As a rule, there is no public water supply or sewerage system in a rural settlement, and residents have to manage their own drinking water and wastewater. Every household produces waste water from washing, hot water, kitchen and toilet waste, which must be treated properly before being discharged into the environment. Discharging untreated wastewater into water bodies or allowing it to soak into the ground has a direct impact on our living environment. Surface water bodies become clogged (eutrophicated) as a result of pollution, groundwater becomes polluted, biodiversity is depleted and diseases can spread. Provided that wastewater is treated properly in the household, there is no risk of contamination of nearby groundwater (drinking water) or deterioration of surface water bodies (Source: ministry of the environment).
Pursuant to Section 107(5) of the Water Act, a local authority is required to establish rules on the treatment and disposal of waste water in its administrative area.
Valga municipality has established Rules for the treatment and disposal of waste water in Valga municipality. The Wastewater Treatment and Waste Water Disposal Regulations set out the requirements in Valga municipality for planning the construction, demolition or modification of wastewater treatment systems. It also contains the possibilities and conditions for the use of the purification service and the requirements for the company providing the purification service.
The Ministry of the Environment, in cooperation with the Environmental Investment Centre, has developed a comprehensive guidance document to help find the best wastewater treatment system.
For information on the importance of waste water treatment and how to do it, see. Wastewater treatment in decentralised areas - why and how?