WEPA International Workshop on“Roles of Decentralized Wastewater and Septage Management inAddressing the Challenges and Accelerating the Progress of Sustainable
Development Goal 6 (SDG6) in Asia”

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONDAY 11

Background of focusing on domestic wastewaterand DEWAT – Why this theme?
 WEPA had already focused on domestic wastewater and DEWAT
before (Workshops in 2012 and 2013 on DEWATs). Then why now?
 It was already more than 6 years ago.
 SDG was introduced in 2015
 Domestic wastewarer is still a dominant source of pollution in many
parts of Asia
 New policy developments in many countries
 Need to revisit this issue before getting into WEPA Phase IV222

Keynote Presentation 1- History of Johkasou in Japan. As a result of technological innovation, Johkasou are
increasingly able to achieve better water quality, use less space, and use less energy- Legislative framework for Johkasou includes the performance evaluation system for regulating
new technologies.

- Proper operation and regular maintenance is especially emphasized to ensure the good
performance and sustainability of the system.

- Japan is devoting equally both hardware (structural standards), software (law, regulations,O&M), and promotion (public awareness, monitoring system, advertisement, financial aid)3
3
3

Keynote presentation 2•

On-going project on standardization of performance testing for DEWATS technology inIndonesia & initiative on regional standard harmonization in ASEAN•

Currently, there is no regional standardization scheme at ASEAN regional level. ASEAN
Sanitation WG proposed

The Way Forward• Raise awareness on the importance of standards in DEWATS
Initiate the discussion to identify commonality/differences in existing standards• Collaborate with WEPA to reinforce the information platform on DEWATS technology andits related institutional arrangements• Link to the existing ISO standards and TCs to bring in regional context• Japan’s existing support to ASEAN (PoDIWM and ACCSQ) and opportunity to further
collaborate

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Standards become more effective withregulations
Standard would not be effective enough by itself, it should be quoted or
mentioned in legislation, policy and guideline to be legally-binding and effective.

Good institutional arrangements
for improved DEWATS management
Standards

Regulations/policies

5Keynote Presentation 3 Despite the progress in the 15 years of implementing MDGs, many gaps still
remain in different areas, particularly in South and East Asia.
 Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) on water and sanitation is built upon
the MDG-7C, but is considered much more comprehensive. Stresses on
holistic management for the entire water cycle, rather than just emphasizing
on-site sanitation facilities. This includes wastewater and excreta/septagemanagement.
 DEWATS, a promising approach, should be considered an integral part ofcomprehensive wastewater strategies. The systems should be perceived as
being complementary to other centralised wastewater-treatment options

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THE WAY FORWARD
1. Political will and strong
commitments

2. Roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder

3. Appropriate business model androadmap for establishing appropriate
sanitation/wastewater fee structure

Central Gov.

4. Awareness raising

5. Capacity for monitoring andenforcement for wastewater/septage
management

Local Gov.
6. Regular desludging program withthe supports of GIS-based database

Private sectors

Residents

7. Collaboration with research
institutions and universities

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New development from WEPA partnercountries

ChinaLaunched Institutional Reform Plan for water pollution prevention in 2018, which is prioritizing
environmental protection over development.
Development of environ. protection law (2015) and action plan for prevention of water pollution
Indonesia
Highlighted domestic wastewater as a main culprit of water pollution
Medium term plan developed targeting SDGs (2015-2019) - Devoting attention to illegal settlers/slum areas, which is biggest challenge for water environment
ThailandMade significant progress in collection and treatment of urban wastewater over past decades
Still, domestic wastewater generated (appro. 10 MCM/day in 2018), is beyond existingtreatment capacity, so it is most serious environmental threat
Launching diff programs for enhancing technical capacity on WW management of local admin. Org.
(LAOs)
VietnamLack of funds for central WWTPS, so focus shifting to DEWATS
Now, many initiatives (1000) for DEWATS ongoing for any facilities (e.g. buildings, hospitals)
with discharge <1000 m3/d8

KEY POINTS- Common challenges for addressing the issues of domestic wastewater
management across WEPA member countries including poor operation &maintenance of septic tanks and DEWATS systems; lack of appropriate septagemanagement; low awareness and technical capacity about DEWATS options;gaps between theory and practice for septage management.
- Need to look at the entire sanitation service chain, including technical, legal,institutional and financial aspects, and to create appropriate business models.
- Issues to be considered: Both domestic and industrial wastewater need to be considered.
 Issue of non-point source pollution should also be emphasized Political will is essential Strict enforcement
 Testing and certification system for DEWATS technologies is needed.
 Community awareness raising and public participation.
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KEY POINTS- Common challenges for addressing the issues of domestic wastewater
management across WEPA member countries including poor operation &maintenance of septic tanks and DEWATS systems; lack of appropriate septagemanagement; low awareness and technical capacity about DEWATS options;gaps between theory and practice for septage management.
- Need to look at the entire sanitation service chain, including technical, legal,
institutional and financial aspects, and to create appropriate business models.
- Issues to be considered: Both domestic and industrial wastewater need to be considered.
 Issue of non-point source pollution should also be emphasized Political will is essential
 Strict enforcement
 Testing and certification system for DEWATS technologies is needed.
 Community awareness raising and public participation.
101010Interactive sessions and Q&A from
Day‐1

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