Quick viewing(Text Mode)

ALTERNATIVE TOILETS Options for Conservation and Specific Site Conditions

ALTERNATIVE TOILETS Options for Conservation and Specific Site Conditions

Summer 2000 Vol. 11, No. 3

SMAL AL L N F L O I O

T W

A

S N

C L E E S A U R I N G H O

PipelineSmall Community Wastewater Issues Explained to the Public

ALTERNATIVE Options for Conservation and Specific Site Conditions

ow often do we think about these designs have developed Readership Survey toilets? Probably pretty beyond their use in vacation and travel rarely, and why would we? . They have become part of a We have included a readership survey H Toilets provide a conven- strategy to reduce the amount of potable in this issue of Pipeline. Your feed- ience most Americans take for granted. water used for disposal. back helps us know if we’re satisfying But the standard porcelain fixture isn’t the only rea- readers’ needs and decide on topics we’re accustomed to has been changing son that toilet alternatives have evolved. for future issues. Please take a few moments to answer these questions in these times of water quality protec- Certain site conditions or lack of a water so that we may better serve you. tion and conservation. Manufacturers are supply may make the traditional septic designing alternative toilets that use much tank and soil absorption field unsuitable less water and some models that use no for a home or public restroom facility’s Each toilet has certain features that water at all. wastewater () disposal. These may make one design more appropriate Old-fashioned, water-guzzling toilets problems force a landowner to explore than another for a family’s lifestyle. of the past consumed up to five gallons of other effluent disposal methods. Some toilets are better suited for infre- water per flush. (See table 1 on page 2.) In addition to alternative effluent quent-use situations, such as in vacation Many households still use these dinosaurs. treatment processes, a variety of efficient, cottages or recreational vehicles. And Obsolete toilet designs contribute to the low-flow or waterless toilet systems are some, like the , require estimated 9,000 gallons of potable water available that can resolve the dilemma a commitment to maintain and remove that a person uses to flush away 130 gallons of unsuitable site conditions. Toilet options composted waste material from the of waste a year. That’s an awful include composting, incinerating, chemical, storage tank. Privies and portable toi- lot of good, clean water swirling down and oil flush toilets, and privies. lets are most often used in parks, at the . large outdoor gatherings, or on con- Twenty years ago toilet manufacturers struction sites. began to reduce their tank capacities to This issue of Pipeline discusses the a maximum of 3.5 gallons per flush. previously mentioned types of alternative This reduction in tank size helped toilets, where they may best be used, and lower water consumption somewhat. contacts for additional information. Due Today’s standard low-flow toilets use to space constraints, we cannot present a mere 1.6 gallons of water per flush, a comprehensive discussion of all types and the ultra-low-flow or microflush of alternative toilets in this newsletter. designs use even less. Studies show It is not the National Small Flows that this reduction in water usage has Clearinghouse’s (NSFC) intention to not reduced the flushing capability of endorse one product over another, but these toilets in many models. to inform the readers of options on the Owners of boats, recreational vehi- market. With this information, con- cles, and campers are already sumers can better decide familiar with some alter- which toilet character- native toilet systems. istics may be most Ultra-low-flow, vacu- appropriate in um, and chemical toi- their individual lets have been used circumstances. for years in these limit- ed spaces. Today some of Alternative Toilets

Toilet Options: Ultra-low-flow Important!

