Septic chamber and cesspit
This is the rule: 54% of the population, 61% in urban areas and 42% in rural areas.
Source: INE, EPH 2023 (JMP data)Paraguay
Project without sewer connection in Paraguay: how to start.
You do not need to know from the outset which permit applies to you. First we gather the basic data on the site and the project, then the technical and administrative route is determined. This page is general guidance and does not replace legal advice.
Legal framework reviewed on 1 October 2026
Common practice today
What exists in Paraguay where there is no sewer connection.
The vast majority currently deal with their wastewater on their own site, mostly with a septic chamber and a cesspit.
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Cesspit without septic chamber
25% of the population discharge into a cesspit without prior treatment, 30% in rural areas.
Source: INE, EPH 2023 (JMP data) -
Sewer system, for a minority
Only 15% of the population is connected to sewer networks, and less than 10% has treatment.
Source: MEF, water and sanitation sector analysis 2024
Legal framework
What applies in Paraguay.
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Ley 1614/2000: individual systems
Where there is no sanitary sewer system, the user must build the individual systems for the treatment and disposal of excreta on the property and keep them in good sanitary condition (art. 36, subsection e). Their regulation is the responsibility of ERSSAN (art. 10, subsection 11).
Source: Ley 1614/2000 (Law 1614/2000), BACN -
Municipality: land use and building
The Ley Orgánica Municipal (Municipal Organic Law) assigns to the municipalities planning, land use and occupation, subdivisions (loteamientos) and building rules. The planning status of the site is clarified there.
Source: Ley 3966/2010 (Law 3966/2010), BACN -
Environment: Nota de Consulta with MADES
Depending on its characteristics, a project may require a Nota de Consulta (consultation note) with MADES, which is processed only through SIAM. It determines which instrument applies: EIAP, EDE or PGAG, under Ley 294/93.
Source: MADES Resolution 255/2020 -
2021 amendment
Resolution 311/2021 amended articles 4 and 5 and extended article 11 of Resolution 255/2020.
Source: MADES Resolution 311/2021
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, the right plant, where it goes and how the effluent will be disposed of.
- 02
Municipal status
Land use, subdivision and building permit are clarified with the district municipality.
- 03
Environmental consultation
If the project requires it, the Nota de Consulta with MADES through SIAM determines the instrument: EIAP, EDE or PGAG. Your professionals take care of this, using AQUATO's technical documentation.
- 04
Installation and operation
The plant is installed in accordance with the regulations and kept in good sanitary condition, as required by Ley 1614.
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
District, department and coordinates
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Site
Area, finca or padrón number
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Project
Type of project and number of homes or units
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Users
Expected residents and peak occupancy
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Sanitation
Is there a sewer system? Is a connection possible?
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Ground conditions
Soil, slope, water table, infiltration
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Available documents
Title or proof of tenure, site plan, municipal information, environmental background
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Effluent
Intended location for infiltration, discharge 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