SANITATION SYSTEMS

Properly designed sanitation systems collect, transport, treat, and dispose of (or, ideally, reuse) used water – which we should call "blackwater" or "greywater" instead of "wastewater": it's a valuable resource, not just waste.

Sanitation systems are crucial for public health and protecting the environment. While basic sanitation practices existed as far back as 4000 BC, the modern systems we rely on today, like London's built in the 1800s, are complex and vital infrastructure.

The type of sanitation system you have depends on your location's density and layout. 

Rural Areas and Spacious Homes

• On-site Sanitation Systems (OSS) are like underground mini-treatment plants connected to your toilet. Options include:
  • Twin Pits: Two alternating pits separated by at least 3 feet. The liquid soaks into the ground, and solids decompose. Full pit rests for 2 years before reuse.
  • Septic Tanks: Watertight tanks where solids settle and scum floats. Clear liquid drains to pits or trenches. Solids need periodic pumping for treatment.
  • Bio-digester Toilets, Bio-tanks, and Urine Diversion Dry Toilets are modern OSS options that offer more efficient treatment and disposal.

Densely Populated Urban Areas

• Sewer Systems: A network of underground pipes carries used water ("sewage") from homes to treatment plants.
  • Gravity-fed: Pipes slope downhill for natural flow.
  • Pumped: Pumps push sewage uphill if needed.
  • Maintenance Access: Machine holes (not manholes!) provide access for cleaning and repairs.

4. Necessity of Sophisticated Sanitation Systems

• Water in its journey through domestic and non-domestic uses, accumulates a range of impurities both natural and human-introduced. These include organic matter, nutrients from detergents, pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites), and heavy metals from solvents and pesticides. Solid particles like soil, debris, minerals, and salts are also present.
• To prevent pollution and safeguard public health, it is imperative to contain, remove, and treat used water before its disposal or reuse. This process ensures that reintroduced water into natural environments does not pose risks due to impurities.
• Traditionally, sanitation systems were driven by concerns of odour and aesthetics. However, as the connections between sanitation, public health, and the environment became evident, the "out of sight" approach was deemed inadequate.
• The implementation of sanitation systems has led to significant improvements in public health. However, achieving universal access to safely managed sanitation services remains a formidable challenge.
• Challenges such as poorly designed and constructed systems, coupled with unsafe operation and maintenance practices, hinder effective management of used water. Addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguard our increasingly precious water bodies and groundwater aquifers.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, complex sanitation systems play a crucial role in mitigating the spread of the virus and protecting public health for several reasons:

• COVID-19 can be transmitted through the faecal-oral route, meaning the virus present in faeces can contaminate water or food sources and infect individuals who ingest them. Proper sanitation systems effectively manage and dispose of human waste, preventing this transmission pathway.
• Complex systems with proper infrastructure and protocols safeguard sanitation workers from exposure to the virus. This includes ensuring access to personal protective equipment, safe waste handling procedures, and proper hygiene facilities.
• Inadequate sanitation can lead to the accumulation of sewage and faecal matter, creating breeding grounds for pathogens and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Complex systems with effective wastewater treatment and disposal minimize these risks, protecting the broader community from potential outbreaks.
• Access to clean water and sanitation facilities is essential for proper handwashing and hygiene practices, which are critical for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Complex systems can ensure reliable water supply and proper disposal of wastewater, enabling communities to maintain hygiene standards.
• Investing in robust sanitation infrastructure strengthens a community's overall resilience to future outbreaks and public health emergencies. Complex systems with redundancy and adaptability can better handle increased pressure during pandemics and other crises.