Toilet systems in buildings without in new and normal access to public that discharge replacement, the U.S. is expect- must have some treat- ed to save 7.6 billion gallons of ment system in place, whether a hold- water per day by 2020. ing tank for subsequent pumping and Some toilet manufacturers disposal or an onsite have taken water reduction fur- system. Homes and facilities using ther with ultra-low-flow models. toilets that do not discharge waste- (See figure 1.) These toilets can water, still need to have a treatment use as little as 0.25 gallons per system in place to treat and dispose flush. Products vary in that they of all other household wastewater. may have narrower bowls with a smaller water surface, manually controlled water flow (via a foot pedal) into the bowl, or sewage capacity flowing into publicly water pumps to assist in bowl maintained systems. Ultra-low-flow emptying and cleaning. toilets may make building in these areas One model eliminates the possible. Similarly, facilities (like resort “S” of a conventional toilet hotels) facing expansion difficulties due design, enabling waste to be to the size of their existing onsite systems Figure 1. This ultra-low-flow toilet from Microphor in Willits, may install ultra-low-flow toilets, thus California, uses 0.5 gallons of water per flush. washed down using less water. Another product flushes by enabling their present onsite systems to opening a hinged flap to let and adequately treat the reduced wastewater flow. (Note: This reduction in wastewater Ultra-low-flow toilets a small amount of water fall into a lower chamber. After several seconds the flap quantity does not reduce the organic Water conservation awareness reseals, and a blast of compressed air loading rate to the system.) prompted manufacturers to begin making forces the wastewater over the trap and more efficient toilets in the early 1980s. out a discharge line from the toilet. Advantages: The federal established a Public parks, restaurants, hotels, and • Ultra-low-flow toilets reduce water national standard in 1994 other public facilities, such as roadside consumption and costs to the mandating that new toilets sold in the rest areas, are installing these ultra-low- consumer. U.S. use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of flow toilets to help reduce water con- • They contribute to preserving the water for flushing. sumption and subsequent wastewater environment by protecting ground Studies across the country show that disposal. Ultra-low-flow toilets also water from depletion and possible these low-flow toilets reduce water use enable business construction in areas contamination. by 23 to 46 percent, saving an average where restrictions may limit sewage Disadvantages: 10.5 gallons of water per person daily. disposal capacity. • Some ultra-low-flow models may According to the U.S. Environmental For example, many resort areas and require flushing more than once to Protection Agency’s Office of Water, municipalities place restrictions on adequately clean the toilet bowl. through the use of water-efficient toilets

Readers are encouraged to reprint this TABLE 1 Annual Total Water Usage by Toilets* issue or any Pipeline articles in flyers, newspapers, newsletters, or educational Water Consumption Water Consumption by Number of People in Househol presentations. We request that you include by Toilets gal/year the name and phone number of the NSFC gal/flush on the reprinted information and send 1 2 3 4 5 us a copy for our files. 1.5 2,190 4,380 6,570 8,760 10,950 If you have questions about reprinting 3.5 5,110 10,220 15,330 20,440 25,550 articles or about the topics discussed in the newsletter, please contact the NSFC 5.0 9,125 18,250 27,375 36,500 45,625 at (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191. 7.0 10,220 20,440 30,660 40,880 51,100

* Assumes four flushes per day per person for 365 days. 2 PIPELINE — Summer 2000; Vol.11, No. 3 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 Alternative Toilets

Toilet Options: Composting

Composting toilets An exhaust system (which is usually A number of designs for composting driven by a fan) vents , carbon toilets exist, but the process for waste dioxide, and moisture from the reactor treatment is basically the same in each bin to the outdoors. Air must also be of them. (See figure 2 for an example drawn into the system so oxygen is of a composting toilet system.) Human available for growth of the aerobic waste is biologically decomposed in a organisms. Screening should tightly cover relatively moist environment by naturally the exterior vent pipe opening to prevent occurring microorganisms. A typical flies and/or other from entering system consists of a composting reactor the composting system. tank or bin (sized according to frequency During the composting process, natu- of use and number of users) connected rally occurring aerobic and fungi to one or more waterless toilets in the break down organic materials. Bulking house or other structure. agents need to consist of materials that Figure 3. Residences without basements can have break down quickly to avoid filling the a composting reactor bin built in a water tight The reactor bin contains and controls structure adjacent to the house beneath the the of excrement, toilet bin with these substances. ground’s surface. Clivus Multrum illustration. , and any organic (carbon-based) usually keeps the composting called “,” resembles soil, but bulking agents. Bulking agents may waste material moist enough—50 to 70 legally must be either buried or removed include wood chips (other than cedar or percent moisture is fine for thorough by a licensed septage hauler, depending redwood), straw, hay, or grain hulls. No decomposition. But, decomposition nearly on state and local regulations. liquid is added to the collected material stops if the moisture level drops below The composting bin and the toilet stool inside the bin except for urine. This 40 percent. To remedy an over-dry or seat can be constructed as a self- condition promotes the growth of aerobic condition, some designs have a sprayer contained unit. (See figure 4.) Self-con- (air-requiring) organisms that decompose built in that draws liquid collected in tained systems, because of their small the waste. the bottom of the reactor to rewet size, are most suitable for vacation cot- Temperature within the reactor also the pile. tages or very small families. Daily res- plays a role in composting. The As in any composting action, the idential use may overload these small- process itself creates heat in the material decomposing material needs to be turned er toilet systems, so the consumer being composted. High temperatures periodically to break up the mass. This should consider purchasing a system may inhibit growth of beneficial organ- action helps the pile to remain porous with extra capacity. isms, thereby slowing decomposition. and aerated so that the aerobic organisms Alternatively, composting toilets can Low temperatures (less than 41º F) may can accomplish their work. be connected to a centralized tank reactor stop the composting process until tem- A correctly sized and maintained located in a basement of a home or built peratures increase enough for biological composting toilet system produces a final beneath the toilets, as in a public rest- decomposition to resume. Composting material that is 10 to 30 percent of its room. (See figure 3 for an example.) activity is best between 78º F and 113º F. original volume. The product that remains, These larger composting reactors can be built with rotating drums, as mentioned Figure 2. A typical single-chambered composting toilet system. Illustration based on the Clivus Multrum system. earlier, to encourage waste decomposi- tion. Or, they may be built with a sloped

