Which sanitation solution should I choose?

With evolving environmental standards and a growing awareness of the need to protect our planet, choosing a suitable non-collective sanitation solution has become important. However, with the many options available, it can be difficult to find the one that best suits your needs. This article explores the different non-collective sanitation solutions, detailing their advantages, disadvantages and ideal applications to help you make an informed choice.

Why is sanitation essential?

Sanitation plays a key role in preserving public health and the environment. It involves treating and managing wastewater to minimise its impact on nature and prevent the spread of disease. An effective sanitation system guarantees that wastewater is properly treated before being discharged into the environment, thus ensuring the protection of ecosystems and water resources.

Sanitation systems

Sanitation solutions fall into two categories: collective sanitation and non-collective sanitation.

Collective sanitation, often referred to as mains drainage, is a system where wastewater is collected and transported to a centralised treatment plant for processing. This system is generally used in urban areas where the population density justifies the necessary infrastructure. It offers the advantage of maintenance managed by the municipality and efficient wastewater treatment.

On the other hand, non-collective sanitation (NCS) is set up in areas where connection to the collective network is not possible. NCS encompasses various systems such as septic tanks, planted filters and micro-purification stations, each offering total autonomy compared to collective infrastructures.

Non-collective sanitation solutions

Non-collective sanitation (NCS) solutions are designed to treat wastewater from homes that are not connected to a collective sanitation network. They are particularly suitable for rural areas and isolated homes where the installation of a centralised sewer network would be economically or technically difficult. Here are some types of non-collective sanitation systems.

The septic tank

The septic tank is designed to treat domestic wastewater from the entire house, including black water (toilets) and grey water (kitchen, bathroom). The septic tank retains solid matter and provides an initial treatment stage before the wastewater is directed to a complementary treatment system, such as a sand filter or a dispersal bed.

The micro-treatment plant

The micro-treatment plant uses biological processes similar to those of large collective treatment plants, but on a smaller scale, making it suitable for individual homes or small groups of homes. The micro-plant generally integrates several treatment stages in a single compact unit, often with aerobic treatment systems where bacteria break down organic matter.

The Sanitation Garden

The Sanitation Garden, also known as a planted filter or phyto-purification system, is an ecological sanitation solution that uses plants and natural substrates to treat wastewater. This system mimics natural processes allowing plants and micro-organisms to break down and absorb the pollutants present in wastewater.

Maintenance and sustainability

Regular maintenance is crucial to guarantee the effectiveness and longevity of non-collective sanitation systems. This may include emptying septic tanks, checking the mechanisms in the micro-stations or maintaining the plants in the planted filters. Good management ensures not only the performance of the system but also the protection of the environment, avoiding any contamination of the soil or groundwater.

Non-collective sanitation solutions offer flexibility and valuable autonomy for households outside the collective network. Well chosen and properly maintained, they represent a viable and sustainable option for managing wastewater efficiently.

Conclusion

Choosing a non-collective sanitation solution is an important decision that must be made taking into account various factors, such as geographical location, terrain characteristics, environmental considerations and available budget. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Whatever system is chosen, regular maintenance and careful management are essential to ensure their long-term effectiveness and minimise their environmental impact. By ensuring that wastewater is treated properly, we contribute to the protection of our health and our environment.