An Integrated and Multifaceted Approach for Rural Wastewater Management in Developing Countries

Abstract Submission: Rural wastewater management (RWWM) is essential for the common good of a modern society, and contributes to a range of UN Sustainable Development Goals such as Clean Water and Sanitation, Reduced Inequalities. However, most rural communities in developing countries lack the access to suitable wastewater facilities. Many installed RWWM facilities do not have adequate technical support and funding to sustain the operation and maintenance, are unable to meet the treatment requirements. With the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the authors herein have developed a range of products that identified the needs and challenges of rural communities, demonstrated the diverse characteristics of rural wastewater, introduced the One Water approach for RWWM, described disposal-based criteria, discussed the integrated and multifaceted approach for rural wastewater technology selection, and recommended future directions. The varieties in regional economic developments and local financial well-being, climates (ambient temperatures and rainfalls), availability and conditions of receiving waters, physical and geographical conditions (soils and terrains), and environmental qualities in China were used as the basis for analysis and discussions. The China Rural Wastewater Management Practice Guideline and its companion web-based RWWM tool serve to provide an open-access technical know-how that are available to all for supporting any developing countries. This presentation will discuss the contents and key findings of these ADB work, demonstrate the web-based tool to the attendees, and provide engaged discussions on sustainable rural wastewater management for developing countries. Learnings from this presentation can benefit regulators, engineers, operators, and researchers.

Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) : To learn about (1) the issues and challenges of rural wastewater management (RWWM) in developing countries, (2) an integrated and multifaceted approach for RWWM, and (3) the RWWM Practice Guidance manual and a web-based RWWM tool.