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[[Image:Icon_septic_tank.png |right|95px]]
'''A Septic Tank is a watertight chamber made of concrete, fibreglass, PVC or plastic, for the storage and treatment of blackwater and greywater. Settling and anaerobic processes reduce solids and organics, but the treatment is only moderate.'''
A Septic Tank should typically have at least two chambers. The first chamber should be at least 50% of the total length and when there are only two chambers, it should be 2/3 of the total length. Most of the solids settle out in the first chamber. The baffle, or the separation between the chambers, is to prevent scum and solids from escaping with the effluent. A T-shaped outlet pipe will further reduce the scum and solids that are discharged.
To prevent odours from surfacing, a water seal must be maintained by adding sufficient water per toilet visit to the tank via the drop-pipe to replace any losses. However, this may not completely prevent smells and the tank must be frequently desludged. The effluent must be dispersed by using a [[Soak Pit]] or [[Leach Field]] or by transporting the effluent to another treatment technology via a [[Simplified Sewers]] or [[Solids-free Sewer|Solids-Free]].
- Low reduction in pathogens, solids and organics. <br> - Effluent and sludge require secondary treatment and/or appropriate discharge. <br> - Requires constant source of water.
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==Adequacy==
This [http://www.lifewater.org/resources/san1/san1d4.pdf document] lists the specifications that need to be met for a succesful Aqua Privy.
Detailed Design Information: