Small-Scale Water Supply: A review of technologies

by Brian J. Skinner

Small-scale Water Supply provides non-specialists with an overview of the technologies available for water supply in low-income communities in rural areas of developing countries. Focusing chiefly on point supplies such as wells, boreholes, springs and rainwater catchment systems, the book also introduces the reader to powered pumps, water treatment and piped distribution systems. Chapters cover design capacity, sources of water, raising water, storage and water treatment. The book contains useful illustrations of each of the technologies and outline guidance on making appropriate choices between technologies. The subject of water supply is vast and this handy book shows the reader where to begin in designing water supply systems. Extensive appendices point the reader to sources of further information for each technology, both in printed form and from Internet web pages. Published in collaboration with WELL (Water and Environmental Health at London and Loughborough).

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Brian Thomas]

It was extremely helpful to me as an overview and introduction to all kinds of water technologies. I have been trying to learn about rural water supply for developing countries for some time now, and have come across many books and websites on the subject. But this little book manages to get its arms around the field as a whole and "boil" it down to the most influential and important technologies.

But the best part of the book is the super high quality illustrations!! These are worth the price of the book alone. On page xiii Mr. Skinner states that all the drawings were done by the Water, Engineering, and Development Center (WEDC) in Loughborough University, UK. These are a pleasure for the eyes!

Best introductory book on this subject that I have seen. I now plan to use it in a class that I teach!