We need an Environmental Forum outside of the Sargassum discussion, however, there has been some comments about the state of properties septic systems.  We are owners at Casa Mariposa and our old septic system (probably dating back to the homes initial construction) was obsolete.  If you can envision how gross an “obsolete” septic system sounds…you are probably correct.

There has been talk for years about a sewer system for North Akumal.  We have no confidence new sewers are imminent and decided to install a Biodigester System.  For those unfamiliar, this is a system that consumes (biologically) the waste when you flush a toilet.  What eventually leaves the 3 stage system is “gray water.”

I did considerable research and found there were 3 options: above ground system (ease of maintenance, requires a wall or greenery to mask); underground system (pleasing to the eye, difficult to maintain); and a hybrid system.  We opted for the hybrid system and it was installed in about 1 week.  There was no need for the house to be vacant during installation or cutover from the old to new system.  They were able to re-line our old stage one catchment basin and then use a pump or “Bomba” to move the waste to the new system.  Prices for the options above were: $6,976, $9,150USD, $8,850USD respectively.

If your system is old, I recommend you have it assessed and if it is obsolete, consider installing a new system.  We were told by our engineer that the new system meets environmental standards and connecting to an eventual sewer would be “optional.”  Anyone wishing further information can reach me on WhatsApp or iMessage at 415.412.6798.