When should pail latrines be used?

Pail latrines are specifically designed to be used in situations where the water table is too close to the surface of the ground. This is crucial because if traditional pit latrines are constructed in such conditions, there is a significant risk of contamination of the groundwater, which can lead to widespread health issues, particularly from waterborne diseases. The closed system of a pail latrine helps to contain human waste and minimizes the risk of pollution, thereby protecting both water supplies and public health.

In contrast, the other conditions—high elevation, rocky soil, and heavy rainfall—may complicate the use of different types of sanitation facilities but do not inherently necessitate the use of pail latrines as much as the proximity of the water table does. While those conditions might influence installation logistics or the choice of sanitation method, they are not the primary deciding factors for the implementation of pail latrines.