Tippy Tap

TippyTap.org

Tippy Tap

Contact Solution Provider

TippyTap.org
New York City, NY
United States
tippytap.org@gmail.com

Solution Overview & Benefits

The Tippy Tap is a hands-free device for hand washing that is especially designed for rural areas where there is no running water. It is operated by a foot lever and thus reduces the chance for the transmission of pathogens as the user only touches a bar of soap suspended by a string. Adequate hand washing with the Tippy Tap requires only 40 milliliters of water as compared to an average of 500 milliliters by using a cup or mug. Additionally, used gray water can be recycled for watering plants.

The Tippy Tap can be made with locally-sourced materials at virtually no cost. The basic set of required materials includes several sticks, string, soap and a container for the water. The device is especially effective when strategically placed outside of latrines, kitchens and schools.

History & Development

The Tippy Tap was first introduced by Dr. Jim Watt in Zimbabwe, who originally employed a gourd instead of a plastic water container. Since its introduction, the Tippy Tap has been adopted as a user-friendly way to encourage effective hand washing behavior in developing communities.

Availability

Publicly available: yes
Countries where available: Worldwide
Offered or can be licensed for local manufacture: Yes

Additional Information