Mactra Marine Equipment will introduce the enteron sewage treatment system to the inland waterways market at Crick Boat Show.

The plant is said to be the smallest certified fully-biological plant for yachts and houseboats, approved by IMO, MARPOL and MED.

“The operation of our mini sewage treatment plant on board yachts and houseboats ensures complete independence from land-based waste management systems,” explained Mactra’s Jim MacDonald.

Automatic pumps

“The system consists of three chambers, an aerobic, anaerobic and another aerobic one. The pumps automatically come on twice a day for 15 seconds to pump the waste through with a bacteria-free liquid produced.

“It takes away the need to go to a pump-out station and is perfectly safe to be released into the waterway.”

The system is based on a human stomach and gut where bacteria are needed to aid digestion.

Waste is flushed into the first tank; solid particles settle and are treated with a macerator pump.

Special bacteria

Any remaining particles are pumped through a special hose system.

Special bacteria then digest and break down the waste leaving a cleaned liquid that can be released into a waterway.

No chemicals are used and the system also has low maintenance costs.

The system can be built for all types of yachts and houseboats and includes a diverter for when the toilet is cleaned.

“Detergent or bleaches will harm the bacteria,” Jim explained. “Instead when cleaning the toilet, the flow can be diverted away from the enteron which then needs to be flushed through with fresh water before the flow is redirected to the enteron.”

A standard system designed for two people uses around 17Ah a day.