Sand dams explained
In this short film we explain what sand dams are and how they work - finishing off with how to build them. Of course with Excellent you also get what you would expect - people talking passionately about sand dams!
Sand dams are the cheapest method of rainwater harvesting in drylands. They provide communities with a clean, local and reliable source of water – even during periods of drought.
Sand dams store up to 20 million litres of water and provide a year-round supply for up to 1,000 people – with virtually zero operation and maintenance costs. By storing water safely within sand, sand dams protect it from contamination and evaporation – cleaner water that lasts longer.
Sand dams save people up to 8 hours a day because they provide water to families an average of only 30 minutes from home. Communities are then able to invest this time in protecting their land from erosion and investing in climate smart agriculture.
The beauty of sand dams is that you are creating springs not utilising springs. Sand dams add water to the community. What's more beautiful about them is that they are built out of the river itself.
Simon Maddrell, Executive Director
