Guidelines for accessible and inclusive piped water supply, 2023
Issued in 2023 by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), these guidelines promote inclusive design in piped water supply systems to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and others with physical or mobility challenges. The recommendations focus on infrastructure adaptations, retrofitting, and user-friendly design features that uphold dignity, align with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016), and affirm access to water as a basic human right.
What you’ll find in these guidelines
- Specifications for adjustable tap heights suitable for wheelchair users and persons of short stature
- Recommendations for longer handles and foot-pedal taps to support independent operation
- Design guidance on installing support bars for elderly or mobility-challenged users
- Provisions for visible and tactile signage to identify accessible water points
- Strategies for retrofitting existing water systems to improve accessibility and inclusion
