Modular piped water system
Higher service levels and more cost-efficient drinking water systems with modular design
Modular water systems are flexible and fit water supply needs over time, while reducing the investments in hardware to a minimum. The systems consist of small, stand-alone water kiosk(s) supplied by one pump without the need of a central water tower. As the population grows and expands geographically, additional kiosks can be added to the network.
“To introduce a water provision service in a sustainable manner it is key to understand consumer behaviour first and find the optimal service level. The hardware comes secondary.”
Context
The technical and financial sustainability of water provision is rooted in the design of the water systems’ hardware and software. Not matching communities needs with the service provided – for example over-dimensioning a water system as a result of wrongly estimated water needs and future population growth-, and inadequate site selection can be causes of failure in the operational phase.
The application of hand pumps is the standard in the rural development context. This fits certain locations but has major drawbacks in a number of settings. When several small settlements are located scatteredly and women and children are walking long distances to fetch water, one probably aims to provide a safe water resource in each settlement. In this case, constructing hand pumps is a relatively expensive endeavour, especially if deep wells need to be drilled. The limited number of users /paying consumers per well also reduces the chance of a sustainable business case for operation and maintenance in the long run.
Solution
Principle
PRACTICA offers a new approach based on the principles of modularity and low maintenance. This system entails the design of a mini-grid based on the local needs and wants. The core consists of small stand-alone water kiosks. Multiple kiosks can be placed in one village (or set of neighbouring villages) – depending on local circumstances and preferences. These kiosks are fed from a single well without the need for a central water tower. This type of mini-grid setup can be stand alone but also be attached to existing piped networks of water utilities to serve peri-urban settlements.
Configuration
Paying careful attention to site selection and considering the actual water use, the modular piped water system can be placed at a minimal cost (with a minimum of 250 water users). When more water is required, or more people need to be served, additional pipelines, public standpoints, and also household connections can be established— using the same water source.
Hardware
Hardware – such as prepayment devices – might be added to ensure cost recovery and support the management structure. This enables the collection of water fees over the years to cover the cost of operation and maintenance. Modular piped water systems provide a higher service level compared to hand pumps since safe water can be tapped near people’s doorstep. The likelihood local communities are willing to pay for water therefore increases too. In this way, these mini-grids allow for private sector operation.
Our services
So far, all introduced systems by Practica have been installed with solar panels, which contribute to climate (CO2) neutral operation and lower operational costs. With the expansion of the modular grid, easily extra solar panels can be installed.
PRACTICA provides consultancy services and trains government- and water utility staff to design water systems with this financially sound and modular approach in mind. Where necessary, we also strengthen and equip the private sector with the technical skills to install, maintain and repair this type of water service.
Presentation of solar modular microgrid systems
Interested by the modular piped system?
Download the training manual on small modular and solar drinking water systems.
And for more information on our impact, read our page on drinking water supply.