Tippy Tap
Tippy Tap Org
Solution Overview & Benefits
The Tippy Tap is a hands-free handwashing station that uses minimal water, making it ideal for rural and off-grid communities. Designed to improve hygiene and reduce the spread of diseases like diarrhea and COVID-19, the device is activated by a foot pedal, which tips a suspended container to release a small stream of water. This design minimizes contact with surfaces, promoting safe hygiene practices.
It can be made using locally available materials such as a plastic container (like a jerrycan), string, sticks, and soap. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a powerful solution for schools, households, clinics, and marketplaces.
Key Benefits:
- Promotes hygienic handwashing with soap
- Reduces disease transmission by avoiding hand contact with the tap
- Extremely low cost and easy to build locally
- Uses very little water—just 50–500 ml per handwash
- Empowers communities through DIY construction and ownership
History & Development
The Tippy Tap concept originated in Zimbabwe and was further developed in the 1980s by Dr. Jim Watt in India. It gained popularity through health and WASH campaigns across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, especially during cholera and Ebola outbreaks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, international organizations promoted it widely as a safe, scalable hygiene solution.
The device is now used in over 60 countries and is promoted by organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and various NGOs as part of behavior change and WASH programs.
Availability
- Available: worldwide (DIY instructions are open-source)
- Price: Free to build with found materials or under $5 USD for all parts
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