Natural spring catchment protection

Type: Technologies

Creation: 2011-05-19 07:26   Updated: 2021-11-02 15:32

Compilers: Giuseppe Bonati

Reviewers: Alexandra Gavilano, David Streiff, Joana Eichenberger

Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
  • Country: Tajikistan
  • Region/ State/ Province: Khatlon region
  • Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Khovaling
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Technology

Short description of the Technology

The construction of a natural spring catchment pit for the collection and distribution of uncontaminated ground water.

Detailed description of the Technology

The technolgy consists of digging of a pit around the spring outlet and placing a 15cm perforated plastic pipe on a bed of gravel. The gravel acts as a natural sediment filter and protects the pipe from clogging. The pipe is buried in more gravel and covered with a plastic sheet to prevent animals from contaminating the spring source. The plastic pipe can be extended and attached to a flexible pipe to deliver clean ground water to the final destination.

Purpose of the Technology: There are two main aims of the technology, the first is to prevent contamination of the spring source from livestock which uses the spring head as a watering hole. The second goal is to optimise the springs capacity for irrigation and human consumption by capturing the water in the perforated pipe and channelling to the usage point.

Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: The construction of the spring catchment is relatively straight forward. A 1m deep pit is dug around the spring head approximately 2m wide. A bed of washed gravel is placed in the foot of the pit, and a 15cm perforated plastic pipe is embedded into the gravel, this is attached to a flexible tube to transport the clean water away. The perforated pipe is covered in more clean gravel and covered with a heavy polythene sheet and covered in earth. The construction process can be completed in one day if the materials are available.
The only substantial maintenance required would be the cleaning of the pipe and gravel if it gets clogged with earth.

Natural / human environment: In many parts of Tajikistan water for human use and irrigation is scarce and plays a critical role in securing the livelihoods of the local population. The construction of the spring catchment increases not only the volume but also improves the quality of water available. This can and does have a dramatic effect on the productivity of the land and the health of the land users.

Photos of the Technology

Image Perforated pipes placed upon a gravel bed to stop them from becomming clogged.
Perforated pipes placed upon a gravel bed to stop them from becomming clogged.
  • 📍 Gulizor Nursery, Khovaling/Khatlon/Tajikistan
  • 🗓 2011-03-05
  • 📷 Giuseppe Bonaty (CESVI)
Image Positoning gravel on top of the perforated pipes.
Positoning gravel on top of the perforated pipes.
  • 📍 Gulizor Nursery, Khovaling/Khatlon/Tajikistan
  • 🗓 2011-03-05
  • 📷 Giuseppe Bonaty (CESVI)