Author(s)

STEPHEN MECCA, LIAM REILLY, CLAIRE KLEINSCHMIDT, JACK RICCI, NAZELLI ACOSTA, ALLISON HERRING, MICHAEL CUDAK, ANDREW DEPERRO, JAMES CUNNINGHAM, BRIDGET MCFADDEN, CONOR BARRETT

Abstract

The GSAP Microflush toilet system, a locally sourced fabricated toilet that features a macro-organism-enhanced aerobic filter-digester and an innovative valve that flushes on just 150 cc of water has proven to be an effective sustainable sanitation solution for developing world tropical communities. When coupled with 9 low-cost WASH and energy interventions, the resulting WASH+E system can add health, wellness and other value to a basic rural household. This paper describes each of the interventions including the components, options and costs. Lab prototypes are shown with early results from application deployments in Ghana, Haiti and Nicaragua. GSAP expects the technology to go to scale in multiple models including an extension of its toilet MAKER model, DIY contributions from recipient households and community cooperatives, especially co-ops involving women.

Keywords

rural WASH, sustainable systems, repurposed materials, sanitation, toilets, off-grid, closed systems, potable water, recycling nutrients, water reuse, vernacular architecture