Septic Systems: Importance of Proper Installation & Maintenance
Septic systems are on-site wastewater treatment systems. Common in the residential sector (but also used for communities and commercial properties), septic systems are often used for wastewater management in areas with no access to a public sewer system. Septic systems convey wastewater from buildings to septic tanks where solids and greases settle and are decomposed by bacteria before the effluent passes through an opening. From there, it is piped to a drainfield, an area with hole-filled tubing within level trenches. Water leaves the piping system through the holes and remaining contaminants are filtered by the soil and removed by soil bacteria before the water reaches groundwater.
Because septic systems are widely used for wastewater treatment in many areas, proper installation and maintenance are important both in terms of public health and the environment. Several strategies in designing and maintaining septic systems help minimize risks. First, the septic system should be situated downhill from any buildings, and at an appropriate distance from surface water and groundwater sources. Many jurisdictions even have policies regarding setback distances for septic systems from buildings, wells, water bodies and other potential interceptors. Second, having the soil on the property tested can help determine the best placement for a septic system. The permeability of soil is an important factor in how long water from septic systems takes to enter groundwater and the water quality of the effluent as it is filtered by the soil. Also, it is recommended that screens be installed in septic tanks to prevent solids from entering the drainfield and that the septic system is accessible for easy maintenance.
Maintenance needs include regular inspection and pumping of the septic tank to remove scum and sludge. The EPA recommends having septic tanks inspected at least every three years and pumping according to the inspector’s recommendations, usually every three to five years.
Other considerations are water use and drainfield maintenance. Water conservation in the building serviced by the septic system reduces the chance of overflows, and maintaining the drainfield area reduces system problems. The EPA recommends planting only grasses around the drainfield area so that roots of trees and larger plants do not interfere with the septic system, and other site or building drainage systems should not be directed toward the drainfield to avoid plumbing problems and issues with effluent treatment in the soil (flooding can slow or stop the treatment process).
RATIONALE
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 25% of the U.S. population relies on on-site wastewater treatment systems, 95% of which are septic systems. In turn, over 4 billion gallons of wastewater is released into the groundwater supply each day.
EFFORT REQUIRED
Effort is required to construct and maintain a septic system, but using a septic system may be easier than linking the property to the public sewer system, depending on the area. Septic systems should be regularly inspected and pumped.
BENEFITS
Improved water quality.
Well maintained septic systems are less likely to pollute groundwater and surface water.
Public health.
Problematic septic systems can contaminate the environment with diseases and viruses, affecting humans, wildlife and plants.
Less interference with aquatic ecosystems. Septic system leaks and overflows can contaminate stormwater runoff with harmful chemicals, nutrients and germs, negatively affecting aquatic life in surrounding water bodies.
Economic benefits.
Effective septic systems may be less expensive and require less effort to implement than public sewer systems, depending on the area.
Less maintenance than failing septic systems.
Proper maintenance can prevent leaks and overflows which are costly and labor-intensive (and unpleasant).
Less odor and superficial problems.
Properly running septic systems will not cause as much odor or other aesthetic problems as septic systems that are not maintained or designed properly.
RISKS
Proper septic system care is intended to minimize environmental and public health risks.
Improperly functioning septic systems can expose humans, wildlife, and plants to water that contains viruses and diseases. Surface water bodies containing sewage can become unsuitable for public recreation and occupation. Contaminated stormwater runoff from improperly running septic systems affects aquatic life and degrades water quality.
ACTION AGENTS
Property owner, soil scientist, plummer, septic tank installer, local government (permits and regulations), engineer
COSTS
The cost of a more sophististicated septic system may be greater than that of a typical system. Routine maintenace and inspections require consultation with testing/inspection agency. Tank should be regularly (every few years) pumped. Price to have the septic tank pumped varies according to area and size, but is relatively inexpensive (usually under $500). The costs of installation and maintenance may be lower than the cost of municipal wastewater treatment.
A basic unit of nature that includes a community of biological organisms and their nonliving environment linked by biological, chemical, and physical processes.Water from precipitation that flows over nonporous surfaces into sewer systems or receiving water bodies.The used water from a home, community, farm, or industry that contains dissolved or suspended matter. Not fit for human consumption.Unwanted elements that may reduce the quality of natural systems (air, water, land).
