User satisfaction in large-scale, urban dry sanitation programs in Mexico

Dry sanitation (DS) may be part of the solution to water scarcity, water quality deterioration and lack of resources to provide or maintain waterborne sewage systems. However, the worldwide paucity of large-scale, urban case studies makes assessment of DS as a potential urban water management strategy difficult. Urban DS viability depends in part on urban users’ satisfaction with dry toilets (DTs) and whether they would accept them as long-term sanitation options. We analyze user acceptance and satisfaction with DS in five Mexican cities. When toilets functioned well (four out of five sites), users were highly satisfied. Similar levels of satisfaction were found under conditions of different DT models, types of DS program and income-level of the population. User motivation, choice and adequate support services were positively associated with satisfaction. Incentives such as indoor, aesthetic DTs, maintenance and end-product collection services, as well as higher water supply pricing, would encourage people to accept DS as a long-term option. We discuss reasons for dissatisfaction at one of the study sites.