air vent bottom where fresh wastes remain at the toilet top of the slope as the bottom of the

floor pile ages. Heat and a fan-powered exhaust system help remove excess toilet chute composting pile moisture and speed the composting inspection hatch process in some models. controller composting pile The composted end-product can be produced in either a single-chambered, continuous process or in multi-chamber compost liquid access batch units. A continuous composting compost liqu system has a single chamber for con- storage tank continued on page 4 3

PIPELINE — Summer 2000; Vol.11, No. 3 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 Alternative Toilets

for flushing, thereby • Too much liquid in the composter reducing household can disrupt the process if it is not water consumption. drained and properly managed. • They reduce the • Most composting toilet systems amount and strength require a power source. of wastewater to be disposed of onsite. • They are well suited Composting Toilet for remote sites Do’s and Don’ts where conventional onsite systems Do: are not feasible. • They have low * Keep the cover down power consumption. and the waste valve closed when • Composting toilets not in use to prevent odors from productively recycle human waste escaping. back into the envi- * Put into the toilet. ronment. * Add organic bulking material to • They can compost selected kitchen the toilet occasionally. waste, reducing * Clean the seat area with mild soap. household garbage. * Determine the proper disposal • They may allow a means according to state and Figure 4. A self-contained composting toilet unit. The composting bin is locat- property owner to ed under and behind the toilet seat. Photo courtesy of BioLet U.S.A. install a reduced-size local regulations. continued from page 3 soil absorption system taining the waste material, which is added for graywater disposal, minimizing Don’t: to the top of the unit, and the finished costs and disruption to the landscape. * Throw any trash (sanitary products, compost is removed from the bottom. (Check local and state regulations.) A batch composter has at least two diapers, paper-towels, etc.), chambers. When one chamber is filled, Disadvantages: cigarettes, matches, or burning the waste stored inside is left to break • Maintenance of composting toilets material into the toilet. down, and the system is switched to use requires a high level of responsibility the other chamber. These systems seg- and commitment by owners. * Use harsh chemicals, chlorine bleach regate the older waste material from fresh • Removing the end-product is an or toxic chemicals on or in the material, thus reducing the risk of finding unpleasant job if the system is not toilet. living disease organisms () properly installed or maintained. in the finished compost. • Composting toilet systems must be * Pour quantities of water into the Composting systems may also have used in conjunction with a graywater toilet. active or passive reactor bins. Passive system where other fixtures * Empty compost from bin until it systems use a simple, moldering or are in place. crumbling process, whereby the waste • Smaller units may have limited is decomposed. material accumulates and decomposes capacity for accepting peak loads. * Remove compost from a filled without added heat, electric fans, or • Improper maintenance makes cleaning external composter unless it has mechanical mixing. Active systems may difficult and may lead to health have any or all of the following features: hazards and problems. been composting for six to 12 automatic mixers, pile-leveling devices, • Using an inadequately treated end- months or longer. tumbling drums, thermostatically con- product as a soil amendment may trolled heaters, and fans. have possible health and environ- mental consequences. From The CompostingToilet Book. Advantages: • Composting excrement may be visible • Composting toilets do not require water in some systems. 4 PIPELINE — Summer 2000; Vol.11, No. 3 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 Alternative Toilets

