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Tools and guides

Rainwater harvesting – Good practice guide

Tool highlighting the key elements of an effective rainwater harvesting (RWH) system

2015 Available in French, English and Portuguese

A member of the local community gathers fresh, clean water in Ethiopia

From: Reveal toolkit: Water, sanitation and hygiene 

Tools and good practice guides supporting access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene practices

Rain can provide a source of good quality water that is very easy to access, is plentiful during wet seasons, and can be easily stored. The water can be used for cooking and drinking, hygiene, washing, gardens and livestock.

Harvesting rainwater is relatively cheap to set up and easy for households to manage. It often saves time and energy for women and children, particularly in areas where the walk to the nearest water source is far, difficult or remote.

This tool focuses on household- or community- level rainwater harvesting systems, describing how to build and maintain their various parts.

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