Sisal Underground Drainage System (SUDS)
Biological wastewater treatment system designed to manage domestic sewage in areas without public drainage systems
About SUDS
The Sisal Underground Drainage System has come to help manage the drainage and sanitation problems of Ghana and Africa as a whole. It takes wastewater and treats it biologically, then releases it into the soil to drain away.
This innovative system solves the problem of septic tank failures resulting from soakaway failures, providing a reliable and sustainable solution for wastewater management.
System Classifications
Residential SUDS
Seven classes designed for homes (RC1 - RC7)
The residential system comes in seven classes. As the class number increases, the complexity and cost decrease, while maintaining effective functionality. Designed so every home in Ghana can afford proper drainage.
Note: Higher class numbers (e.g., RC7) are simpler and more affordable, while lower numbers (e.g., RC1) offer more complex features.
System Components
Primary Filtration Chamber
A chamber made from blocks which first receives the wastewater. Its function is to filter out bigger and coarse particles in or suspended in wastewater.
Secondary Filtration Chamber
This chamber is designed to remove fine particles, toxins, and odor from the wastewater, providing a second level of treatment.
Tertiary Filtration / Primary Drainage Field
This chamber further filters the water and drains it into the soil, providing the final stage of treatment before release.
Trench Drainage Field
Trenches through which water is sprinkled to drain into the soil. Handles overflow from the primary drainage system when volume is moderate.
Pit Drainage Field
Pits designed to support the primary drainage field during high pressure or when porosity decreases over time, preventing surface pooling.
Sprinklers
Transport vessels that carry water which overflows the barrier level, ensuring proper distribution throughout the drainage system.
Note: The barrier level is a designed level through which water must not exceed, ensuring optimal system performance and preventing overflow issues.