County Park Solves Restroom Problem

Two restrooms recently built at the new out the alternatives and decided on the periodically by tines that rotate by turning Quail Ridge Park in St. Charles County, composting system. a crank from outside the . An Missouri, are considered both ecologically Two tanks, roughly eight feet automatic sprayer, using fluids collected and user friendly. These restrooms tall, sit in a basement area under each of in the bottom of the reactor bin, maintains require no public water or the proper degree of moisture in sewage connections. the composting material. The park uses a composting Mills explained that a 200- toilet system design, wherein gallon tank holds collected human waste decomposes rainwater for the and to through the work of the natural clean the building. The solar col- elements of air, sunshine, and lector panels in the roof charge pine chips. A fan powered by batteries that operate all of the solar-energized batteries sucks electrical equipment including air downward from the toilet, the pump that provides the virtually eliminating the odors pressure for the wash-down that plague most . hose and the sprinkler system. Curt Loupe, director of the St. “This is a pretty complexlittle Charles County Parks and This restroom facility is located at Quail Ridge Park in St. Charles, Missouri. building,” Mills said. “It’s got Recreation Department, said he The basement holds two composting reactor tanks. Solar radiation provides solar heating, solar electricity, both heat and electricity to the building. Photo courtesy of Kevin Mills. and his staff researched com- rainwater catchment for clean-up posting toilets because the Quail water, self-closing toilet seats, a Ridge Park site does not yet have the restrooms. Kevin Mills, who provided clear roof, on and on. It’s very nice.” access to public sewer lines. the composting toilet system at Quail The end product of the composting Loupe heard from other park directors Ridge Park, explained that waste material process is collected in a plastic tray and employees from around the country is deposited onto pine chips in the bin. containing about two cubic feet of that they had encountered “the cleanest, Solar-heated air from roof-mounted col- material that is “kind of like topsoil” that neatest restrooms they had ever been in” lectors is forced downward through pipes can be used in an ornamental garden or at the Grand Canyon National Park. This into the system to increase the decompo- spread in a nearby field (depending on information prompted Loupe to contact sition rate. Moreover, the basement is state and local regulations). the National Park for a list of insulated to maintain a constant tempera- Portions of this material were taken companies that install restrooms in isolat- ture conducive to composting. from an article in the May 22, 1999, ed parts of public parks. Loupe checked The composting wastes are stirred St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Historic Town Leaps into 21st Century

Virtually everyone who visits Old Town wastewater runs through a series of “This system is a real blessing for the Spring in the extreme northern part of several septic tanks followed by an aerobic area because more than 1,000 people Harris County, Texas, comes to take a treatment system. Effluent is disinfected come to visit and shop here on a typical step back in time and to have a great and pumped to a high pressure sand filter. weekend,” John Blount, manager of the experience. This village features many This wastewater is then recycled to flush Harris County Office onsite antique stores, specialty shops, and a the toilets. The water is colored with a wastewater program, said. “Obviously variety of restaurants. The atmosphere blue-green tint so people will know it is they needed a public restroom because is pleasant and easy going. not potable water. so many of the shops are small and lack Until recently, the village lacked one At the end of the process, the such facilities. In fact, people were so vitally important feature—a public rest- effluent is distributed to a small 5,000- excited when this [facility] was built two room. Because centralized sewers don’t square-foot drainfield that provides years ago that community leaders hosted extend to Old Town Spring, an onsite landscaping around the public restroom and participated in a ‘potty parade’ to system was the appropriate choice for building and an adjacent small museum. celebrate the opening of the system.” wastewater treatment. The system is designed so that, on average, Information courtesy of Texas Onsite The onsite system that was designed a gallon of wastewater is recycled and Insights (August 1997), on the Web at for the village uses waterless and reused five times before it is sent to the http://twri.tamu.edu/twripubs/Insights. ultra-low-flow 0.5-gallon toilets. The disposal field. 55

