Biodigester per home
This is the standard in public housing; in Loja, for example, the houses handed over in 2025 have a 600-litre biodigester.
Source: Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, 24 April 2026Ecuador
Project without sewer connection in Ecuador: how to start.
In Ecuador the law expressly provides for this case: when wastewater cannot be taken to the sewer system, it is treated on site. This applies to homes, housing complexes, hotels and real estate projects, in both rural and urban areas. With the basic data on the site and the project, we carry out an initial assessment; the final solution is then developed with the appropriate professionals and permits. This page is general guidance and does not replace legal advice.
Legal framework reviewed on 1 October 2026
Common practice today
What exists in Ecuador where there is no sewer connection.
Where the network does not reach, the Ecuadorian market already knows individual solutions.
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Septic pit
In rural areas it is considered an adequate form of sanitation, alongside the sewer system.
Source: INEC and UNICEF, Water, sanitation and hygiene -
Sewer system: 58% in the countryside
According to INEC's ENEMDU 2023 survey, only 58% of rural households have a sewer connection, compared with 85% in the cities.
Source: MIT Sector Plan 2025-2029
Legal framework
What applies in Ecuador.
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Constitution, art. 264: municipal powers
Municipal governments have exclusive powers over drinking water, sewer systems and wastewater treatment.
Source: Constitution of the Republic, art. 264 -
COOTAD, arts. 55 and 137
The municipal GADs (decentralised autonomous governments) carry out sewerage and wastewater treatment in all its phases, with their own ordinances.
Source: COOTAD, Official Register Suppl. 303/2010 -
Código Orgánico del Ambiente (Organic Environmental Code), art. 196
When wastewater cannot be taken to the sewer system, it must be treated in a way that does not harm the receiving waters, soils or wildlife. The works require prior authorisation.
Source: Código Orgánico del Ambiente (environmental code), FAOLEX -
Ley Orgánica de Recursos Hídricos, arts. 80 and 81
Prohibits discharging untreated wastewater. The discharge authorisation is included in the environmental permits.
Source: Ley Orgánica de Recursos Hídricos, Official Register Suppl. 305/2014 -
Acuerdo Ministerial 097-A, annex 1
Sets the discharge limits for sewer systems and bodies of water. Water that does not meet them must be treated, whether its origin is public or private.
Source: Acuerdo Ministerial (ministerial agreement) 097-A, gob.ec
The route
From the site to the approved plant.
The usual sequence, from the site to the plant in operation.
- 01
Basic data and preliminary assessment
Using the checklist below, Ektennsa and AQUATO look at the capacity, which system suits the project (PUMP, STABI-KOM or ORKA), where it goes and where the treated water will be discharged.
- 02
Plot regulations and feasibility
The municipal GAD issues the zoning report (IRM, IPRUS or línea de fábrica) and its water utility issues the service feasibility certificate. If there is no sewer system, the project provides for on-site treatment.
- 03
Environmental regularisation in the SUIA
With the intersection certificate, the competent environmental authority issues the environmental certificate, registration or licence depending on the impact. The discharge of the treated water is included there.
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Building permit
Your professionals submit the plans with the sanitary installations and AQUATO's technical documentation to the GAD; the GAD grants the building permit.
To get started
This information is enough for an initial assessment.
Leave blank anything you do not have yet. Nothing more is needed to get started.
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Location
Province, canton, parish and cadastral code
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Site
Area, title deed and certificate of encumbrances
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Project
Type of project and number of homes, units or facilities
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Users
Expected users and peak occupancy
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Sanitation
Is there a sewer system? Is a connection possible? Is there a feasibility certificate?
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Ground conditions
Topography, soil, water table and available space
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Available documents
IRM or línea de fábrica, site plan, topography
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Treated water
Infiltration, discharge into a body of water or reuse
First step
Tell us what you want to develop.
With the basic details of the site and the project, Ektennsa and AQUATO carry out an initial assessment.
or directly: WhatsApp · contacto@ektennsa.com