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FEATURES
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these must comply with these requirements . SANS10252-2 provides further requirements .
Septic tanks A septic tank , according to the definition in SANS 10252-2 receives sewerage and retains it . This waste is decomposed by bacteria . It is advisable not to put anything into the septic tank – such as soap water , chemics or foreign objects – that could potentially disturb the delicate balance of the micro-organisms ’ eco-system .
Septic tanks provide a solution in areas where there are no municipal sewer line connections available , or possible .
Benefits : An affordable solution to sewerage treatment with low maintenance potential .
Conservancy Tanks Conservancy tanks store sewerage . When these tanks are full , waste is pumped out of these tanks by honey-suckers , sludge pumps or centrifugal pumps . This is then disposed of according to legislation , laid out in the South African Waste Act 59 of 200 .
“ A sustainable sewage system consists of so much more than just a tank ,” says Bianca van Rooyen , marketing manager at Calcamite and JoJo , “ Although the tank is of utmost importance and needs to be fit-for-purpose and safe to use for the intended application .”
Factors to consider when it comes to septic tanks include the sizing of the tank – it would need to remove about 40 % of the wastewater ’ s organic load before it is released into the sub soil for further treatment . The soil at the location needs to be suitable for effluent absorption . Groundwater sources need to be taken into consideration to avoid pollution . The soakaway also needs to be the right size so that there is adequate seepage and absorption into the soil . Finally , environmental considerations also need to be made .
“ A conservancy tank ’ s function is to temporarily collect and retain wastewater on the premises , ensuring that it does not contaminate groundwater ,” says Van Rooyen . “ Once the tank reaches its capacity , the wastewater must be pumped out and transported to an appropriate treatment plant . Alternatively , instead of disposal , the wastewater can undergo treatment in an on-site wastewater treatment plant for reuse in non-potable applications .”
Benefits : A safe way to temporarily store sewerage , not much maintenance is needed , and it can be adapted to fit the needs of a variety of households .
Also included in the septic tank and conservancy tank bracket are tanks such as EcoTank ’ s Big Red wastewater treatment plant and those available from Calcamite . These units function as a conservancy or septic tank with a wastewater treatment unit included as an all-in-one convenient solution .