PIPELINE — Summer 2000; Vol.11, No. 3 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 SPRAYAlternative & DRIP Toilets

likelihood of liquid wastes boiling over Toilet Options: Incinerating during . The toilet seat is lifted and a cover plug is inserted over Incinerating toilets The fan continues to run after the heating the chamber opening to act as a fire wall. A timer is set according to the rec- Incinerating toilets are self-contained, cycle finishes to cool the incinerating unit. ommended duration for the load size. A waterless systems that don’t discharge The entire cycle of burning waste to a gas valve is turned to the pilot position any effluent. They rely on electric power, small amount of ash takes from 1.5 to and ignited by pressing a button. The oil, natural gas, or propane to burn human 1.75 hours. pilot light ignites the burner, which waste to a sterile ash. When properly Maintenance of the electric inciner- automatically locks down the unit installed, an is safe ating toilet includes: (similar to a self-cleaning oven), so the and relatively easy to maintain. • regular emptying of the ash collection toilet cannot be used during the burning An electric-powered incinerating pan, cycle. The complete incinerating cycle toilet (see figure 5) is designed with a • cleaning the outer surfaces including takes from 1.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on paper-lined upper bowl to hold newly the upper bowl halves, the waste load. deposited waste. This paper liner is • periodic (every 90 days) cleaning of Several factors must be considered replaced after each use. “Flushing” is the blower motor and occasional replacement of the blower wheel, when installing a gas-fired incinerating • cleaning and lubricating the foot toilet. The toilet, being a gas fixture, must pedal mechanism, and be routinely inspected for integrity of • annual inspection of the odor- connections. Gas appliances must also be removing catalyst. adequately vented to the outdoors. A gray- water system must be in place to treat and

toilet bowl

vent exhaust fan incinerating chamber

ash pan

Figure 5. An electric incinerating toilet system. Illustration based on the Incinolet toilet from Research Products, Dallas, Texas.

accomplished by pressing a foot pedal, A gas-fired incinerating toilet can be dispose of all other wastewater produced causing an insulated chamber cover to lift installed anywhere that has a propane in the home or building. An air space must and swing to the side while the bowl or natural gas source. The toilet unit has be provided beneath the unit to ensure halves separate. The paper liner and its an integral storage tank that can accom- proper drafting/airflow during the contents drop into the incinerating cham- modate 40 to 60 uses before beginning incineration cycle. Rugs and carpets ber. When the foot pedal is released, the the incinerating cycle. According to the should not be installed under the unit. chamber cover reseals, and the bowl only manufacturer of gas-fired inciner- And, intake air vents may need to be halves return to the closed position. ating toilets, Storburn International Inc., installed if the incinerating toilet is The system is designed to burn indi- these systems can accommodate eight installed in an enclosed, air-tight room. vidual deposits, while outside surfaces to 10 workers in an average work day or remain cool to the touch. Burning begins six to eight people in a cottage or residence Advantages: with a press of the “start” button located in a normal-use day. • Units are self-contained and use no on the frame of the toilet. An electric Gas-fired incinerating toilets do not water. • No effluent is discharged. heating unit cycles on and off for 60 have a toilet bowl. The waste drops into Disadvantages: minutes while a blower motor draws air a holding chamber directly beneath the • A power source must be available. from the incineration chamber over a seat of the unit. An aerosol masking foam • Ash must be removed and the incin- heat-activated catalyst to remove odors. can be used to reduce odors and cover erating unit must be cleaned. The air then flows (with help from a wastes between incineration cycles. • Units cannot be used during the fan) to the outdoors through a vent pipe. Before the burning process begins, incinerating cycle. an anti-foaming agent must be added • Incinerating toilets are not practical 6 to the heating chamber to reduce the for public use. PIPELINE — Summer 2000; Vol.11, No. 3 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 Alternative Toilets

