The plants require water of high quality, one step below drinking water. Two options are already investigated in the Netherlands, and depending on the conditions on site one of these solutions might be chosen. The first option is to dig a well on the school terrain. A condition for this is a free space of approximately 2000 square meter, without any latrines or animals walking around in the neighborhood. A pump will be installed to ensure a closed well to minimize the chances of infection of the water by for instance filthy buckets. A second option is to harvest rain water from the roof. A water tank must be built to ensure a continuous supply of clean water, when there are periods of drought. This water can be cleaned with a gravel and sand filter, in combination with disinfection with chloride, to exclude algae and other water born diseases.
Once our team arrives on site a construction plan needs to be made. This plan includes the following factors:
- An assessment of the average yearly, monthly and daily rainfall, and a description of the climate and possible climatological changes.
- Determination of the chance of water supply failure.
- Determination of the size of the water tank or the well based on the average rainfall and the chance of water supply failure.
- Assessment of the construction materials that are easily available in the area.
- Construction drawings and implementation plan