Design of Communal Septic Vault with Multi-

Medium Filtration Treatment at Purok Langan,

Kapalong, Davao del Norte
Shaina May L. Lipranum, Stephanie Bell A. Guinita, Charles John C. Torno
College of Engineering, University of Mindanao
Matina, Davao City, Philippines
shynalipranum@gmail.com
pamsguinita017@gmail.com
charls.torno@gmail.com

Abstract— Eliminating wastewater and direct discharging
into any water body had already been recognized as
undesirable impact contributor to the environment as they
carry pollutants such as abundance of nutrients and
malodorous gases. This has therefore led to various
wastewater treatment techniques in view of environmental
sustainability. However, there is an inevitable problem that
some parts of the world especially the least developed
countries, do not pay much attention to the importance of
wastewater treatment. The main objective is to orient the
locals specifically to the least developed communities on
how to properly dispose domestic wastewater. Also, a
lasting solution to mitigate the contamination of water
bodies is by designing a communal septic vault with multi-
medium filtration treatment. Sand and gravel filtration are
more advantageous as a medium since it is readily available
and was proven to treat wastewater before dispatch.
Index Terms— Sand and Gravel Filtration, Wastewater, Septic
Vault, Effluent
I. INTRODUCTION
Improper disposal of domestic or residential wastewater
had already been recognized as one of the contributors of
environmental pollution. Orientations and seminars, all in
informative conveyance of the causes and effects are spread to
communities. However, some remoted areas still lack in
knowledge of such learning hence emerges the problem. This
study attempts to improve the living conditions of the affected
communities of the indigenous people and to minimize diseases
caused by water contamination. Safety is utmost important. By
designing a communal septic vault having a layer of sand, and
gravel filtration to apply basic filtration before disposing in to
the water bodies available in the area rather than disposing it
directly from the septic vault. Sand and Gravel Filtration is an
extremely effective filter media because of its ability to hold
back precipitates containing impurities. These filter medias are
key factors in filtrating effluents allowing it to flow water
directly at the river.
The removal of residual suspended solids and unsettled
microorganisms may be achieved using filtration process [10].
Also, filtration can reduce nutrients in the pretreated water.
Moreover, it has been emphasized that sand filter produce
effluent with very low ammonia levels that is responsible for
significant odors. It also helps avoid the need of chlorine dosage
in the wastewater [16]. Filtration can improve both the physical
and microbial quality of water. The two common types of
granular filters which are the slow sand filters and rapid sand
filters. Though both are effective in removal of pathogens, they
differ in the filtration rate of water [4], which means that slow
sand has longer filter runs than the rapid one. Slow sand
requires a single sand medium which is always readily available
whereas the rapid sand uses dual or multimedia filters (sand,
coal and carbon).
Since the existing water closets at Prk. Langan, Kapalong,
Davao del Norte are all connected to a single chamber known
as “Dry Well” in which the effluent flows directly towards the
water table by soil filtration. As a result, rivers were
contaminated as well as the pump wells of the residents nearby.
(reconstruct)
This will help the community to become more concern in
their surroundings. According to the purok’s barangay health
worker Mrs. Merlita Suminguil, water borne diseases were
observed since 2010. In line with this, residence in this area
should be oriented on how to properly dispose their domestic
wastes. They need to have an eco-friendly and sustainable
septic vault that the locals are already familiar. (reconstruct)
The result of this study will help the Indigenous People to
adapt proper sanitation and to prevent them from using the river
as their sanitary place, thus will save the river from being
contaminated. Therefore, this will serve as a building block for
the future action to hand over excellent information and
suggestion to the community who’s in the remote areas and to
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR). (reconstruct)
 Since the design of a septic vault is not limited to size and
volumes, this study clearly needs further development and
continuation. The advocate of this study has made
recommendations for improvement. There is no doubt that the
treatment options provided, require mechanical and electrical
equipment and processes. The design of this aspect is also
recommended to undergo research and development under a
Sanitary Engineer. (reconstruct)
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
The diagram below summarizes the flow of this
research study.
A. Conceptual Framework
RESIDENTIAL
UNTREATED WATER
PROPOSAL OF SAND
AND GRAVEL AS
MEDIUM IN FILTRATION
COMPLETE
DETAILING OF THE
DESIGN
RECOMMENDATION OF
THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE DESIGN.
Fig. 1 Conceptual Framework
This study focuses on the problem that some of the
communities are still not practicing proper sanitation. To
address this problem, the sand and gravel filtration design is
utilized in order for the effluent to be treated before dispatching
it to the river.
B. Research Materials and Equipment
