Evaluation of health and social benefits of springs capped for irrigation, further adapted for domestic use in Central Tunisia

Special evaluation, prepared 11-12/82, is based on inspection of 6 improved and 2 unimproved springs and a sample survey of 89 households. A total of 20 springs have been improved thus far. Although the construction of the six improved springs ranged from excellent to having relatively few faults and although spring flow was generally strong, five of the springs revealed similar design deficiencies which placed major burdens on the women collecting water - narrow collection site, high placing of the drain, and poor access to the spring and into the collection area. Further, most of the springs are on private land (three on a single holding). One of the unimproved springs is totally unused, prompting the question why it has been scheduled for improvement. Due to the small sample size, interviews revealed no significant effects on child health from the improved springs, but several other differences did emerge. People with an improved spring engaged more frequently in water-related activities and tended to carry out these activities at home. Further, those with an improved spring, especially women, tended to think of access to water and water drawing as easy. Because of the survey's limits, more detailed studies, based on comparisons according to users' perceptions regarding access to water, ease of drawing water, and distance from the springs, are recommended. Also recommended are the technically simple modifications that would rectify the above-related deficiencies in the springs and the inclusion of improved springs in future irrigated perimeter projects.