Rainwater storage in cement jars in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

The supply of drinking water in the rural Northeast of Thailand has long been a problem. Since the early 1980s the government has promoted 2000 l cement rainwater storage jars for drinking water. Examined here are issues related to the government’s programme: jar acquisition and ownership; construction quality; use of jar water; rainwater collection systems and access; water quality; taste preferences; and water storage and shortages. It is found that, while having problems, the programme has been successful: village water storage capacity has increased; villagers are drinking better-quality water for longer periods; and the acceptance of jars has improved. © 1990, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.