Delphine Schiltz 06:14, March 22, 2023

In France, between 4 and 5 million households are not connected to sewerage, especially in rural areas. A Breton company, Aquatiris, had the idea of using the filtering power of reeds to clean wastewater. A solution that has many advantages.

The UN World Water Conference opens this Wednesday with the challenge of promoting access to sanitation services to the 4 billion people in the world who lack it. In France, between 4 and 5 million households are not connected to sewerage, especially in rural areas. A Breton company, Aquatiris, had the idea of using the filtering power of reeds to clean wastewater. A solution that has many advantages. Europe 1 went to a private home in the Perche.

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An alternative to the septic tank

Reeds to clean wastewater is called phytopurification. A Breton company – Aquatiris – had the idea of developing this type of individual sanitation solution for individuals. An alternative to the septic tank that seduced this retiree installed in the Perche.

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Gravel, sand, and reeds: on his green, slightly sloping ground, Jean-Luc has installed this rustic garden that collects and treats wastewater from his house. A solution that is aimed at those who are not connected to the grid. "For all those who do not have everything in the sewer, this is the perfect solution. Here, everything in the sewer is miles away: we will not cross all the fields! And, in addition, it is ecological," he explains.

95% to 98% efficiency

It is the microorganisms and roots that digest dirt from wastewater. Unlike the septic tank, no CO2 or methane emissions. And it is effective: 95% to 98% purification thanks to plants. It is possible to observe the result at the end of the race. "The water is very, very clear," confirms Jean-Luc, "afterwards, it can go back into the groundwater."

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Edwige Le Douarin, co-founder of Aquatiris, was inspired by communal stations that use this system. "He does the clean-up work, that's the useful thing. And then in addition, he embellishes the garden with green plants that are brought to bloom. That's the nice thing. We combine business with pleasure!"

No need for oil change or filter change, but the solution remains more expensive: between 11,000 and 13,000 euros.