Sand dams in Kenya

How many people can use them?

1200 people and their animals

How long does it take for the sand to fill up?

1-3 seasons

How much water is in each dam?

2-10 million litres

How much of the sand is water?

40%

Negatives of sand dams

Not perfect as it requires rainfall

What is expensive about it?

Steel and cement

How does it reduce death from waterborne diseases?

Sand purifies water and bugs and parasites can’t live in the sand

Water isn’t lost by…

Evaporation

What do sand dams increase?

The water table

Advantages for local people?

Don’t have to spend 2-8 hours a day to collect water, more children can go to school

How long is water available for?

All year round

How is vegetation helped?

Water seeps into the ground and grows vegetation

How is the food supply helped?

More regular, better quality food supply, tree nurseries and vegetable gardens provide food and firewood