Toilet Options: Other Alternatives

Other toilet alternatives • regular waste removal by a ground. Privies should not be located Several additional alternative toilet licensed hauler, and on soils with a high water table, on a designs can be purchased and installed • the waste must be treated at a flood plain, or in an area where bedrock for home use or public restrooms, sewage treatment facility. (Note: is close to the ground’s surface. Solid depending on needs and individual Chemical toilets may upset or wastes decompose into humus in the pit, preferences. One, the oil-, inhibit the biological processes and liquids seep into the soil. uses a closed-loop system that employs used in conventional treatment A sealed vault privy, which is more mineral oil to flush wastes from the plants, so the facility must be likely to be seen in state and national toilet bowl. The waste flows to a designed to accept these wastes.) parks, has a holding tank set into the gravity separation tank where the oil Vacuum toilets are used most often ground below the privy building. The tank, which should be capable of holding up to 1,000 gallons of waste, must be pumped out periodically, depending on frequency of use. The tank must be air and water tight, except for the waste entry hole and a vent stack that extends above the roof of the privy. Some regulations require a self-closing door. As with open pit privies, vault privies should not be installed on a flood plain or where a high seasonal water table occurs.

FYI Figure 6. Portable toilets, like these at Four Corners, where Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and The Environmental Services and Utah meet, must be pumped out frequently by a service tank truck. Training Division has re-established floats to the top and the heavier wastes in boats. They consume about 0.25 gal- their online discussion boards in a . The oil is then drawn off the top, lons of water per flush. A vacuum is new form. Please check them out and filtered, and recirculated to the toilet. maintained in the system at all times. contribute at the following Web sites: The oil remains clear and odorless. Water is drawn into the bowl by lifting Wastes are drained from the bottom a lever in one model, then flushing is http://www.estd.wvu.edu/forum/nsfc of the collection tank and are then accomplished by pressing the lever. incinerated, composted, or removed by The change in pressure in the vacuum http://www.estd.wvu.edu/forum/ndwc a licensed septage hauler. tank activates the vacuum pump, which Chemical toilets are similar to pulls the wastewater down through the http://www.estd.wvu.edu/forum/netc other models that store wastes in a system and deposits it in the holding holding tank. Water mixed with tank. http://www.estd.wvu.edu/forum/nodp chemical preservatives is the medium Privies or outhouses still have a place for holding wastes. These substances in today’s world. Some public parks, stop biological activity and prevent homes, and cottages in remote areas still decomposition. The volume of waste use pit privies to contain human wastes. and organic strength are not reduced. These facilities may seem primitive, but Correction Spring 2000 Pipeline A valve opens to drain the holding when properly constructed and main- The map on page seven of the spring 2000 Pipeline incorrectly tank in some models, or the entire tained, they can adequately resolve the indicated that site evaluations are holding tank lifts out in other models. problem of sanitary human waste dis- not discussed in Idaho state Chemical toilets, like the portable posal. State and local guidelines must be regulations. We apologize for this toilets shown in figure 6, require followed in constructing privies. inaccuracy. • onsite storage of chemicals and An open pit privy consists of a small waste, building situated above a hole in the 7 PIPELINE — Summer 2000; Vol.11, No. 3 National Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301 RESOURCESSPRAY AVAILABLE & DRIP IRRIGATION FROM NSFC To order any of the following products, Customized Bibliographic Database volume. It also discusses the use of low- call the National Small Flows Clearinghouse Search flow devices and composting equipment. (NSFC) at (800) 624-8301 or (304) Individual computer searches of the The price of the video is $10. 293-4191, fax (304) 293-3161, e-mail NSFC’s bibliographic database are Item #WWVTGN13. [email protected], or write available by request. Call the NSFC to NSFC, West Virginia University, P.O. and ask to speak with a technical assis- PIPELINE Box 6064, Morgantown, WV 26506-6064. tance specialist to request a search. A Be sure to request each item by number per-page charge will be assessed. and title. A shipping and handling charge Item #WWPCCM12. will apply. Pipeline is published quarterly by the National Small Computer Search: Low-Flush Toilets Flows Clearinghouse at West Virginia University, Alternative Toilets Included in this booklet are lists of article P.O. Box 6064, Morgantown, WV 26506-6064 Package citations and abstracts on the topic of Pipeline is funded through a grant from the low-flush toilets from the NSFC’s bib- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency This book lists addresses, telephone Washington D.C. numbers, and product literature for liographic database. Cost for the booklet Steve Hogye—Project Officer is $2.75. Item #WWBLCM21. Municipal Support Division manufacturers of alternative toilet systems Office of Wastewater Management such as composting, incinerating, low- Alternative Toilets from the State National Small Flows Clearinghouse flush, and portable toilets. Product West Virginia University brochures from 12 manufacturers are Regulations Morgantown,WV Peter Casey—Program Coordinator included. The price is $7.20. This book is a compilation of each state’s Michelle Moore—Editor Item #WWBKGN09. Michelle Sanders—Graphic Designer onsite regulations related to no-flow Andrew Lake—Technical Advisor toilets (composting toilets, incinerating Permission to quote from or reproduce articles in Computer Search: Composting toilets, privies, recycling systems, and this publication is granted when due acknowledgement is given. Please send a copy of the publication in which informa- Toilets chemical toilets). A list of state regulatory tion was used to the Pipeline editor at the address above. Eight abstracts are included in this NSFC contacts is provided. The price is computer search on composting toilets. $15.40. Item #WWBKRG23. an equal opportunity/affirmative action Description, applicability, treatment institution capacity, operation, maintenance ISSN 1060-0043 The Alternative is Conservation The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views and requirements, cost, and design are dis- This 20-minute video discusses water policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the mention cussed. Cost for the booklet is $5.35. of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or conservation as a way to lower demands recommendation for use. Item #WWBLCM02. on and lower wastewater Printed on recycled paper