AutoCAD 2015. Using this software, the detailing of the
design treatment facility shall be sketched and presented to
show the results on the design calculations. Details shall
include operator dimensions and material specifications.
C. Methods and Procedures
This study used the method of action research. It
initiates the problem of improper sanitation of the community,
which leads to continuous river contamination.
Mapping. This activity includes the location of the site. The
researchers will create an outline map to show the layout of the
pipelines and culvert used to convey domestic wastewater to
the communal septic vault from houses.
Site investigation. This activity includes a site inspection. The
researchers carry out a site visit in their respective areas to
determine the septic vault’s potential area.
Preliminary Output. This activity involves encoding, drawing
up the results of the site investigation and designing the septic
vault using AutoCAD software.
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In this part of the study, discussion and results are stated.
A. Domestic Waste Orientation
With the help of Local Government Units, orientation
must be conducted for the awareness of the community
regarding proper disposal of domestic wastes.
B. Map Lay-out
Figure 2 shows the map lay-out of sanitary network
located at Prk. Langan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, which has
a recorded population count of 883 as of 2018. The map layout
of sanitary network presented the potential location of the
communal septic vault along with the pipelines. The encircled
portion in the map is a proposed area for installation of
communal septic vault with its filtration tank. It’s a vacant area
that measures around 200 sq. m. The total area of septic vault
is 158.4 and the filtration tank is 5 sq. m having a total area of
163.4 sq. m. so the said are can accommodate the maximum
designed size. The potential area is less elevated and accessible
to all residential houses in the area. The sanitary network
consists of two types of pipelines, the House Sewer is the
pipeline conveying sewage from the houses to the main line
while the Main Line is the pipeline that transports wastewater
to the septic vault.
Fig.2 Map lay-out of Prk. Langan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte
C. Design of Communal Septic Vault
 In 2018, the gathered population count was 883 person.
Based on this data, the following calculations have been drawn.
House Sewer. Computed minimum required size based on the
data’s gathered is 0.0854 mm or 8.54 m but since stated in the
book of Fajardo another way to determine the diameter of the
pipe to determine the number of fixtures involved, multiplied
by the corresponding fixture units in table 1. As a result, the
researchers ended up using the diameter of 50 mm PVC Pipe.
Main Line Sewer. Computed minimum required size based on
the data’s gathered is 0.055 mm or 50.55 m but since the
minimum size of a precast concrete culvert available is 150
mm, therefore 150 mm diameter is to be used.
Fittings. In pipe systems, fitting is used to connect straight pipe
or tubing sections, adopt to different sizes or shapes and for
other purposes such as control or measurement of fluid flow. In
the mapping layout from figure 2, the piping’s used were 124-
45 degrees elbow and 1 tee fitting with the same diameter as
the pipelines.
Septic Vault. Computed dimensions based on the population
data gathered has a total length of 10.8 m and a total width of
11 m, with a total area of 158.4 sq. m. The septic vault consists
of two chambers which are the digestive and leaching chamber.
Digestive chamber has a total area of 7.2 m x 11m, while the
leaching chamber has a total area of 3.6m x 11m.
Sand and Gravel Filtration. Filter bed area to be used is 5 sq.
m per filter. The depth of sand and gravel are 1.2 m and 0.6 m
respectively [17].
IV. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORKS
The main goal of this study is to provide an innovative
and practical method of disposing domestic wastewater
properly. It is recommended that this study be carried out in
order to raise awareness of the importance and urgency of the
local sewage system in order to improve our water bodies and
conserve them. Sand and gravel are proven effective as a
medium of filtration, due to its advantageous characteristics on
filtering wastewater.
V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The completion of this study would not have been
possibly achieved without the help and guidance of the
individuals present who non-hesitatingly extended their support
and time to us, proponents. To Engr. Marie Fe Y. Lacsado, our
subject adviser, for believing and that we have the capability to
finish this study; To Jose S. Condonar Jr., our thesis adviser,
for his assistance, help and encouragement; To Engr. Esther
Consuelo Tan, for her perseverance to check and to help the
researchers’ data to be organized and well presented; To Engr.
Meryl Mae Rodriguez for the assistance and ideas she shared to
us; To the researcher’s family and friends, for their
overwhelming spiritual, moral and financial support that made
this research be possible. For the family and friends of the
researcher, for their overwhelming spiritual, moral and
financial support that enabled this research. And above all to
the Almighty God for the gift of life, knowledge and wisdom
which enable us to succeed.
VI. REFERENCES
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