Planning the optimal solution for wastewater management in rural areas - case study

Water management and associated wastewater management is an inseparable element of life and development of modern societies. Collection and treatment of wastewater has a significant impact on the environment and economy, both at the local and global level. It is therefore necessary to proceed to activities that ensure proper wastewater management, especially in rural and low-density areas, where it is necessary to search for optimal solutions with regard to sewage systems, including wastewater treatment plants. One of the solution for wastewater treatment from houses without access to sewerage collection system is the construction of on-site wastewater treatment plants. Construction of on-site wastewater treatment plant poses a number of challenges for municipalities and potential investors and has been discussed by many. Aim of this paper is to draw the current status and perspectives of on-site wastewater treatment systems in Poland, with focus on selected case study from rural areas. The paper presents a way to solve the problem of wastewater management in the municipality of Pietrowice Wielkie using local biological wastewater treatment plants. The article presents technological, technical and economical aspects of the above-mentioned solutions and analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the system proposed by the municipality.