Public stand post: requirements and importance

A public stand post (public tap, tap stand) is a water outlet in a community, where several households collect water free or by payment, from a pipe connected to the distribution system. It is the most common mode of water supply in rural Nepal.

        tap(s)   bucket
         |  |   ___
   ______|__|__|   |
  |  masonry     |  platform with
  |  pedestal    |  drain/soak pit
  |______________|_____
   pipe from main (underground)

Construction

• A GI riser pipe (15–25 mm) rises from the main inside a masonry or concrete pedestal, with 1–2 taps (each tap at 0.6–0.9 m height) fixed on it, and a stop valve below.
• A sloping concrete platform around the tap, with a drain to a soak pit, prevents mud and stagnant water.

Requirements (criteria)

1. Residual head of at least 7–10 m at the tap.
2. One stand post for 100–200 people (one tap for about 50 persons), with a walking distance of not more than 100–200 m (rural, as per the design guideline).
3. Place it in a clean, accessible, safe position, away from drains and latrines, at a high point near the road; the site should be agreed by the users.
4. Strong, durable fittings and a lockable valve.
5. A suitable drain and soak pit, and enough clearance under the tap for a bucket or water vessel.

Importance in rural areas

It gives clean water at low cost to people who cannot afford house connections; reduces the time and labour of fetching water, especially of women and children; reduces water-borne diseases; can be maintained by the users' committee; and wastage is low because the tap is shared and managed by the community.