The robust, durable and simple Rock Catchment systems have proven to be an effective way to supply water to communities in Eastern Equatoria State in South Sudan.

Runoff water during rainfall is collected from granitic rock outcrops, primarily treated in a sand filter and stored in closed tanks. The gravity-fed piping system provides water to communal tap stands and separate cattle throughs.

The main advantages are that rainwater harvesting does not deplete groundwater resources or cause any other negative environmental impacts. And, that there is a high up-scaling potential with estimated 100+ sites identified within Eastern Equatoria State that could serve more than 20% of the State’s population with rainwater.

The main limitations are the relatively high initial investment costs of 150,000 – 200,000 USD per Rock Catchment (80 – 110 USD per beneficiary), and that water purification at the point of use is recommended for human consumption. Additionally, reliable forecasting of rainfall and dry periods can be challenging.

For more information, see the poster presented at the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) forum 2016 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.