Septic tank with infiltration
This is the alternative that standard IS.020 provides for in areas without a network, always followed by a percolation system. Infiltrating untreated wastewater is not permitted.
Source: Standard IS.020 (RNE), gob.pePeru
Project without sewer connection in Peru: how to start.
You do not need to wait for the sewer system to arrive or to have the final design. 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 Peru where there is no sewer connection.
Peruvian regulations provide for the septic tank where there is no network, but consider it only a primary treatment. In the countryside, the cesspit is still more common.
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Primary treatment only, sludge every year
The effluent from the septic tank is not suitable for a body of water and needs complementary treatment. The tank is inspected at least once a year and the sludge is removed periodically.
Source: Standard IS.020 (RNE), gob.pe -
Biodigesters in rural programmes
The basic sanitation units of the Ministry of Housing use a septic tank or biodigester, always with a soakaway or infiltration trench.
Source: Ministry of Housing, 15 May 2025 -
The reality in the countryside
In rural areas, 24.5% of the population dispose of excreta in a cesspit and 14.8% in a septic pit.
Source: INEI, water and sanitation bulletin 2024
Legal framework
What applies in Peru.
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DS 001-2025-VIVIENDA: universal sanitation service
Approves the consolidated text (Texto Único Ordenado) of Decreto Legislativo 1280. It is the national framework for drinking water and sanitation services, in urban and rural areas, and includes the treatment of wastewater for final disposal or reuse.
Source: DS 001-2025-VIVIENDA (supreme decree), gob.pe -
Standard IS.020: systems where there is no network
The technical standard of the Reglamento Nacional de Edificaciones (National Building Regulations) allows on-site solutions in rural or urban areas without a sewer network, or where the network is too far away. It requires sufficient area for their operation, at the discretion of the health authorities.
Source: Standard IS.020 (RNE), gob.pe -
Ley 29090: licence and planning parameters
Regulates urban development approvals (habilitaciones urbanas) and buildings. The municipality issues the certificate of planning and building parameters and the building licence.
Source: Ley 29090, Congress of the Republic -
Ley 29338: discharge into bodies of water
If the treated water is discharged into a river, lake or the sea, the Autoridad Nacional del Agua (ANA, National Water Authority) authorises it on the basis of the quality standards and maximum permissible limits (art. 79). Reuse of the treated water also requires authorisation from the ANA.
Source: Ley 29338 (Water Resources Law), MINAM
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 how the effluent will be disposed of.
- 02
Parameters and municipal licence
The municipality's certificate of parameters shows what can be built; the building licence is applied for under Ley 29090.
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Sanitation design
Your professionals develop the design of the on-site solution according to the technical standards, using AQUATO's technical documentation.
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Where the treated water goes
If the effluent is discharged into a body of water or reused, the ANA authorises it. We define this with your professionals from the assessment stage.
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
Region, province, district and coordinates
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Site
Area and land registry entry (partida registral)
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Project
Type of project and number of homes, units or facilities
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Users
Approximate number of users and expected peak occupancy
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Sanitation
Is there a public network? Is there none? Is it out of reach of the project?
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Ground conditions
Soil, slope, water table, infiltration
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Available documents
Title or land registry entry, certificate of parameters, site plan
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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