On-site sanitation
- Slovak term: Slovenský termín
- System of sanitation where the means of storage are contained within the plot occupied by the dwelling and its immediate surroundings. It may be disposed of on site or removed manually for safe disposal (WHO 2006).
Explanation
For some systems (e.g. double-pit or vault latrines), treatment of the faecal matter happens on site also, through extended in-pit consolidation and storage. With other systems (e.g. septic tanks, single-pit or vault installations), the sludge has to be collected and treated off site (see also faecal sludge) (WHO 2006).
On-site sanitation is a system of sanitation that can be either a dry system or wet system. A common septic tank is a wet system. A composting toilet is a dry system. Both dry and wet systems have limitations of use including, population density, available water supply, suitable soil conditions. Wet systems may be a risk to ground water supply. On-site sanitation should only be used where a community public sanitation system is not available or affordable. If installed in urban settings, these systems should be seen as only interim steps towards a community sewerage system (BGR 2005).
Example
On-site sanitation dry system:
- A simple vertical dry drop pit latrine.
- A ventilated improved pit toilet (VIP) which is a ventilated dry pit latrine.
- A composting toilet with rotating chambers to enable full decomposition of the waste matter.
On-site sanitation wet system:
- A basic pour flush latrine connected directly over a single leach pit. (a pour flush latrine requires a manual bucket flush)
- A pour flush connected to twin leach pits.( this enables the standby leach pit to stand idle for 6 months before it is cleared of dry sludge which can be used for fertilizer) Note: Both the above have a pan water trap seal.
- An Aqua privy is also a wet system and consists of a vertical drop into a water tight tank which stores and contains liquid effluent. (The water seal is created by the vertical drop pipe discharging below the fluid level of the tank.) (WHO 1992)
References
- WHO (2006) Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater, excreta and greywater
- Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR) (2005) General options for
- ground water protection. Kabul Water Conference and Workshop August 2-3, 2005
- WHO (1992) A guide to the development of on-site sanitation
