Prevention of Groundwater Contamination by Faeces

The indicator assesses the proportion of latrines (or other excreta containment measures) located so as to prevent human faecal contamination of the local water sources.

1) Count the number of latrines (or other excreta disposal facilities) that are located at least 30 meters away from any groundwater source and have their pit’s bottom located at least 1,5 meters above the water table (this can be assessed by reviewing the technical documentation and interviewing people who participated in latrine construction). Divide the number by the total number of surveyed excreta disposal facilities. Multiply it by 100. The result is the percentage of appropriately located latrines.

1) The target should always be 100% as even a few incorrectly located or constracted latrines can contaminate the water source. 

2) Once a latrine is used, it is difficult to measure the distance between the bottom of its pit and the water table. Therefore, data for this indicator need to be collected during the latrine construction.