Septic Tanks vs Conservancy Tanks

Some homes do not have sewer lines – They use tanks for waste water.

There are two types:

Septic Tank

A septic tank treats dirty water which come from toilets, sinks, and showers.

What happens inside the tank:

• Waste sinks
• Oil floats
• Water moves out

The water then goes into the ground through a soak-away area.

Septic tanks need good soil and space to function properly.

Conservancy Tank

A conservancy tank is a sealed tank.

It does not treat water – It only holds waste.

A truck removes the waste when the tank is full.

It is used where septic tanks cannot work/be placed.

Differences 

What it does

• Septic tank: Treats water
• Conservancy tank: Holds water

Water flow

• Septic tank: Water goes into the ground
• Conservancy tank: No water leaves

Cleaning

• Septic tank: Cleaned every few years
• Conservancy tank: Emptied often

Where it is used

• Septic tank: Needs good soil
• Conservancy tank: Works anywhere