Vacuum sewerage system: an appropriate and economical sanitation technology for flat and shallow groundwater areas

The disposal of sewage to a central treatment plant in sparsely populated and flat areas often fails due to high specific costs. In recent years, alternative wastewater collection systems have been set on the market with great success. Vacuum sewerage systems are nowadays a sophisticated and reliable alternative when well designed. Particularly in regards to first investment, vacuum sewerage systems often offer more feasible solutions, also in the long term. Due to lack of information and prejudices concerning operation of alternative sewerage systems, planners and decision makers often hesitate to take these technologies into consideration. However, vacuum technology has grown enormously in the last years. This paper reviews the applicability of the vacuum system as opposed to gravity systems, especially in Botswana. It is based on the training and visits to installed systems at Shoshong (Botswana), Dubai (UAE) and Hanau (Germany) offered by Roediger Vakuum-un Haustechnik GmbH.Keywords: Sewerage, Vacuum sewers, hydro pneumatic transport and Pollution Preventio