Design manual for waste stabilization ponds in India

Waste stabilization ponds (WSP) are the simplest of all comprehensive waste treatment processes. They operate under natural conditions, require no sophisticated equipment, and are simple, efficient and reliable. As a solution to India's increasing sewerage, the use of WSP is seen as an appropriate and sustainable wastewater treatment system that is low cost, easy to operate and maintain, and very efficient in removing both organic matter and the wide range of excreted pathogens present in wastewater. This manual is intended as a comprehensive guide for the design, operation and maintenance, monitoring and evaluation, and upgrading of WSP systems in India. Section 2 reviews WSP applicability and usage in India, and Section 3 provides a brief overview of the function and operation of each principal pond type. The process design of the different types of ponds is described in detail in Section 4, and design examples are given in Annex I. Section 5 details the physical design of ponds and Section 6 their operation and maintenance requirements. Recommendations for routine effluent quality monitoring and WSP performance evaluation are given in Section 7. Pond rehabilitation and upgrading is described in Section 8. Wastewater storage and treatment reservoirs, which are appropriate in arid and semi-arid areas when treated wastewater is in high demand for crop irrigation, are discussed in Section 9. Finally, Section 10 reviews the agricultural and aquacultural use of treated effluents, with emphasis on measures for the protection of public health.