Question

Name two alternative arrangements for sewage disposal where there is no sewerage system.

Answer 1

Two alternative arrangements for sewage disposal where there is no sewerage system are:

1. Septic tanks: In a septic tank, the sewage is allowed to flow into a tank in which anaerobic bacteria decompose the waste. The septic tank acts as a sedimentation-cum-digestion tank. Anaerobic (in the absence of air) digestion of the settled sludge occurs in its bottom zone and the remaining liquid has to undergo treatment in a soak pit/filter bed. This can be done in areas where the water table is very low and the rainwater from the surface also does not interfere with their functioning. Septic tanks are suitable for places where there is no sewerage system, for hospitals, isolated buildings or a cluster of 4 to 5 houses.
2. Composting toilets: The composting toilet is a dry toilet that uses a predominantly aerobic processing system that treats excreta, typically with no water or small volumes of flush water, by aerobic decomposition.