Sand Storage Dam (Sand Dam)¶

Rainwater & Storage • Est. CapEx: Low-cost / Locally fabricated

Technical Overview¶

A small reinforced concrete or masonry dam built across a seasonal sandy riverbed to trap coarse sand and store water within the sand pores. This low-tech intervention provides year-round water access for domestic and agricultural use in arid and semi-arid regions, primarily in East Africa.

Key Specifications & Engineering Parameters¶

Parameter	Specification
Category	Rainwater & Storage
Capital Cost	Low-cost / Locally fabricated
Primary Mechanism	The dam wall traps coarse sand carried by seasonal floods, forming an artificial aquifer. Water stored in the pore spaces of the sand is protected from evaporation and contamination, and can be abstracted via wells, scoop holes, or outlet pipes. The sand also provides natural filtration of pathogens and sediment.
Target Scale	Household / Village Cluster
Standard Lifespan	10 - 20 Years

Engineering Trade-Offs¶

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Cross-Reference & Interactive Tools¶

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