1. Historical background

Since the 16th century, the technical development of non-collective systems in France can be divided into two periods:

• 1533-1899: from latrines, toilets and cesspools to septic tanks;

• 1902-1992: Slowly moving towards full-fledged off-grid sanitation, alongside off-grid systems.

Many new systems appeared during the second period, some of which are still in service. As part of the now compulsory inspection of non-collective sanitation systems (§ 2.2