For wastewater information, call the NSFC at (800) 624-8301 or (304) 293-4191

DRS EVC REQUESTED SERVICE ADDRESS

MORGANTOWN, WV MORGANTOWN,

Morgantown, WV 26506-6064 WV Morgantown,

PERMIT NO. 34 NO. PERMIT

P.O. Box 6064 Box P.O. U.S. POSTAGE PAID POSTAGE U.S.

West Virginia University Virginia West

8 STANDARD

National Small Flows Clearinghouse Flows Small National PRESORTED Pipeline Survey We’d like to hear from you. Your feedback helps us know what subjects our readers want to see appear in Pipeline. Our last survey in 1997 generated a number of topics that ultimately became newsletter features. Your input truly is important to us in producing Pipeline.

Please take a few minutes to complete this readership survey. To return it, just fold the page, tape it, and drop it in the mail. No postage is required. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.

What topics would you like to see in future issues of Pipeline? ______

Are you a . . . ❐ local government official? ❐ health official? ❐ consultant? ❐ federal government official? ❐ state government official? ❐ homeowner ❐ other (please specify) ______

Do you find information in Pipeline useful? ❐ Yes ❐ No

Has learning about a subject in Pipeline helped you or your community save money? ❐ Yes ❐ No helped you or your community progress in wastewater treatment and disposal? ❐ Yes ❐ No

Do you use the information in Pipeline to educate others? ❐ Yes ❐ No

After you’ve finished reading your copy of Pipeline, do you ❐ save it for reference? ❐ route it to others? ❐ reproduce and distribute it? To whom? ______❐ throw it away / recycle?

Pipeline is now available through the National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Web site at www.nsfc.wvu.edu. Do you have Internet access? ❐ Yes ❐ No

Have you visited the NSFC’s Web site? ❐ Yes ❐ No

Have you ever ordered information or products mentioned in Pipeline? ❐ Yes ❐ No Pipeline Survey Please share any additional ideas, suggestions, or comments you have concerning Pipeline. ______

Please provide your name and address below if you would like a free subscription to any of the Environmental Service and Training Division’s other publications. — Small Flows Quarterly, the NSFC magazine that explores small community wastewater issues — On Tap, a quarterly National Clearinghouse (NDWC) newsletter that covers drinking water technical, regulatory, and management topics — Water Sense, the NDWC’s quarterly about drinking water financial issues — E-train, a quarterly newsletter from the National Training Center for Small Communities covering environmental training activities

Would you be willing to serve as a contact for future Pipeline articles? ❐ Yes ❐ No If so, please identify your area(s) of expertise: ______

Name: ______E-mail: ______Telephone: ______Job Title: ______Organization: ______Address: ______

Thank You for Your Time and Feedback! Please Fold and Tape to Return

NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO.6 MORGANTOWN, WV

POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY THE ADDRESSEE

ATTN: Pipeline Editor National Small Flows Clearinghouse West Virginia University P.O. Box 6064 Morgantown, WV 26506-9900

Top View