WELL Factsheet: On-site sanitation in areas with a high groundwater table

In areas that experience a seasonally high groundwater table or that are prone to flooding, constructing affordable on-site sanitation facilities can be very problematic. It is a challenge that affects many countries worldwide. This technical brief provides practical guidance on some sanitation options in such conditions. More details on each option outlined can be found in the references in the further reading section.

Author: Sarah Parry-Jones, 1999. Reviewed and Updated: Rebecca Scott, September 2005 Quality assurance: Sandy Cairncross Edited and produced as a PDF document: May 2020

A preventative approach includes land-use planning, to avoid building homes in areas with a high ground-water table and examining the causes of the high groundwater table and flooding, which may be due to poor drainage provision. As this is not always possible, other options may need to be considered.

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.