F401-2016a Septic Tank Sizing Spreadsheet (UNHCR, 2016)
F401-2016a Septic Tank Sizing Spreadsheet (UNHCR, 2016)
F401-2016a Septic Tank Sizing Spreadsheet (UNHCR, 2016)
This sizing calculation tool has been designed to assist UNHCR and WASH actors correctly size septic tanks in
displaced settings taking into account numbers of users, wastewater and sewage flows, sludge and scum
accumulation rates, desludging periods, liquid retention times, and average annual ambient temperatures.
The tool can be used for any size of septic tank from individual household units, to larger structures treating
communal toilet blocks, or groups of households connected by a communal sewer.
Septic tanks should only be used where there is at least 40 litres/pers/day of combined wastewater and sewage.
Note that septic tanks are only effective at reducing between 30% - 40% of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and
BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand). Anaerobic Baffled Reactors (ABRs) may be a more suitable treatment option
where the quality of septic tank effluents are regulated by local governments (e.g. urban contexts).
It is good practice to discuss the results of these septic tank sizing calculations with local government authorities and
members of the displaced community before finalizing the design.
To use the spreadsheet enter data in the orange cells below. Blue cells are calculated automatically!
1.38 m
Adding 0.3m of freeboard we end up with the following inner chamber dimensions:
Chamber Length (m) Width (m) Height (m)
#1 2.76 1.38 1.68
#2 1.38 1.38 1.68