BioDisc Domestic Sewage Treatment Plant
The Klargester BioDisc domestic treatment plant offers peace of mind with the efficient removal of pollutants, a 7-year warranty (terms apply), affordable running costs, no smell & silent operation.
Wastewater Management & Drainage - Choosing the Right System for Better Water Quality
For those seeking a quieter way of life not much beats building or buying a home in a remote, rural setting.
But moving away from urban living with its serviced utilities and infrastructure typically brings additional responsibilities, notably personal ownership of drainage and wastewater management. Remote locations are more likely to mean a property is “off-mains” indicating it doesn’t have a connection to at least one mains service, including sewerage.
“Off-mains” drainage and wastewater management is a highly regulated area, which comes with legal obligations to ensure that property owners minimise their impact on the landscape and surrounding environment.
If a property cannot be connected to the mains sewer (for reasons of topography or distance) then the owners are required to manage all their wastewater safely and securely within the boundaries of their property.
The definition of wastewater includes “grey” water - which is dirty water drained from baths, sinks and laundry - as well as “foul” water from toilets.
Many people choose to install a septic tank to capture and disperse their foul and greywater at a short distance from their house. Indeed, septic tanks are the most Googled search term for private drainage systems, but they are not necessarily the right one. They require certain ground conditions to work effectively, and if a septic tank is placed in a location which it is entirely unsuited to then it will become both a health hazard and a source of local pollution. Raw sewage contains an excess of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous; if these are released, unchecked, into the environment they can change natural ecosystems and upset aquatic life.
Consequently, property owners should consult with qualified drainage engineers to identify the right off-mains drainage solution for their site. If this is done, and a property has correctly specified, modern, drainage system, it should not have any noticeable negative impact on the owner or the local environment. Which should come as a relief because a failing septic tank will very likely cause toilets and drains to overflow!
Mains Sewer Connection
The starting point when reviewing drainage options for off-mains properties is to look for ways to connect to a main sewer where possible.
If a gravity feed to the mains sewer is unlikely to be practical, then installing a pump station can be installed to allow a connection. Again, the person to advise is a suitably qualified engineer who should conduct an on-site survey to find out if either option is possible.
If not, then it’s a case of the owner managing their wastewater on-site.
Off-Mains Drainage: Options
Two of the most popular off-mains drainage systems are the aforementioned septic tanks and sewage treatment plants, but they vary greatly in how they work and their efficacy.
1. Sewage Treatment Plants
Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are extremely effective at managing wastewater, regardless of their situation or underlying ground conditions.
A STP provides an environment where aerobic bacteria is cultured and used to breakdown sewage. This is a highly effective and efficient process, removing up to 95 percent of the pollutants within the wastewater before it is discharged.
“Packaged” sewage treatment systems are STPs supported with additional tertiary treatment such as a packaged reed bed. These are the current “gold standard” in off-mains drainage with an efficiency rating of up to 98 percent. They produce a clear, odourless effluent that is environmentally friendly and suitable for discharging even on sensitive sites, including into a watercourse.
Contrary to popular belief, STPs shouldn’t cost significantly more than septic tanks if both installation and maintenance are taken into account.
2. Septic Tanks
A septic tank, by contrast, does not treat waste.
The tank allows settlement of solids, creating a soluble waste which is then discharged and filtered through the ground across a large drainage field.
The wastewater from a septic tank is not benign - it contains large amounts of harmful bacteria. Indeed, septic tank discharges are considered so polluting that some countries have passed legislation requiring them to be supported by a secondary treatment option, such as a reed bed, wherever they are installed.
Septic tanks can offer a serviceable solution for some homes, but they need both the right ground conditions, plus the reed bed, to work effectively.
If the ground conditions don’t allow efficient filtration, then the soluble waste effluent from the tank won’t filter through the soil. Instead, it will collect near the surface, and sooner or later this will become essentially a smelly bog….
Examples if unsuitable ground conditions include where the tank is installed on an impermeable substrate (such as clay soil) or where an area has a high water table and/or is at risk of flooding, because waterlogging will stop the soil from acting as a filter. Under these conditions, the unfiltered waste will get washed either into ground water or into any surrounding surface water.
Even if an area doesn’t routinely flood, the water table must be at least one metre below the septic tank outlet for the ground to do its job.
Determining whether a site is suitable for a septic tank and can support the required drainage field requires a professional drainage engineer who will carry out a percolation test.
If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of your garden to filter wastewater, then it is sensible to take a prudent course and install a STP.
Summary
It’s encouraging to see that off-mains drainage legislation in countries around the world has tightened up in recent years.
However, the decision to relax legislation and requirements for reporting in some markets has caused concern among drainage management professionals.
Our takeout message is simple: off-mains drainage solutions should always be professionally designed and specified.
Moral as well as legal responsibility for disposing of wastewater safely and considerately lies with the architect/specifier, developer, installer, and the property’s owner.
Any attempt to ease the administrative burden on property owners should never be mistaken for permission to act irresponsibly and an owner’s personal liability remains unchanged.
BioTec+ Domestic Sewage Treatment Plant
An economically priced plant, the Klargester BioTec+ offers flexible installation options to suit a variety of domestic sites, has a low visual footprint and is suitable for shallow dig applications.
BioDisc® Large Sewage Treatment Plant
Our Klargester BioDisc® is a single packaged system, which offers affordable running costs due to its design and operational efficiencies.
Clearwater Sigma Septic Tank
The Sigma septic tank delivers a robust, impact-resistant and durable septic tank. Lightweight, watertight and chemically resistant, this unit is ideal for solving your sewage needs.
Knowledge Articles
Explore our Knowledge Hub
Explore our knowledge articles for practical information, useful guidance and industry insights. From helpful advice and technical topics to emerging trends and key considerations, discover information to help you make informed decisions and stay up to date.
Installing & Maintaining your Off-Mains Drainage Field
Drainage fields are strictly regulated. If your drainage field was installed after January 2000, then it will fall under H2 Building Regulations.
A Guide to Wastewater Treatment Systems and Drainage
Around 1.5 million homes in the UK are not connected to the sewer because of where they are situated, typically in remote or rural areas.
Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant vs Septic Tank - which to choose?
In most scenarios, we advise that homeowners opt for a treatment plant. Read on to find out why.
How to Choose an Off-Mains Wastewater System
If your house cannot connect to the mains sewer then you will need to treat all your wastewater within the bounds of your property.
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