The discharge of wastewater into the Minija catchment in the lower reaches of the river was reduced, five sources of pollution were eliminated and pollution was prevented in a 60ha area. Unfortunately, there was no monitoring of the water quality, which makes an accurate assessment of the reduction in the pollution impossible. The wastewater treatment plant has enabled farmers to develop tourism services. Families get additional income from rural and water tourism. The socio-economic situation in the village is improving. The project created conditions to get a Phare 2000 grant for a water tourism development project, used for the construction of a tourist information centre and a pier for yachts and cutters. Incoming ships can discharge their waste into the wastewater plant in Minija village. The model of the project was replicated to install similar wastewater treatment facilities in another four locations.
Innovation: The project was implemented in the village of Minija, where the level of groundwater is low and the River Minija flows nearby. The innovative aspect to this project was that the sand and reed filter had to be raised above the ground by using a screen made from local clay and polyethylene. Wastewater from the septic tanks is transported to the filter by efficient wastewater pumps (0.6kW capacity) and the cost of the equipment and its operation is low.