The New Zealand Building Code requires that if a connection to the mains sewer is provided, you must use it, and so this section is aimed at rural properties where connection to a mains sewer is unavailable. Fraemohs staff will happily discuss any other options you may be interested in!
Septic Tank
Septic tanks have been in use for many years, and are a simple way of dealing with waste. However, they are not the most ecologically sound method – some alternatives are listed below.
Aerated Wastewater Treatment
Aerated treatment systems have both an anaerobic (no oxygen present) treatment tank like a septic tank and an aerobic (oxygenated) tank. This allows more complete breakdown of the sewage and a safer effluent stream. An example of such a system can be seen at Biocycle.
Natural Composting
A composting toilet is a simple, eco-friendly device that can be just like a normal flushing toilet, or can use no water at all (‘waterless’). They do involve periodic emptying of the compost chamber, but by this stage the material should be crumbly and with very little odour. One provider, Eco Toilets, has both waterless and flush toilet models on their website.
Biolytix
A Biolytix system is a modern, advanced waste treatment system that uses soil micro-organisms to treat waste, resulting in odour-free breakdown of waste, and safe effluent. A Biolytix system has been installed on a Fraemohs house before with great success. More detailed information is on the Biolytix website.
Greywater Recycling
Greywater is waste water from dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, showers and baths (but not toilets). It is possible to re-use some of this water either to flush toilets, or to irrigate non-food plants. This type of system is suited to rural properties, especially where there are water shortages. A more detailed description is found at Smarter Homes.