Borehole Latrine: A borehole latrine is a deep, narrow pit drilled into the ground using mechanical or manual boring techniques.
• It may be lined with bamboo matting or earthenware rings to prevent collapse.
Dug-Well Latrine: A dug-well latrine consists of a wider, shallower pit that is manually excavated.
• It needs lining materials like bricks, stones, or concrete rings.
Similarities between borehole and dug-well latrines
1. Purpose: Both are designed for human waste disposal, for sanitation in areas lacking sewer systems.
2. Basic Structure: Each consists of a pit, a cover slab, and a superstructure for privacy and hygiene.
3. Environmental Considerations: Both can contribute to groundwater contamination if not properly located and constructed. Safe distance from water sources is crucial.
4. Mechanism of excreta disposal is anaerobic digestion in both types:
• The depth ensures that waste is compacted over time, reducing odor and contamination risks.
• Liquid Absorption and Seepage: Liquid waste seeps into the surrounding soil
References:
• Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine. 26th ed. Jabalpur: M/S Banarsidas Bhanot; 2021. Environment and Health; p. 799-883.
• Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine. 27th ed. Jabalpur: M/S Banarsidas Bhanot; 2023. Environment and Health; p. 832-915.
• Bhalwar R. Textbook of Community Medicine. 5th ed. New Delhi: Wolters Kluwer; 2023. Chapter 8, Excreta Disposal; p. 89-101.
• Series 3, Sanitation; WHO website. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/66334/WHO_EOS_96.4_2.p1... accessed on 28th March 2025
Sanitation Barrier: https://ihatepsm.com/blog/sanitation-barrier-keeping-our-communities-hea...
Excreta Disposal: https://ihatepsm.com/blog/proper-excreta-disposal-necessity-health-and-d...
Video on Sewage Treatment: https://youtu.be/M3iMq4-iFHg
Bore-Hole Latrine: https://ihatepsm.com/blog/bore-hole-latrine#google_vignette
The Dug Well Latrine (Pit Latrine): https://ihatepsm.com/blog/dug-well-latrine-pit-latrine-more-practical-al...
Borehole vs. Dug-Well Latrines: A Comparison: https://ihatepsm.com/blog/borehole-vs-dug-well-latrines-comparison