BLACK WATER URINE SEPARATION TECHNOLOGY

Urine is a fertilizer and, if disposed on site, may change the quantity and quality of the natural flora. Environment Canada has guidelines for on-site urine disposal. The practice is acceptable provided it can be done in a manner that ensures the protection of public health, does not harm the local environment, and does not negatively impact aesthetics.

• The waste liquid must be free of faecal coliform bacteria
• The soil mantle conditions (including slope, etc.) are such that neither surface water nor ground water quality are adversely affected
• The soil absorption is adequate to prevent odour and other nuisance conditions from developing

Special toilets have been designed so that urine and faeces can be collected at the source. Both men and women can use the seat. If men have a problem with sitting down to pee, a separate urinal can be provided.

Precedent

Alpine Club of Canada Conrad Kain Hut, Bugaboo Provincial Park, BC. Urine separation used in summer only.

What is Urine?

Urinating is the primary method of excreting toxins, chemicals and drugs from the body. In addition to nitrogen and ammonia, urine also contains phosphorous, inorganic salts, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, vitamins, hormones, and pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics. The pH of urine is neutral (pH of 7).

In a healthy individual the urine is sterile in the bladder. When transported out of the body different types of dermal bacteria are picked up and freshly excreted urine normally contains some bacteria. People with urinary tract infections, venereal disease, or a range of other diseases will excrete significantly higher amounts of bacteria. However, the presence of bacteria in urine is not considered significant for the risk of environmental transmission of disease.