Conclusion

Technical solutions do exist for an alternative to "all collective" sewerage. They can provide a lasting, reliable solution for areas where, for economic or technical reasons, it is inappropriate to lay a wastewater collection pipe. In addition to "classic" non-collective sanitation techniques, involving water purification using natural or reconstituted soil, France has recently opened up to purification systems based on principles similar to those of wastewater treatment plants, or to compact filters. This could reshape practices in the field of non-collective sanitation.

Setting up public sanitation services has been more problematic. Some inequalities in treatment are still being observed, and are arousing opposition from users. These difficulties are real and should not be underestimated. One of the challenges over the next few years will be to harmonize practices...