tanks, and seasonal water planning.
Personal Hygiene Without Running Water
BeginnerMaintaining cleanliness and preventing disease spread with very limited water.
Well Construction
IntermediateDigging and lining a well by hand. Protecting it from contamination.
Gravity-Fed Water Systems
IntermediateDistributing water to a village using elevation and pipes.
Constructed Wetlands & Greywater
IntermediateUsing plants and gravel beds to treat household wastewater naturally.
Irrigation Canals & Aqueducts
IntermediateMoving water over distance with minimal pumping. Historical and modern low-tech designs.
Dam and Reservoir Construction
AdvancedSmall earth dam design for water storage. Overflow management and failure prevention.
Community Water Testing
AdvancedField tests for biological and chemical contamination without a lab.
Featured Articles
Water Purification Without Modern Technology
A complete guide to making water safe to drink using methods available at any point in history — from boiling to solar disinfection to improvised charcoal filters.
Digging a Well by Hand: Water Security from the Ground Up
How to locate groundwater, dig a safe well, line it to prevent collapse and contamination, and protect it for long-term use — without powered equipment.