Height of safe water tap

  • The safe water outlet (tap or spigot) is placed so that water can be dispensed directly into commonly used drinking water vessels with minimum risk of contamination.

Key indicators

  • Common local containers fit under the safe water tap and can be filled without needing to be held (e.g., ±135 cm above surface for a drinking cup in India).
  • Tap height enables use by all household members.

Notes and exceptions

  • The device may require a stand or support for proper tap height.
  • Drinking vessel heights may vary significantly from region to region.

A woman's hand fills a cup from a household water treatment device.

Typical drinking vessels need to fit comfortably under the tap. Photo: PATH.

For the most up-to-date information, access the guidelines online:
http://www.path.org/hwts-design-guidelines/