While the majority of homes in the UK rely on main sewage systems to transfer waste away from their homes, around 3 to 5% of properties rely on a domestic sewage treatment plant, cesspit or septic tank.
Unlike a septic tank which relies on anaerobic digestion, a domestic sewage treatment plant actively treats wastewater to ensure it is safe to be discharged into the environment.
Key Takeaways About Domestic Sewage Treatment Plants:
1. A domestic sewage treatment plant actively treats wastewater using oxygen, ensuring it is safe to discharge.
2. Regular maintenance ensures domestic sewage treatment plants are compliant and helps to prevent issues, which can be costly.
3. Unlike a septic tank, a domestic sewage treatment plant offers better effluent quality and lower environmental impact.
How do domestic sewage treatment plants work?
A domestic sewage treatment plant works by breaking down wastewater from homes through multiple stages and typically involves the following process:
- Primary Settlement: Wastewater enters the first chamber of the domestic sewage treatment plant, where solid waste settles at the bottom and lighter materials such as grease float to the top.
- Aeration and Biological Treatment: The partially treated water flows into an aeration chamber, where bacteria breaks down organic matter using oxygen.
- Final Settlement: The treated water then moves to a final chamber within the domestic sewage treatment plant, where any remaining solids settle before the cleaned water is discharged.
- Effluent Discharge: Depending on system approval and domestic sewage treatment plant regulations, the treated water can be safely released into a watercourse or drainage field.
What are the domestic sewage treatment plant regulations?
The domestic sewage treatment plant regulations contain stringent requirements to ensure that all wastewater produced by domestic sewage treatment plants is treated effectively and safely before being discharged.
The Environmental Agency General Binding Rules confirm that discharges must meet environmental standards to ensure no pollution occurs. To also remain compliant, the system must be emptied and serviced as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some systems may also require permits, especially in the event that discharge occurs near protected areas or sensitive waterways such as sites of special scientific interest (SSI), special areas of conservation (SACs) special protection areas (SPAs) or Ramsar Wetlands.
New domestic sewage treatment plants must also meet BS EN 12566-3 and must only be installed by certified professionals.
Domestic sewage treatment plant vs septic tank
While both a septic tank and a domestic sewage treatment plant handle wastewater, they do function differently.
Septic Tank
A septic tank relies on passive separation and anaerobic digestion, requiring a drainage field for further filtration. It needs periodic emptying, and there is a risk of potential groundwater contamination, making it less environmentally friendly than a treatment plant.
Domestic Sewage Treatment Plant
A domestic sewage treatment plant uses active biological treatment with oxygen to break down waste, producing a higher standard of effluent that is safe for discharge. While it requires regular emptying and servicing, it has a lower environmental impact due to cleaner discharge.
What are the most common domestic sewage treatment plant problems?
While a domestic sewage treatment plant is considered to be an efficient solution to wastewater management, it can develop issues over time such as blocked or damaged air pumps, excess sludge build-up, electrical or mechanical failures and strong odours or slow drainage.
However, regular maintenance and professional servicing can help to prevent such issues, and the cost implications, while ensuring compliance with domestic sewage treatment plant regulations.
How can A Better Service help with your domestic treatment plant?
At A Better Service, we specialise in domestic sewage treatment plant emptying, maintenance and servicing, alongside our cesspit and septic tank services.
Our team of experts ensures your system remains compliant with all domestic sewage treatment plant regulations and is functioning correctly.
For more information about our cesspit, septic tank and domestic sewage treatment plant services, or a quote, contact our team today on 0118 934 0104.
