DECENTRALIZED WASTE
WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
(DEWATS)
SUBMITTED BY:
GURLEEN MALHOTRA
INTRODUCTION
The need of water is directly proportional to the population, as there is exponential growth in population in
city like Delhi the need of water is also becoming a serious concern .
To meet the Demand there must be some initiative to be taken as the available water is limited and the
exploitation of water is increasing day by day. Though the water use can be controlled to a some extent
but for city with exponential growth rate it is not feasible as large quantity of water is required for variety of
works viz. domestic, commercial, industrial ,institutional etc.
The concept of water reuse and recycle may be a solution for such problem. It is calculated by CPHEEO
that 80% of water turns as waste water. It this waste water can be recycled and reused then it can be
used for various purposes like-
1.) Toilet flushing
2.) Car washing
3.)Can be used in chillers where huge amount of water is required
4.) Gardening
5.) Fishing
6.) Horticulture
As using the decentralized waste water treatment facilities not only recycle and reuse the waste water but
also prevent the freshly available ground water.
What is DEWATS?
Decentralized wastewater management may be defined as “the collection, treatment, and
disposal/reuse of wastewater from individual homes, clusters of homes, isolated
communities, industries, or institutional facilities, as well as from portions of existing
communities at or near the point of waste generation”. In case of decentralized systems,
both solid and liquid fractions of the wastewater are utilized near their point of origin, except
in some cases when a portion of liquid and residual solids may be transported to a
centralized point for further treatment and reuse.
DEWATS is a technical approach to decentralized wastewater treatment in developing
communities. The passive design uses physical and biological treatment mechanisms such
as sedimentation, floatation, aerobic and anaerobic treatment to treat both domestic and
industrial wastewater sources. DEWATS is designed to be affordable, low maintenance,
use local materials, and meet environmental laws and regulations. DEWATS has
service packages available for the sanitation needs of small and medium sized enterprises
including communities, schools, municipalities, agro-industry, emergency settlements,
hospitals, hotels, and prisons.
DEWATS – Sustainable treatment of wastewater at the local level
• DEWATS usually function without technical energy inputs. Independence from outside energy
sources and sophisticated technical equipment provides more reliable operation and, thereby,
fewer fluctuations in effluent quality. Pumping may be necessary for water lifting.
• DEWATS are based on a modular, technical configuration concept. Appropriate combinations of
treatment modules can be selected, depending on the required treatment efficiency, costs, land
availability, etc.
• DEWATS units are quality products. Though they can be constructed form locally available
materials and can be implemented by the local workforce, high quality standards in planning and
construction have to be met. For sound DEWATS design a good comprehension of the process of
wastewater-treatment is essential
• DEWATS require few operation and maintenance skills. While most operational tasks can be
carried out by the users, some maintenance services might require a local service provider. In
some cases, both operation and maintenance can be delivered by a service provider
• DEWATS can reduce pollution load to fit legal requirements. Like all other wastewater-treatment
systems, generated solid waste (sludge) must be handled, treated and disposed of in accordance
with hygiene and environmental standards
• DEWATS consider the socio-economic environment of a given location. Neglecting these
conditions will result in the failure of the technology.
DEWATS – a brief insight into technical configuration
Typical DEWATS combine the following technical treatment steps in a modular manner:
• primary treatment – in sedimentation ponds, settlers, septic tanks or biodigester
• secondary treatment – in anaerobic baffled reactors, anaerobic filters
or anaerobic and facultative pond systems
• secondary aerobic/facultative treatment – in horizontal gravel filters
• post-treatment – in aerobic polishing ponds
The selection of appropriate technical configuration depends on the:
• volume of wastewater
• quality of wastewater
• local temperature
• underground conditions
• land availability
• costs
• legal effluent requirements
• cultural acceptance and social conditions
• final handling of the effluent (discharge or reuse)
DEWATS configuration scheme:
DEWATS rely on the same treatment processes as conventional
treatment systems:
Advantages of DEWATS:
• Efficient treatment for daily wastewater flows up to 1000m3
• Modular design of all components
•Tolerant towards inflow fluctuations
• Reliable and long-lasting construction design
• Expensive and sophisticated maintenance not required
• Low maintenance costs
Limitations of DEWATS :
• Large area requirement
• Wetland treatment may be economical relative to other options only where land is available and
affordable.
• Design criteria are yet to be developed for different types of wastewater in different climatic conditions
DEWATS Applications:
• DEWATS complement conventional treatment systems for more sustainable and effective service
• Provide treatment of waste of both domestic and industrial sources
• provide treatment for organic wastewater flows from 1-1000 m3 per day
• DEWATS applications are reliable, long lasting and tolerant towards inflow fluctuation.
• Needs no sophisticated maintenance.
Wastewater Treatment Worldwide