WELL Factsheet: Microbiological contamination of water supplies from pit latrines

<p dir="ltr">The contamination of boreholes and shallow wells from on-site latrines is an issue that is generally poorly understood and irrationally assessed by organisations implementing water supply and sanitation programmes. This should not be the case as the health risks are often lower than popularly anticipated. The method of risk assessment outlined in this fact sheet is within the technical capacity of a competent engineer and should be regarded as being the first step in gaining a better understanding of the problem. This fact sheet provides background information on the factors that lead to microbiological contamination, the basic principles of risk assessment, and points those requiring more guidance in the right direction. It does not contain any information about assessing nitrate or chemical contamination from latrines, which can be a problem in some areas.</p><p dir="ltr">Produced by WEDC and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for the Department of International Development (DFID) of the UK government (now the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)), this archive collection of WELL factsheets remains relevant. It covers topics ranging from the anaerobic treatment of municipal wastewater through to water quality and safety plans.</p>