permaculture

Workshop Module 3: Houses, Water, and Waste Management 99

Step 2

Ask the participants to split up into smaller groups and come up with creative solutions

to the potential problems listed on the tables.

Step 3

After each workgroup has created their lists, ask them to write them on the board

(tables 1b and 2b) while presenting the results to the entire group for feedback and other

suggestions.

The following ideas are some key points that should be covered during this exercise,

which can be used by the facilitator to prompt the participants if needed.

Water storage problems and solutions

• Only use clean buckets or clay pots with tight lids for storing drinking water -
  Label water buckets so that they are used for drinking water only. Clay pots will
  also help to keep water cooler but they need to be cleaned more often.


• Water tanks and water sources should to be shaded to keep water cool and
  healthy and provide shade for those who use them - Build a trellis over the tank
  to grow vine plants on.


• Drinking water contaminated with mosquito larvae can cause serious diseases
  such as malaria and dengue fever - Water tanks need to be protected from
  mosquitoes, and have secure covers. Use wire mesh screens to cover ALL insect
  entry points to a tank.


• Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria. Overflow
  from water tanks can be diverted into animal drinking troughs and/or food
  production systems.

Water sources problems and solutions

• Stop dirty water and animals from contaminating wells – Build a circular wall
  around the edge of the well about 1m high with rocks and mortar or cement.


• Drinking water contaminated with mosquito larvae can cause serious diseases
  such as malaria and dengue fever - Covers for water wells will help to reduce
  mosquitoes breeding.


• Keep animals and poultry away from drinking water - Separate the water that
  is used for animals. It is a good idea to construct an animal watering system
  downhill from your water source.


• Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria. Overflow
  from water sources can be diverted into animal drinking troughs and/or food
  production systems.