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Uruguay

Project without sewer connection in Uruguay: how to start.

In Uruguay the Plan Nacional de Saneamiento (National Sanitation Plan) recognises on-site solutions as adequate sanitation, on the same level as the network. There is no need to wait for the sewer system. 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
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Common practice today

What exists in Uruguay where there is no sewer connection.

Around 38% of the population is not connected to collective systems. Some 180,000 people live in rural areas where an individual solution is the only one possible.

What AQUATO does differently

Legal framework

What applies in Uruguay.

  • Plan Nacional de Saneamiento (National Sanitation Plan, Decreto 14/020)

    Recognises the network, emptying by vacuum truck and on-site disposal (infiltration, reuse or discharge into a watercourse) as adequate sanitation. For some 180,000 people in rural areas, an individual solution is the only one possible (section 3.3.4).

    Source: National Sanitation Plan, Ministry of Environment

  • Decreto 226/025: water quality and discharges

    Replaces Decreto 253/979. Regulates discharge into watercourses and disposal into the soil, with an application plan and distance to watercourses. Housing or tourism complexes without a network connection need a discharge authorisation from the Ministry of Environment (arts. 48, 49 and 51).

    Source: Decreto (decree) 226/025, IMPO

  • Ley 18,610: Política Nacional de Aguas (National Water Policy)

    Sanitation covers the sanitary sewer system or other systems for the removal, treatment or disposal of wastewater (art. 14).

    Source: Law 18,610, IMPO

  • Ley 18,308: Ordenamiento Territorial (Land Use Planning)

    In new subdivisions, wastewater is connected to the network or treated with a technically endorsed system approved by the Intendencia (departmental government) for each case (art. 38).

    Source: Law 18,308, IMPO

The route

From the site to the approved plant.

The usual sequence, from the site to the plant in operation.

  1. 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.

  2. 02

    Building permit and sanitary installation

    The Intendencia processes the building permit together with the sanitary installation. It is advisable to clarify beforehand whether the site is in an urbanised area.

  3. 03

    Engineering design

    Your professionals prepare the treatment and disposal design, using AQUATO's technical documentation, and submit it to the Intendencia.

  4. 04

    Discharge authorisation and inspection

    If the project is a housing or tourism complex, the Ministry of Environment grants the discharge authorisation with a registered competent professional. The Intendencia inspects the works.

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.

  • Location

    Department, locality and padrón (property register number)

  • Site

    Area and title deed

  • Project

    Type of project and number of homes or units

  • Users

    Approximate number of users and expected peak occupancy

  • Sanitation

    Is there a sewer network? Is it an urbanised area?

  • Ground conditions

    Soil, slope, water table and distance to watercourses

  • Available documents

    Site plan and building permit, if available

  • Treated water

    Infiltration, reuse or discharge into a watercourse

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.

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or directly: WhatsApp · contacto@ektennsa.com