Including decentralized systems as part of an integrated water management approach is important for ensuring safe and equitable access to water and sanitation. As populations increase, urbanized regions grow, and the burden of replacing aging infrastructure comes to the fore, there is now an important role for decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS). For DEWATS that treat hundreds of gallons per day instead of millions, travel times to treatment systems are much shorter and sources are more distinct (residential, commercial, industrial). Owing to their smaller footprint, the treatment processes at work in such systems will have different design considerations and requirements than those in conventional wastewater treatment systems. Also, due to their low energy or energy-positive nature, anaerobic treatment processes will also be considered in DEWATS design to help alleviate the high energy demands from the wastewater treatment sector, which already consumes 3% of all electrical power produced in the US. Examples of challenges and successes in employing DEWATS in both developed and developing communities will be discussed.

Decentralized wastewater treatment: Benefits and considerations for sustainable water and sanitation

2019 Fall National Meeting

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