We are testing several designs to see what works best. For inspiration, we assembled a scrapbook of DIY-Handwashing from around the world. Send us your ideas for improvements or new concepts!
We believe that Community-Centered Design is key. When the City of LA dropped off a few handwashing stations in Skid Row, these dried up quickly and become useless. By contrast, we favor a bottom-up approach. We place our handwashing stations with community residents on the streets who can tend to them and let us know when they need to be refilled or fixed. They are supported by housed neighbors who have access to running water and can help refill the buckets.
Our current designs
LACAN’s Big Can:
With 20Gal capacity, this washes a lot of hands! It needs to be set up high on a table or a platform. When full, it is too heavy to move so we need to be able to bring water to it (bucket, or a hose if there is a faucet nearby).
Pete Explains. Monique, Tasha and So Yun show you how it’s done. Don’t forget to decorate and keep your spirits up!
What you’ll need:
- 20 gal trash can with lid ($25)
- Brass spigot ($15)
- we used an electrical junction box as soap holder ($15.99)
The Two-Bucket Dragon:
With two 5-Gal buckets, this doesn’t wash as many hands between refills. But the buckets can be carried to a water supply and back. Stacking them makes the sink high enough to use, and with the water pump, no need to touch anything and less contamination risk. You will need something to hold the tubing above the sink (we like dragons!).
Thanks to WaterWorksForLife for inspiration.
Watch François’ video tour of the Dragon.
What you’ll need:
- two 5-gallon buckets with lids (2x$6)
- foot pump like this one ($35)
- about 8ft of vinyl tubing 1/2-Inch ID x 5/8-Inch OD ($10)
- scrap plywood to make a base (not essential, but it makes everything more stable)
- a bowl for the sink
- a plastic dragon (or something else — use your imagination, look in your closet, check out your neighborhood Goodwill store)
