What Is a Conservancy Tank? A Look at the Poly-Rib Solution for Off-Grid Waste Storage in South Africa
A Sealed and Scalable On-Site Waste Solution
The Poly-Rib conservancy tank is a sealed, maintenance-friendly solution for on-site sewage storage, especially in areas where ground conditions or infrastructure limitations require fully-contained waste systems. Though identical in external appearance to the standard 1,200-litre Poly-Rib septic tank, the conservancy model contains no internal pipes or fittings, with only an inlet for waste and no outlet—making it a true closed system.
Because it is emptied entirely through the 450mm manhole lid via “honeysucking,” the conservancy tank is ideal where there’s no natural or mechanical effluent dispersal method. Despite its higher long-term operational cost due to regular pumping, its simplicity and flexibility make it indispensable for certain residential, industrial, or remote use cases.
Importantly, multiple tanks can be linked together in series or parallel configurations depending on the available space and waste volume. This makes the system easily scalable, whether you are managing the waste output of a family home or a high-occupancy lodge or camp.
Strength, Simplicity, and Quick Installation
Constructed using rotationally moulded polyethylene, the Poly-Rib conservancy tank is engineered for strength. Its ribbed structure withstands soil pressure and eliminates the need for concrete slabs. Thanks to its intelligent design, excavation is simple and does not require refined backfilling techniques. The recommended dimensions are 2.0m (length) x 1.8m (width) x 1.2m (minimum depth).
During installation, the tank should be filled with water as backfilling occurs, ensuring it is firmly positioned without floating. Its robust manhole lid includes integral double handles and a cavity for adding up to 15kg of concrete ballast, keeping the system secure.
The system also features easily accessible inspection eyes and internal components like scum and sludge barriers and dip pipes, providing reliability similar to traditional masonry systems but with greater convenience. This makes the Poly-Rib conservancy tank both practical and compliant.
Designed for Remote Sites and Flexible Capacity
The Poly-Rib conservancy tank is best suited for properties where municipal connections aren’t possible or practical. This includes:
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Residential homes in rural or peri-urban areas
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Lodges and tourist camps
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Construction or mining sites
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High-occupancy dwellings needing closed systems
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Backup sewage storage for emergencies or system overloads
With a capita support capacity ranging from 1 to unlimited users (variable), sizing is determined by expected daily flow. For example, with a 150-litre daily output per person, one tank supports a 6-person household. At 100 litres per person, the same tank can accommodate up to 10 people. Expanding capacity is easy—just add more tanks in parallel or series.
While conservancy systems can be more expensive to maintain due to regular emptying, they offer unmatched reliability in areas where drainage, soakaways, or sewage treatment isn’t an option.