1. Sustainable Sanitation
Marco A. Bruni, seecon international gmbh

2. Copy it, adapt it, use it – but acknowledge the source!
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Copy it, adapt it, use it – but acknowledge the source!
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The contents of the SSWM Toolbox reflect the opinions of the respective authors and not necessarily the official opinion of the funding or supporting partner organisations.
Depending on the initial situations and respective local circumstances, there is no guarantee that single measures described in the toolbox will make the local water and sanitation system more sustainable. The main aim of the SSWM Toolbox is to be a reference tool to provide ideas for improving the local water and sanitation situation in a sustainable manner. Results depend largely on the respective situation and the implementation and combination of the measures described. An in-depth analysis of respective advantages and disadvantages and the suitability of the measure is necessary in every single case. We do not assume any responsibility for and make no warranty with respect to the results that may be obtained from the use of the information provided.

3. Contents
Introduction
Problems with current Approaches to Sanitation
What is Sustainable Sanitation?
Conclusion
SSWM and Sustainable Sanitation
References

4. Approaches to Sanitation
1. Introduction
Approaches to Sanitation
What exactly is wastewater?
How should the organisation of a sanitation system look like?
How can we better manage wastewater?
How can we keep it simple, but yet effective and efficient?
etc.
Source: 2yIT8xt_stM/TwtB4J9sBqI/AAAAAAAACmY/s_6- 9HHksUA/s1600/Istanbul%20Toilet.gif [Accessed: ]

5. Conventional Forms of Wastewater Management and Sanitation
2. Problems with Current Approaches to Sanitation
Conventional Forms of Wastewater Management and Sanitation
Dry (pit) systems (on-site)
Waterborne systems (centralised)
- Retention of solids
- Infiltration of liquids
Source: [Accessed: ]

6. Dry (pit) Systems – The Drawbacks
2. Problems with current Approaches to Sanitation
Dry (pit) Systems – The Drawbacks
Liquids infiltrate the soil and enter the water cycle
Incomplete barrier between human beings and excreta
Nutrients infiltrate the soil and enter aquatic systems
Eutrophication
Pathogenes infiltrate and enter aquatic system
Waterborne diseases
Source: CONRADIN (2007)

7. Waterborne Systems – The Drawbacks
2. Problems with current Approaches to Sanitation
Waterborne Systems – The Drawbacks
(CORCORAN et al. 2010)
Technical knowledge
Water demand
End-of-pipe system
- 90% of global wastewater does not receive any treatment at all.
Operating costs
Energy-intensity
Social acceptance
Investment costs
WINBLAD and SIMPSON-HERBERT (2004)
Maintenance
Vulnerability
Mixing of different wastewater streams
(CORCORAN et al. 2010)

8. Conventional Systems versus Sustainable Sanitation
3. What is Sustainable Sanitation?
Conventional Systems versus Sustainable Sanitation
Socially acceptable
Economically viable
Conventional systems
Technical aspects
Sustainable Sanitation
Social
Environmental
Economical
and technical aspects
Integrative, holistic approach }
Sustainable Sanitation

9. Nutrients Water Energy 3. What is Sustainable Sanitation?
Basic Principle
Wastewater should NOT be considered as a waste but as a valuable resource.
Nutrients
Water
Energy
Source: CONRADIN (2010)

10. Objectives of Sustainable Sanitation
3. What is Sustainable Sanitation?
Objectives of Sustainable Sanitation
Health and hygiene
Effective barrier between user and environment
Prevention of exposure to excreta at all levels of the sanitation process
Environment and natural resources
Protection of natural resources
Recycling, low energy consumption, low emissions
Technology and operation
Adaptation to local circumstances
Robustness against floods, power cuts, water shortages, etc.
Financial & economic issues: Consideration of total (lifecycle) costs
Socio-cultural & institutional aspects: Acceptance by the community

11. Sustainable Sanitation is a simple Approach
4. Conclusion
Sustainable Sanitation is a simple Approach
The essential principles
Wastewater and excreta should not be considered as a waste, but as valuable resources.
Sanitation systems should be organised in a socially acceptable and economically viable manner.
There is no “one-fits-all” approach, much rather, the most adequate solution has to be found from case to case, considering climate and water availability, agricultural practices, socio-cultural preferences, affordability, safety, and technical prerequisites, etc.

12. Integrated, holistic Approach
5. SSWM and Sustainable Sanitation
Integrated, holistic Approach

13. 6. References
CONRADIN, K. (2007): Ecological Sanitation in the Khuvsgul Area, Northern Mongolia: Socio-Cultural Parameters and Acceptance. Unpublished Master Thesis. Basel: University of Basel. [Accessed: ].
CORCORAN, E. (Editor); NELLEMANN, C. (Editor); BAKER, E. (Editor); BOS, R. (Editor); OSBORN, D. (Editor); SAVELLI, H. (Editor) (2010): Sick Water? The central role of wastewater management in sustainable development. A Rapid Response Assessment. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-HABITAT, GRID-Arendal. [Accessed: ].
WINDBLAD, U.; SIMPSON-HERBERT, M. (2004): Ecological Sanitation - revised and enlarged edition. (pdf presentation). Sweden: Stockholm Environment Institute. [Accessed: ].

14. “Linking up Sustainable Sanitation, Water Management & Agriculture”
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