Bolivia
In Bolivia, the regulation on sanitary installations allows on-site solutions and other technologies that the designer can justify. What is not permitted is simply discharging the effluent of a septic tank into the environment. With the basic data on the site and the project we carry out an initial assessment; the final solution is then developed with the relevant professionals and authorisations. This page is general guidance and does not replace legal advice.
Common practice today
Decentralised sanitation is already a reality in Bolivia, and in 2026 new models have been tested in the valleys, the lowlands and the Altiplano.
Septic tank with an infiltration trench or soakaway; the regulation requires field studies and infiltration tests.
Source: Reglamento Nacional de Instalaciones Sanitarias Domiciliarias 2011, MMAyA (Ministry of Environment and Water)The regulation also names ecological toilets and household-level biofilters or wetlands as on-site solutions.
Source: Reglamento Nacional de Instalaciones Sanitarias Domiciliarias 2011, MMAyA (Ministry of Environment and Water)In August 2026 the AAPS (the water and sanitation regulator) reported on a programme with vermifilters, faecal sludge treatment plants and reuse of treated water for irrigation, supported by the Swedish Embassy and the Fundación Aguatuya.
Source: AAPS, press release of 11 August 2026Legal framework
It allows on-site solutions: ecological toilets, septic tanks, household-level biofilters or wetlands and other technological alternatives that the designer can justify. It prohibits discharging the effluent of a septic tank directly into the environment (section 5.6.2).
Source: Reglamento Nacional de Instalaciones Sanitarias Domiciliarias 2011, MMAyA (Ministry of Environment and Water)Wastewater, including domestic wastewater, must be treated before it is discharged into rivers, streams or lakes, according to the class of the receiving water body (arts. 4, 46, 47 and 50).
Source: Reglamento en Materia de Contaminación Hídrica (DS 24176) on FAOLEXThe state regulates and controls any discharge that may pollute water (art. 39). Projects must be categorised for environmental impact assessment before the investment is made (art. 25).
Source: Ley 1333 del Medio Ambiente on LexivoxDefines the sewerage service as the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater into receiving water bodies (art. 8).
Source: Ley 2066 on the EPSAS websiteThe route
The usual order, from the site to the plant in operation.
Using the checklist below, Ektennsa and AQUATO look at the capacity, which system suits the project (PUMP, STABI-KOM or ORKA), its location and where the treated water will go.
The competent body, the local EPSA (water and sanitation utility) or the municipality, certifies whether a connection to the network is possible. If it is not, the project provides for an on-site solution.
Your professionals draw up the project with plans, design calculations and infiltration tests, using the AQUATO technical documentation, and submit it for approval. Depending on the size, Ley 1333 also requires environmental categorisation.
The installation is carried out under supervision, with tests and technical inspections, until the works are formally accepted.
To get started
Leave blank anything you do not have yet. Nothing more is needed to get started.
Location
Department, municipality and location of the site
Site
Area and proof of ownership
Project
Home, housing development, hotel, tourism, community or other
Users
Number of homes or units, users and maximum occupancy
Sanitation
Is there a public network? Is a connection possible?
Site conditions
Topography, slope, soil and available space
Available documents
Site plan, certificate of network availability if available
Treated water
Infiltration, discharge or reuse, depending on the project
First step
With the basic details of the site and the project, Ektennsa and AQUATO carry out an initial assessment.
or directly: WhatsApp · contacto@ektennsa.com
