Water Quality and Storage
According to the Centers for Disease Control, because contaminated water is a major cause of illness and death, water quality is a determining factor in human poverty, education, and economic opportunities. Unfortunately, worldwide water quality is declining, threatening the health of ecosystems and humans worldwide. Safe water storage is also integral to ensuring water quality. Resources available in this sub-theme include guidance on maintenance for water tank storage, country water quality assessments, among other resources that support WASH storage and water quality.
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Water Quality and Storage Resources
Methods of Storing Water
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides direction for safe methods of storing water including: household cisterns and storage facilities, ground level and elevated storage facilities.Read more
Constructing an Elevated Storage Tank
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note discusses various construction procedures that can be followed for constructing elevated storage tanks of different capacities. Construction of most tanks requires a certain amount of expertise or someone with a great deal of construction experience.Read more
Maintaining Water Storage Tanks
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
The maintenance of water storage tanks is necessary to ensure the quality of the water stored. Maintenance of tanks basically involves two important procedures: prevention of contamination, and cleaning the tank periodically to ensure that water is fresh. This technical note describes the...Read more
Designing a Ground Level Storage Tank
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides guidance on designing a ground level storage tank. Under suitable circumstances, ground level storage tanks may be used to deliver water to users by gravity flow. Storage tanks are a very important part of a water system because they ensure that adequate quantities of water...Read more
Constructing a Household Cistern
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides guidance on constructing a household cistern for safe water storage. Well constructed cisterns play an important role in providing families with an accessible supply of potable water. Cisterns and storage jars constructed of locally available materials offer improved access...Read more
Determining the Need for Water Storage
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note helps determine the need for water storage. Storage is necessary (1) when rainwater is collected for drinking water, (2) for most distribution systems where the source's continuous supply is barely sufficient or is insufficient to meet the daily demand and (3) where a single...Read more
Designing a Household Cistern
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides guidance on designing a household cistern. Household cisterns are an important means of storing rainwater for family use. In areas where rainwater is the primary source of drinking water, adequate storage is necessary to ensure that people have access to a sufficient...Read more
Constructing a Ground Level Storage Tank
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides guidance on constructing a ground level storage tank. For effective water storage and water system operation, ground level storage tanks should be built for sufficient, and even excess, capacity and must be watertight to prevent leakage. This technical note discusses the...Read more
Designing an Elevated Storage Tank
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides guidance on designing an elevated storage tank. Elevated storage tanks are used to deliver water either through large distribution systems or through standpipes located at or near the source or at other communal watering points. Elevated storage tanks are used where ground...Read more
Regional focus:
GlobalWater Questions and Answers
Published:
March 17, 2014U.S. Geological SurveyU.S. Department of the Interior
A part of the USGS Water Science School, this page provides a series of questions and answers surrounding water. Topics include Water at Home, Water Use, Measuring Water, Water Chemistry and Quality, and the Water Around Us.Read more
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