Camp Wastewater Treatment
Sector Overview
Camp Wastewater Treatment
Sector Overview
Contents
With the expert system design and proven process technology, you can treat wastewater generated from camps to meet any environmental compliance standards—or to allow safe water reuse.
As an ISO certified company, with an extensive track records of success with military, humanitarian, worker and construction camps worldwide, we can provide an unrivalled level of support with every step of your project.
Sources of Camp Wastewater
Camp wastewater treatment refers to the collection and cleaning of water generated from various camp activities and facilities, including:
- Sanitary blocks (toilets, showers, handwashing)
- Kitchens and food service areas
- Laundry facilities
- General site drainage
- Recreational and accommodation areas
This wastewater must be effectively treated to permit safe discharge to sewer, the environment, or for on-site reuse.
Camp wastewater is typically generated from:
| Camp Area/Process | Source of Waste |
| Sanitary blocks | Toilets, showers, handwashing |
| Kitchens | Dishwashing, food prep, grease traps |
| Laundry | Washers, slop sinks |
| Site drainage | Runoff, cleaning, weather events |
| Recreational/accommodation | Showers, small appliances, cleaning |
Wastewater Composition in Camps
Each camp operation and facility layout produces its own unique wastewater profile. Contributing factors include the number of occupants, type of accommodation, on-site activities, and seasonality.
Key parameters include:
- BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)
- COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)
- Suspended Solids (TSS)
- Ammonia & Total Nitrogen (TKN)
- Phosphorus
- Grease & surfactants (from kitchens, showers)
Obtaining precise design data is essential. Underestimating hydraulic (flow) or organic (pollution) loads can result in non-compliance and treatment failure. ClearFox® works step-by-step with every camp operator to ensure system sizing is perfectly tailored to your actual site requirements—and we provide effluent quality guarantees.
Camp Wastewater Management Options
There are several ways to manage camp wastewater, each with different advantages and limitations. These options are summarized below and covered in detail in our deep-dive guides.
Wastewater Source | Management Option | Wastewater Process Technology |
Camp | Storage & removal offsite | No treatment |
| Discharge to sewer | Primary screening, balancing, (SBR, MBR, packaged plants) |
| Discharge to environment | Mechanical screening, biological treatment (SBR/FBBR/MBR), advanced filtration, disinfection |
| Reuse | Membrane filtration, UV, advanced treatment |
Collection & Offsite Disposal
This approach involves storing untreated wastewater in holding tanks for periodic removal by tankers.
- Simplicity; no on-site process needed
- Very high ongoing costs—best for short-term or low-occupancy sites
Discharge to Sewer
If the site has access to a municipal sewer, treated wastewater may be discharged in compliance with local requirements.
- Cost-effective where sewer connection exists
- Pre-treatment (screening, biological) is usually compulsory
Direct Environmental Discharge
Remote or permanent camp sites without access to sewers typically require on-site treatment with environmental discharge (irrigation, soakaway, water bodies).
- Total independence; suitable for off-grid locations
- Requires high-quality multi-stage treatment for regulatory compliance
- Typical Solution: Packaged SBR/FBBR plants with disinfection
Onsite Water Reuse
The most sustainable strategy is to treat wastewater to a standard allowing safe non-potable reuse (e.g., for irrigation or toilet flushing).
- Reduces water consumption & operating costs
- Requires advanced treatment: membrane systems, disinfection
Selecting the wrong treatment system often results in compliance problems, increased costs, and operational challenges. ClearFox® ensures each system selection is optimized for your specific needs, ensuring year-round reliability and regulatory compliance.
Planning and Buying a Camp Wastewater Treatment Plant
After pinpointing the sources and expected wastewater composition for your camp, the next steps are to select the appropriate treatment technology and finalize detailed design. This ensures precise system quotations, life-cycle costings, and fit-for-purpose implementation.
Why Choose ClearFox®?
Selecting the right partner for camp wastewater management is critical. ClearFox® provides end-to-end solutions, industry-leading expertise, and proven results tailored to the unique demands of camp sites worldwide.
Key advantages:
- Compact and modular footprint—saves space, adapts to seasonal load variation
- Automated operation—optional remote monitoring for peace of mind
- Lowest possible OPEX—energy-efficient, robust process technology
- Plug-and-play integration—rapid installation without disruption
- Flexible financing options—leasing and rental systems for temporary sites
- Effluent quality backed by process guarantees
Proven Technology & Real Results
Our modular plant designs (including proven SBR, FBBR, and MBR technologies) are independently tested and certified by leading institutes.
- Lowest operational costs
- Fully modular and scalable
- Full support from design to operation
Extensive Experience in Camp Sector
ClearFox® has supplied systems to a wide range of camp and accommodation sites across Europe and globally, including seasonal holiday parks, event sites, and remote work camps. Our solutions meet the standards of local regulators and ensure ongoing operational success.
Global Support, Local Expertise
ClearFox® delivers international expertise with local support—our dedicated service teams oversee installation, commissioning, and maintenance, providing ongoing support and system optimization.
Camp Projects Completed by ClearFox®
More About Wastewater Treatment in Camp Settings
Ready to move forward?
Arrange a free site survey and preliminary design to map loads, constraints and effluent targets and to receive a tailored modular solution and budgetary quote.