Technologies that meet the demands for domestic water supplies are particularly important for people living in poorer communities. Low cost sanitation approaches are also important to these communities to improve the health and wellbeing of people.

RAINWATER HARVESTING
Water can be collected from the ground or from roofs and used in irrigation or domestic use.

• RAINWATER HARVESTING - This technology is used in places where conventional water supply systems are not provided, are too expensive, or fail to meet people's needs.
• RUN-OFF RAINWATER HARVESTING - Run-off rainwater harvesting developed in Sri Lanka to enhance rural livelihoods.
• SAND DAMS - Sand dams are a means of capturing water in arid and semi-arid regions where erratic rains are trapped in river sands.

WATER PUMPING AND LIFTING
This section includes wells, boreholes, handpumps and renewable energy powered pumps.

• TREADLE PUMPS - A treadle pump is a human-powered low-cost pump designed to lift shallow water sources for irrigation.
• HUMAN & ANIMAL-POWERED LIFTERS FOR IRRIGATION - Recent developments in human- and animal-powered lifters have concentrated on increasing the efficiency of water lifting, combining ease of use with higher water delivery.
• HYDRAULIC RAM PUMPS - A hydram is an automatic pumping device which utilises a small fall of water to lift a fraction of the supply flow to a much greater height.
• WIND PUMPS - This document examines the principles of wind energy conversion and looks at the types and characteristics of rotors, as well as the importance of matching rotor with pump.

SANITATION TECHNOLOGIES 
Looking at types of toilet from the basic pit latrine to more sophisticated approaches.

• BUILD YOUR OWN TIPPY TAPPY - A simple device for washing your hands after going to the toilet.

WATER QUALITY & TREATMENT
Small-scale approaches to water treatment can help people who don’t have access to mains water supplies.

• SOLAR WATER DISINFECTION - Learn very simply how to disinfect dirty water with a plastic bottle and the sun.