Sewer System in Moerdijk

You don’t often think about it, but there’s an extensive network of pipes and pressure lines underground that ensures our wastewater is drained away. There are different types of sewer systems. On this page, you can read about the types most commonly found in the municipality of Moerdijk.

Most homes in the villages and towns of Moerdijk are connected to the gravity-fed sewer system. “Gravity flow” means that the sewer pipes are laid at a slight angle. Gravity ensures that the water in the sewer flows naturally in the right direction, towardthe sewage pumping station. The sewer system can be combined or separated (more on that below).

In rural areas, many homes are connected to a mechanical sewer system. Pumps are used to transport the wastewater to the pumping stations and the treatment plant. Finally, there are homes that do not (yet) have a sewer connection and collect and treat their own wastewater using a system known as IBA (Individual Wastewater Treatment).

Combined sewer system

In a combined sewer system, wastewater (from showers and toilets) and stormwater (from roofs and streets) are discharged through the same system to the treatment plant. A drawback of this system is that a relatively large amount of clean stormwater enters the treatment plant. For this reason, a separate sewer system is typically installed in new neighborhoods.

Separate sewer system

In a separated sewer system, wastewater and stormwater are discharged through separate systems. The pipes for wastewater are also referred to as the sewage system. That wastewater is sent to the wastewater treatment plant. The system for rainwater is called the stormwater drainage system (HWA). This water is discharged directly—or after limited treatment—into surface water, such as a ditch or canal.

It is becoming increasingly common for a building’s stormwater drainage system to be completely disconnected from the sewer system. The water can flow from the downspout onto the street or, for example, seep into the ground via a wadi (a type of ditch that collects stormwater).

Mechanical Sewer System

Gravity sewer systems work well when houses are close together, such as in villages or cities. In rural areas, sewage must travel longer distances. Mechanical sewer systems are often used there. In such systems, wastewater is pumped through thin sewer pipes (pressure pipes) to the wastewater treatment plant.

In rural areas, you often see small, green boxes. Those are the pump control boxes. The red light on the box turns on when the pump malfunctions.

IBA

Some homes are not connected to the municipal sewer system. They have an IBA system (Individual Wastewater Treatment), such as a simple wastewater treatment system for a single residence. Discharging untreated wastewater—as was previously done with a septic tank—has been prohibited since 2005.

More information

There are other types of sewer systems as well. You can read more about them on the Rioned Foundation’s website, for example.