sanitarijos

Sanitarijos, or sanitation, refers to the systems, facilities, and practices that protect health by ensuring safe management of water, wastewater, refuse, and hygiene. In practice, sanitarijos cover both public infrastructure—such as water supply networks, sewerage systems, wastewater treatment plants, and stormwater drainage—and private or on-site installations, including toilets, sinks, and plumbing within homes, workplaces, and institutions. The aim is to prevent exposure to contaminants and to maintain sanitary conditions in living, working, and public spaces.

Core functions include providing safe drinking water, collecting and transporting wastewater, treating effluent to remove pollutants, and preventing environmental contamination. Sanitarijos also involve drainage for stormwater, management of greywater and solid waste, and the installation and maintenance of sanitary fixtures, ventilation to limit odors, and handwashing facilities to promote hygiene. In many countries, specialized sectors—urban sanitation, on-site sanitation, and wastewater engineering—address different scales and technologies, from centralized networks to septic systems and constructed wetlands.

Sanitation systems are central to public health, supporting disease prevention, food safety, and environmental protection. Their design, operation, and regulation are guided by building codes, health standards, and environmental legislation, often administered by local or national authorities. Maintenance, resilience to climate events, and sustainable practices—such as water reuse and energy-efficient treatment—are increasingly emphasized to ensure reliable service and reduce resource use.