Tube recharge

Description  

Tube recharge is a sustainable water source development method. It involves a 20-30mm diameter tube (plastic hose or PVC pipe) attached to a filter for channeling surface water into the ground. Alternatively, it can be attached to the overflow of a rainwater tank (e.g. widely applied in Dhaka, Bangladesh). Its main advantage is the (underground) storage and recovery of rainwater.

Financial  

A low-cost technology. Costs for the tube are USD5-20. For digging the hole, a step auger can be used. Costs for this step auger will be about USD75, but can be used many times. Maintenance costs are minimal.

Institutional  

Management is simple. Implementation can be done at local level by users themselves. Before widespread implementation, the effectiveness in the specific context should be tested. A central organization might have augers for lend and give training on developing tube recharges.

Environmental  

Optimally, installed near a well that would otherwise dry up in dry season. Especially used in soils with low infiltration capacity. Increases sustainable and safe water use at household- or community-level. The method has a low ecological footprint.

Techical  

Different options for filter: PVC, sand or cloth filter. In case of a pond, tube should be only opened after pond has filled up and dirty has settled down. Tube cleaning by moving stick with cloth up and down.

Social

Tube recharge methodologies are still in the research phase. Few experiences have been documented yet. Mostly to a depth of 4-6m, passing compacted top layers. Contamination in the collection pond might reach the groundwater, especially when tube is left open.

Relevant remarks:

No relevant remarks for Tube recharge.