FAQ
This is a list of some frequently asked question about waste water treatment in sparsely populated areas in Finland
Why waste waters of single households or summer cottages should be treated?
Waste waters from sparsely populated areas cause the biggest threat to surface waters, second only to agriculture, when concerning eutrophication. Even though accommodation is sparsely scattered, the sum of the waste water load on nature is all together very significant. In addition, untreated waste waters threaten ground waters and domestic wells as well.
Legislation
Is there some kind of legislation to control waste water treatment in Finland?
There are several laws and decrees which include regulations and recommendations concerning waste water treatment in sparsely populated areas. The most relevant act is the “Government Decree on Treating Domestic Wastewater in Areas Outside Sewer Networks”. The main idea in this decree is to reduce domestic wastewater emissions and environmental pollution, giving special consideration to national water protection targets. This decree defines waste water treatment requirements which could be adjusted according to areal conditions and situations with communal specifications. Waste water decree
Who is concerned with the waste water decree and what waste waters are be effected by this decree?
The decree applies to the treatment and conduction of domestic wastewater, construction and maintenance of wastewater systems, sludge from wastewater and its collection and treatment. It applies to every household outside sewer networks which produce domestic waste water.
Practical questions
What are possible solutions for treating waste water?
In case of water from WC and grey water (other than wc-water), the recommended order is:
- Connection to communal sewer network
- Other centralized waste water system
- Individual waste water treatment plant
The recommended order for individual solutions is:
- Dry toilet and sand filter system, soil infiltration system or biological package plant for grey water
- Sand filter system, soil infiltration system or biological package plant for WC and grey water
- Cesspool for WC-waters and sand filter system, soil infiltration system or biological package plant for grey water
- Cesspool for both WC-, and grey water
What is the most suitable solution for my house?
There are a few issues which should be considered when choosing a solution; Requirements of the site and usage, service requirements, cost-effectiveness (supply price, long term operation and maintenance costs and working life of the system). In the end, planning will help you figure out the most suitable solution.
How much does it cost to buy a waste water treatment system for a single household?
Prices depend highly on the system. Presumable water consumption and square meters of the house together with the standard of water equipment (such as WC, boiler, washing machine etc.) affect the choice of system. In a typical case, with a system for five people, with WC and grey water, costs from 4000 to 12000 Euros. However it is important to compare long term costs as well.
A summer cottage is placed near a lake shore. The property includes a sauna and a kitchen, but there is no pipeline, all used-water is carried from the well. What should be done?
If water is carried in the house, the load of produced waste water could be considered minor. In practice this means that waste water can be soaked into the ground by using an absorption well, for example. However, it’s important to remember that waste water should not be conducted straight to the water body. Remember, always get familiar with communal regulations.
Even properties which are equipped with a pressurized pipeline can be considered a minor load waste water producer, if there is no additional water usage equipment such as a boiler or shower..
Water comes in to the house in a pressured pipeline and household includes a boiler and washing machine. How should such waste water be treated? What should I do to get started?
According to this high level of water usage equipment, the waste water load cannot be considered minor. This waste water should be treated in a biological treatment plant. Different treatment systems are introduced on the web pages. The first thing to do is to get in contact with a planner. The planner will come for a visit and make the necessary field examinations. The estate owner then chooses from a list of suitable solutions provided by the planner.
How to get started?
Here is a short description of phases of the project
- At first, get yourself a planner
- Planner comes to the property and introduces possibilities after fieldwork
- Based on available solutions, choose the most appropriate alternative
- Deliver the completed plan to a supervising authority in your municipality, the proper plan is accepted and building permission granted
- Get yourself an earthworks constructor
- Get familiar with convenient usage and service actions or make a deal with a service entrepreneur
- Remember that project can be conducted easier as a turnkey service
Where can I find a planner and how much do they charge?
One possibility to find a planner is to check the Valonia website for businesses in the field. From the same place you can find constructors. In addition, it could be useful to ask the opinion from a communal construction supervisor. The price of a plan depends a lot on the construction site. Normally prices are from 500 to 1500 euros.
What is a Dry Toilet?
A Dry Toilet is a toilet solution which doesn’t need water for toilet disposal transportation. The main idea is to re-cycle nutrients and save water for other purposes. There are several different models and types of dry toilets available for various situations.
What a dry toilet should include?
- Dry toilet should not leak to the ground
- Dry toilet waste should be treated in a proper way e.g. compost and then used as fertilizer or soil improvement
Separated liquid fraction could be diluted with water and then used as a fertilizer in a garden e.g. for ornamental plants and field farming. As a diluting relation, it could be thus suggested for 1 dose urine to 3 doses water. Liquid fraction is not recommended to be used for plants which include edible parts above the ground such as salads etc.
