SEWAGE SOLUTIONS
CAT is a UK leader in the field of natural sewage treatment and recycling of sewage, and has several systems in operation.
This course is suitable for those who are looking for an alternative to the septic tank.
The first part of the course covers dry sewage systems (including waterless urinals) and examines the theoretical and practical
information needed to install a compost toilet system that you would be happy to have in your bathroom.
The second part looks at aquatic plant treatment / reed bed systems and how plants can be used to absorb nutrients and purify polluted water without using chemicals, machinery or extra sources of energy.
COURSE OUTLINE
PART 1: DRY TOILETS.
Day 1
1600 onwards: arrival. Please ask at reception or in the restaurant for directions to your room.
1800 Supper in restaurant.
1900 Introduction to the Centre, the course and each other.
Day 2
0830 Breakfast in restaurant
0915 Introduction to compost toilets - types of dry toilet and how they work.
1030 Coffee in restaurant.
1100 Compost toilet design details - maintenance, trouble shooting, sizing.
1300 Lunch in restaurant.
1400 Guided tour of CAT's many compost toilet systems
1600 Tea in restaurant.
1630 Dealing with grey water - waste or resource?
1800 Supper in restaurant.
1900 Weird and wonderful toilets from around the world.
Day 3
0830 Breakfast in restaurant.
0915 Compost toilet practical.
1100 Coffee in restaurant.
1130 Group consultancy - real life case studies and design of compost toilet solutions.
1300 Lunch in restaurant.
PART 2: IF YOUR SEWAGE IS WET.
1400 First things first - reducing flows and cutting costs.
1600 Tea in restaurant.
1630 Introduction to independent domestic sewage treatment.
1800 Supper in restaurant.
1900 Global water and sanitation issues - guest lecture.
Day 4
0830 Breakfast in restaurant.
0915 Alternative sewage treatment systems.
1030 Coffee in restaurant.
1100 Alternative sewage treatment systems continued.
1300 Lunch in restaurant.
1400 Guided tour of CAT's sewage treatment systems.
1600 Tea in restaurant.
1630 Practical work.
1800 Supper in restaurant.
Day 5
0830 Breakfast in restaurant.
0915 Group consultancy. A more detailed examination of specific sites and
situations as presented by participants. Comparing different situations is
often enlightening for would-be installers, who realise they have been
asking the wrong questions, or have failed to spot possibilities that could
save a lot of time and money. At the end of this session you should be able
to design a functioning system for your own situation.
1045 Coffee in restaurant.
1115 Presenting ideas and feedback.
1300 Lunch in restaurant then depart.
COURSE TUTOR
Marcus Zipperlin, Head of Biology at CAT.
Judith Thornton (DPhil) is a water and sewage consultant with Water Works - Wales Water
and Sewage Services based in Mid Wales. She has worked with the Centre for Alternative
Technology since 1999, until recently as Head of Biology and currently as tutor on the MSc
Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies. Judith has installed a variety of
systems, including reed beds, compost toilets and private water supplies. She is author of the
CAT publication, The Water Book.
WHAT TO BRING
Please bring sturdy shoes and old clothes, as well as warm, weatherproof gear. We provide
bedding but you will need to bring a towel. A torch is useful for moving between buildings at
night.
