TokenTap
A simple mechanical prepaid device for drinking water supply
Prepaid water technologies are essential tools for fair and reliable revenue collection. They contribute to sustainable management of water provision assets.
For it to work in rural settings the hardware needs to be reliable and robust. Technicians with a basic skill set should be able to install and maintain it. While on distance sales tracking is still possible.
Practica developed a mechanical prepaid device that meets these demands, called TokenTap. It aims to support stakeholders in providing reliable water services with low operational costs.
Business case & management
The TokenTap ensures that water is paid for by consumers, so costs related to construction, operation and maintenance can be covered for. The concept of paying for water is not new. Several communal pre-paid water solutions are available on the market. These are all expensive and complex to maintain electronic devices. Long and expensive supply chains for spare parts, limited trained technicians and regularly required site visits, complicate their installation and maintenance even further. Combined with very small -if existing at all - profit margins for water services makes these electronic devices less suitable for rural or poor peri-urban settings (read here our infographic comparing the TokenTap to e-pay systems)
The TokenTap provides just that. It serves as a management support tool at minimal cost and with limited complexity. The actual management setup can be chosen depending on the local situation. Both commercial entities, utilities and water user committees can use this device to optimise and validate their income from water sales. The chosen management structure should only ensure that the tokens –that operate this device - are collected and sold, and the system is maintained well.
Technical design
Operation
The TokenTap is operated by using a dedicated token, a simple plastic or RVS coin. By inserting it and turning a handle down, one can open the tap. This empties a vessel that this located at the back of the device. The vessel contains a predefined volume of water (generally the size of one jerry can). By moving the handle up the vessel will fill again. A simple gauge at the font allows to track the water level in the tank. Without the token the tap will not open.
A small recording device registers when the tap is opened. Via Bluetooth this data can be uploaded to a telephone and then transmitted to the cloud. An update of the consumption data can be sent via email. The device is powered by a small solar panel.
Speed of operation
The speed of the operation depends on the sum of 2 factors: the filling time AND emptying time of the vessel. Emptying a vessel of 22 litres takes about 35 seconds. The filling time depends on the technical setup of the water supply system. When directly installed under a tank with a large diameter pipe attached, the complete cycle takes less than one minute. Resulting in a potential to dispense more than 1 m3/hr.
Configurations
The TokenTap can be installed in different setups. The most common ones are at a water kiosk or as a standalone tap stand. Standard it is delivered as a prepaid device only (see picture on the right) but can be delivered with pre-printed boxes to be fitted at water kiosks or tap stands. It can be equipped with or without the tracking device - depending on needs.
The device is tested up to 2 bars, so it will fit directly on most piped systems.
Development stage - November 2021
The latest prototype of the TokenTap is currently being pilot tested as part of projects in Mali, Ghana and Mozambique. No technical failures and high consumer satisfaction have been reported so far. Insights generated from the pilots will contribute to product iterations and steps towards commercialization and potential production. Whether the production should be arranged for at one location entailing a cost-effective total package or rather combined with local assemblage and fitting is under investigation.
The current cost of the pilot hardware is still relatively high – about 1.5 times the aimed retail price. Once the pilot phase is over – and full scale production is in place - we aim to have an market introduction of the TokenTap below the price level of 1000 euro/pc.
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Interested by the TokenTap?
Then don't hesitate to contact us. For more information on our impact, read our page on drinking water supply.