Sustainable Wastewater Management on Kitö Island
Kitö Island, Finland
Kitö Island is a small, remote community located within the Gulf of Finland. With only 70 full-time residents, the population more than doubles during the summer months with seasonal visitors. Historically, the island relied on outdated wastewater systems, primarily wells that discharged into the sea, which led to significant water pollution and unsafe swimming conditions.
Challenge:
The community faced a pressing environmental and public health issue: untreated sewage was contaminating the surrounding waters. A study was conducted to evaluate various centrifugal sewer systems, but challenges including level sensors and pipe sizing made these options impractical for the island’s unique conditions.
Solution:
After careful consideration, the E/One pressure sewer system was selected as the optimal solution. Although some residents were initially hesitant, Kitö’s community engagement and data-driven communication plans helped shift public perception and pave the way for this sustainable infrastructure project.
The low pressure sewer system provides several key advantages that contribute to both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency:
- It plays a vital role in protecting the Gulf of Finland by effectively redirecting sewage, thereby preserving water quality and restoring safe conditions for swimming.
- Maintenance is streamlined, with pumps that can be replaced in under an hour, minimizing downtime and service disruptions.
- Technicians favor the low pressure pumps due to their reliability, ease of maintenance, and ready availability, making them a preferred choice for long-term performance.
Now, more than 11 years since installation, the low pressure sewer system continues to operate reliably, with little-to-no repairs needed, proving its long-term value and resilience.
Kitö Island’s transition to a low pressure sewer system highlights how small communities can adopt innovative solutions to protect their environment and improve quality of life. The success of the sewer system in Kitö Island has made it clear: low pressure sewer is the future.