WASH & Sanitation Infrastructure Planning Guide

Start with users and peak demand

Record the number and type of users, operating hours, peak periods, privacy requirements, gender and family considerations where relevant, accessible provision, staff needs and whether the facility is public, school, clinic, camp or residential infrastructure.

Fixture counts should follow the applicable project standards and local requirements rather than a generic supplier layout.

Map the complete water path

Identify water source, storage, treatment where required, pressure, hot-water demand, internal plumbing, wastewater route, local treatment or sewer connection, stormwater and overflow management.

A factory-completed wet area still depends on reliable external water and wastewater infrastructure.

Plan cleaning, hygiene and maintenance

Select cleanable finishes, provide drainage and ventilation appropriate to the use, protect service access and make valves, traps and replaceable fixtures reachable.

The best sanitation layout is one the operating team can clean, inspect and repair with the tools and parts available locally.

Treat accessibility and safety as core requirements

Accessible routes, thresholds, door clearances, grab-rail positions, transfer space, lighting, privacy and safe circulation should be coordinated from the beginning. Local accessibility requirements and the needs of the user population control the final arrangement.

Use recognised WASH guidance where applicable

For humanitarian projects, check the current Sphere / Humanitarian Standards Partnership WASH standards and relevant agency guidance. UNICEF also publishes emergency WASH resources. Project-specific standards, public-health requirements and local law should be confirmed by the responsible programme team.